Wow!
 

Hi there- I have told you all here before that I am having a scalenectomy surgery on October 23 rd at UCSD with dr. Brown.
I just talked to one of his patients who just had the surgery 3 weeks ago. WOW! Is all I have to say! Wow! I am so excited. She said that she has had TOS for 8 years and has been dealing with all sorts of doctors and mis diagnosis. She has even been to the other neurosurgeon that I saw. She had a positive scalene block with dr. Brown and decided to go forward with the surgery. She said when she woke up, she immediately knew she was better! After 8'years! She has said that the recover has been great too. I am so encouraged. We are going to talk more again, she is happy to help because, like all of us, she has felt very alone for years. She also talked to another one of his patients before the surgery and was encouraged by his input.

Fingers crossed!!!

Sadly, 8 years seems like a typical norm, myself included. I never thought there would be a light at the end of the tunnel, but there is. YAY!

WOW - that certainly is encouraging!

I'm in northern california, but did have a physical therapist mention Dr. Brown to me. I never followed up to schedule an appt...but have been keeping it in the back of my mind as option....

So, I'm definitely interested in following your experience at UCSD. PLEASE keep us updated...

BTW - what other docs did you see? And, what made you decide to go with Dr. Brown ?

really interested to hear back from you.....

Hi there,

I saw another neurosergeon named dr. Ostrup and several orthopedic doctors. I found Dr. Brown just by relentlessly researching TOS. I was interested in his approach more than the other doctors but even after I had my first consultation with him I was not sure I was ready for surgery. He told me to come back when I was because he said he could help me. I went away and did various blocks and worsened. I feel that he is the right choice for me, especially after talking to another one of his patients.
The burning in my arm is getting so bad that 2 weeks seems like forever. I am looking forward to October 23rd.

I know that Dr. Brown trained under Susan Mackinnon at WUSTL who seems to have an outstanding reputation for all things nerve-related...

What kind of diagnostics / tests did Dr. Brown do on you?
Did you try a botox shot in your scalenes to see if you would respond?

Definitely wishing you good luck with your surgery...and pain-free days ahead!

Gosh, I don't understand. I posted a reply to this and I don't see it :confused:

Well I suppose I will write it again...
I had a positive EMG test and then D. brown did what I call the "does it hurt here test?" where he pokes everywhere and while nothing leaps out at the time, I am on fire that afternoon.
I then went on to do several blocks in my neck, including the scalene block. I had wanted to do Botox injections but after all the blocks I decided to go forward with the surgery. I had already spent a year doing acupuncture and PT. I decided that I didn't want to spend anymore money on temporary fixes. That is how I came to my decision. Hope that helps!

thanks for the info. I wish you the best with your surgery....