NeuroTalk Support Groups - 3 Weeks Post Op First Rib Resection

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3 Weeks Post Op First Rib Resection

Hi guys!! I am 3 weeks post-op today!! I had my surgery at Brigham and Women's in Boston with Dr. Raphael Bueno. He uses the transaxillary approach. Although, I am still having some "normal" post-operative pain, I am not experiencing any of my prior symptoms so I am already considering it a success. Dr. Bueno said when he opened me it was obvious I needed the surgery because it was so compressed in there and I had a lot of scar tissue. He is a wonderful, world renowned surgeon with a great bedside manner and I highly recommend him. If anyone has any questions about my experiences please do not hesitate to ask.

Lisa :)

Good news. What were your prior symptoms?

....never mind, found this:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lava1222 (Post 932831)

Hi guys! I am new to the forum. Thank you all for taking the time to post about your experiences since I do not know anyone in person who has been diagnosed with this.

I have had symptoms of TOS for over 8 years, but never knew what it was. After seeing two upper extremity orthopedists for more than 4 years and having every test you can think of, I was finally referred to PT to help alleviate my symptoms with the diagnosis of "hand pain". It was the therapist who first recognized my symptoms as a potential TOS diagnosis.
I had never even heard of it before! I was then referred to an orthopedist at Mass General who specializes in TOS. I was officially diagnosed by him as he told me I had all the appropriate symptoms and findings on exam. I tried PT for 7 months without improvement. The next step I am told is the OR for a first rib resection because my left hand is unfortunately beginning to atrophy. I had a second opinion at Brigham and Women's by a thoracic surgeon who also agreed and was concerned about the atrophy in my hand. I am getting a third opinion next month because I want to make sure I am making the right decision since surgery seems rather scary.

Anyway over the past many years my symptoms have been left hand pain, numbness and tingling along with pain in my left shoulder blade, pec and the left side of my neck. However just over the past few days I am experiencing awful, aching pains in my left armpit. Has anyone else ever experienced this? I am just wondering if it is related to the TOS or if something else is going on.

Thank you for taking the time to read and respond.

Lisa :)

My pre-op symtoms (all on my left side) were pain in my shoulder area often radiating up my neck, pain in my pec, pain in my armpit, constant tingling in my pinky and ring fingers, pain in the hand under the ring and pinky fingers and then as the years went on, atrophy (muscle wasting) of my hand.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lava1222 (Post 979547)

Hi lisa had a few questions for you regarding your operation I am also being examined by dr bueno, please get back to me if you can , thank you!

Lisa last posted /logged in on 2013, she may not be reading the forums regularly...

You can make a new thread of your own if you like.