First Rib Resection: Good/Bad outcomes? Surgeon?
 

I am going to have a first rib resection done by Dr. Dean Donahue in several weeks. I have a congenital abnormality in my first rib. I've done a lot of research and am very confident about Dr. Donahue. He's smart, conservative in his approach, and gets rave reviews. Obviously I'm hoping for a good or at least "better" outcome for pain I've suffered for most of my adult life.

I guess I'm looking for encouragement! :p :)

I had surgery seven years ago and had a bad outcome. I'm sure you've read enough posts here to worry about that for you. The good news if that people with rib abnormalities seem to have better outcomes.

My two cents: don't do anything during your recovery that causes pain. Don't "push" yourself. Don't ever use bands or resistance training. I've seen lots of warnings here about the use of bands. I think they were my undoing, but there's no way to really know.

Take it very easy. If you work, don't go back too soon. Just know that you're having a major surgery and treat yourself accordingly. And then, cross your fingers and hope that you're one of the lucky ones (there are some).

I wish you all the best,
Kelly

I do think when there is an obvious issue, like a congenital abnormality in a first rib - and with a very good well known surgeon outcomes are much better.:grouphug:


And you have to remember that most with good outcomes don't seek out forums like this, they are usually back to work in most cases.


We just prefer to mention the poor outcomes as a FYI, in the past so many had surgury with inexprirenced surgeons or wrong dx & tx..

Mainly to make sure everyone goes in with eyes open and has done research before jumping into surgery without being aware of other possibles.

my laptop isn't spell checking so forgive any typos :o

Interested in how this goes.

I'm also a patient of Dr Dean Donahue. He's advised me against surgery and I'm going in for botox injections next week.

KY

After attempts with two physical therapists, lifestyle changes (I left my former job) and Botox injections, Dr. Donahue has advised surgery as the last remaining option for me. I will be having my left rib resection and scalenectomy a week from tomorrow, Feb. 28, at MGH.

Dr. Donahue said there are no more tests available for me that can give a clearer picture of what is going on under the surface, as I am not strong enough for a MRI at this point. The CT scan, x-rays, and vascular ultrasound all came back normal. This first surgery is a "test" according to him; after this initial surgery, if I choose to have my right side done as well, he is willing to operate. He said he offers surgery to one out of every five patients and tries other options first, as I have seen first hand.

I am 24 and have lost more than two thirds of my strength on my left side. This condition affects my functioning on a daily basis, and completing necessary living tasks can be a struggle. Dr. Donahue said my case is even more rare, as it is mostly strength-based, rather than pain, in the symptoms I experience.

I believe we are in good hands, Limoges, and I'll be hoping for successful surgeries for us both. In the meantime, my plan is to enjoy my last week of freedom and see as many friends as possible before taking a leave of absence from work and going to live with family members up in Maine.

Take care all,
Laura

Laura, I am confidant we are in some of the best hands for this surgery. I'll be thinking of you on the 28th and hope you have a successful outcome. I'm nervous about the initial pain of surgery, which doesn't sound like a picnic for awhile.

Laura,

What do you mean the first surgery is a test?

What is being done in this test and how would it differ from the 2nd surgery?

Never heard of a two step process before.

Thanks.

KY

Hi there,

I have bilateral symptoms, with the left side worse than the right. Therefore, Dr. Donahue referred to the first surgery (on my left side) as a "test", meaning that if it relieves my symptoms, the right side could be a success as well. However, if the left side does not significantly improve following surgery, we would have to go back to the drawing board to treat my right side.

He also meant it in the sense that he can't guarantee I have TOS and this surgery will definitely help me. Of course, there's no promises in something like this. However, he did say that he completes these surgeries at least once per week, and he has only had two patients over the years that had no improvement. Everyone else has had small to significant improvement, and those two patients did not get worse from the surgery, things were just the same afterwards.

Take care,
Laura

Hi Limoges,

Yes, as the time draws closer, I am certainly getting anxious about several aspects of the surgery. The post-op pain is definitely one of them. We are fortunate to have access to top notch medical care and be at the hands of folks at MGH, though. If these practioners don't know how to treat us, I'm not sure who can!

When is your surgery scheduled? Are you having rib resection and the scalenectomy?

Take care,
Laura

I was thinking about seeing Dr. Donahue because i have heard good things about him. I live in New York and need a phenomenal surgeon. I am young like you, I'm 26, and i have strictly circulatory problems. Im in no pain and havent been diagnosed yet. Well the only pain im in is right sided neck and head pain. I haven't been diagned yet but im positive something is interfering with my circulation. It's consuming my life and thoughts.

I really need someone to talk to me who knows what im going through so we can help eachother amd get through this. I'm terrified ill drop dead from a stroke if i dont get this taken care of first but due to health insuramce I havent veen able to seek Dr Donahues assistance.

How is his outlook on arterial or vennous tos ? Positive and hopeful or negative ?? How fast was he able to determine where the compressiom was coming from and how many tests does he normally run? Is he positive where compression is or takes a guess ? I know if a surgeon knows exactly what is causing the compression than after surgery you would be cured. its when they aren't sure where it runs into a problem bc if they take out what is not causing the compressiom then you'll still have the issue.

THis is strictly arterial or venous tos I'm speaking of. Did he mention risk of stroke and if its likely , even in the worst of cases ? I know nothing about this. I know you'll b just fine after surgery :)