cervical rib-surgery question
 

Hi...I am new on here but have read quite a few of everyone's posts and MD information. I have bilateral cervical ribs, and the right sided one is compressing my subclavian artery and I am having surgery for the right side next month in Denver. I have no symptoms at all which I thought was weird. Anyway, just wondering if anyone here has had this surgery done before. I'm really nervous and unsure what to expect. I am an RN and am wondering how this will affect my job (recovery time, restrictions, etc). any information would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!:)

Hi Katie,
I'm sorry we missed your post over the holidays.

If you aren't having any symptoms at all, why have the surgery?
I think I would be cautious of any surgery in the area if there are no symptoms.
If they are compressing something and there is a threat of a clot or serious blood flow issues - that is something to consider. Have the Drs explained the reasoning of why removal is suggested and maybe why you have no symptoms?

I guess I'm really curious about the no symptoms part, not even any muscle aches or pains in the upper body? No blood flow issues/ losing pulse in arms when raised/ white hand sign with hands up?

I suggest getting a second opinion & a second review of the actual xray & MRI films, just to be sure that there is a clear reason to remove anything.

I think some people have extra c ribs and they pose no problem for them, sometimes they can be small or just a nub.

there are some surgery tips & recovery threads farther back on the forum - the easiest way to find them is by using the search tool - here-
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/search.php?f=24

I had to fight for four years for surgery in Denver and I won - but by that time my hands were big red lobster claws, didn't work, I had RSD on both and the surgery only took away 10 percent of the headaches and pain.

But I was still thankful for that.

I am Happpy that you don't have symptoms, because maybe you won't ever have a problem and you won't have to stop or modify your work!!!

But, what Jo says about scar tissue is true - you could have the surgery which would then make scar tissue which would then give you some measure of pain - so WHY is doctor recommending it with no symptoms now?

As for the surgery, you'd want to rest your hands a min. of one month and I'd take at least six months off if I could, and NOT use your hands, so that scar tissue wouldn't build up. The surgery was EASY, you're asleep, much easier than birthing or cesearean or breast surgery. The wounds were smaller than one half inch for me, under my underarm. I used Dr. Annest.

Best of luck and God bless you - Tam