TOS Sufferer - post surgery complications
 

I had Thoracic Outlet Syndrome surgery this year and it did not go as planned. I suffered paralysis to the Phrenic Nerve during surgery and my left diaphragm is paralyzed. I am told this is permanent but am looking for others that may have experienced this, and might be able to share their outcomes with me. My Long Thoracic Nerve was also damaged and my shoulder is now badly winging, although my Orthopedic Surgeon feels that this is temporary (due to being overstretched during surgery) and may come back over time. I am in an extreme amount of pain, feel like I am having a heart attack, cannot walk any distance or talk for long and am on oxygen. My chest feels like it is being crushed. This surgery has changed my life and I am hoping others that may have experienced "surgeries gone wrong" might offer me some hope that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks

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Hello TOS, and welcome to NeuroTalk! This is such a great place with many helpful, caring, and friendly people.

We're so glad you found us! :)

To get you started, here is a link to the TOS forum. I wish you all the best.

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum24.html

Hi and welcome.:)

I see you were directed to the TOS forum. There are lots of great people
there with a wealth of info for you. I hope you find the support you
are looking for.

Wishing you all the best!:)

I can't imagine how devastated and confused you must be feeling right now. The TOS group here at NT are a caring and knowledgeable bunch and I know they will be able to advice you wisely and comfort you empathetically.

:welcome_sign:

Welcome

So sorry you didn't have a good result. That's not a good thing to be stuck with. It sounds pretty bad at your stage right now. I pray you find something to give you relief. Probably not a lot right now but don't give up.

It may not happen overnight. Unfortunately you may be in for a long recovery. Nerves take a long time to heal. TOS is a challenge for patients and health care providers. Be careful who you let work on you. Ask if they're experienced with TOS patients.

Don't know how long it's been since you had your surgery.

I guess pain relief is most important for you right now. I never really got comfortable in that department.

Sleep is also important, if you can get some of that.

Nutrition is also important, and water consumption.

Medications may be most helpful right now. You have to do what you have to do. Be cautious though. I never found a comfortable regimen. It was just 24/7 suffering. :( No fun :hug:

I didn't have surgery for bilateral TOS. I just know it's a life-altering change. A continuous work in progess.

Don't push yourself too much right now. :hug: