NeuroTalk Support Groups - Post-op c-rib resection setback

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Post-op c-rib resection setback

I've begun having left arm/ mostly hand coldness whenever I'm in a "cold" environment, either walking outside (Chicagoland area) or after my hand is wet. I had the left rib resection in 2003 and have had really good results until lately. I have a positive test (when I raise my arm, I lose the pulse) has done this for a while now. Has anyone had scar tissue become the problem? My surgeon retired a year or so ago and I haven't really had reason to go see him, however, the "heavyness" has seem to come back, which was a huge problem/ symptoms before surgery. How do I know if it's a circulatory problem or not? How common is recurrance??? I also have an ulnar nerve issue, not all the time, but enough to be annoying. I"m so glad I found this site! Thanks for any help or recommendations! email anytime-rgonz62744@comcast.net

OK, if you read these posts a lot, which I have the feeling you don't, YES, SCAR TISSUE is our major concern after surgery, our major problem after surgery, and usually at least part (a major part) of why symptoms that disappeared now return...We talk about scar tissue ALL of the time...

Think about what you're doing repetitively that could be contributing to this return of symptoms or causing scar tissue. Or, did you have an event, such as a car accident, which may have caused scar tissue to form. Whatever you can do, do it to prevent more harm.

But, I believe TOS is progressive, and even with the best efforts, sometimes the symptoms just march on.

That said, I am concerned that you are developing either RSD or Reynaud's. Please look up both, here or on the Net. Learn what to do to keep your hands protected from the cold, etc., and what to do to keep your hands from getting super - hyper - sensitive from the RSD. Also, there is lymphodema to watch out for - sometimes it comes due to a bite of an insect, or after surgery, but basically it is when the lymph nodes throughout the skin do not move fluid or drain or circulate properly. So I think someone needs to massage your arm / hand and get and keep those fluids in your skin moving. Check out lymphodema and the pictures - not an ok thing - and there is no "cure" for it, either.

I hope this helps you and God bless. Just my opinion and reading...btw.

Thank you for your help!

Just want to say thank you for your response. I've made an appt. with my rhuematologist, whom I trust totally. The whole achy shoulder blade, elbow and arm pain is becoming a daily pain, literally. I haven't suffered any type of event to bring this all on. I think it was coming on for a few months but I just take some Advil and go about my business. I've taken your advice and have been reading up on RSD and Raynauds. Neither one sounds like fun! :(
Take care, Becky

Hi Becky,
Welcome:)

I think even after surgery it's best to keep doing some kind of posture/body work as a home stretching program.
Scar tissue can be a problem, some people seem to "grow " it more than others. Or you could just be slowly sliding back into problem postures or having sticky fascia problems.

Can you ask for an expert PT evaluation and maybe a few sessions to head this off early?

I notice when my arm pit/pec minor muscle } gets tight my elbow gets a bit sore.
Sharon Butler has a good book about fascia {explains how it gets "sticky"} and stretches , also a website.
{info posted in the sticky link below}
There are links, info and articles in our useful sticky thread-
Useful
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread84.html
drs & PT
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread135.html

Those threads have a lot to absorb- it might save you a lot of searching. If you have any questions, just ask.

pain and Neurolumen device

Has anyone had any experience with this device for relieving pain post first rib resection. Son is 5 months post surgery and not doing well with pain. Read about it in Readers Digest. Neurolumen device. please respond

everyones different

Had TOS, Bi Lat for 35+ years. TOS is the nerves are trapped in the thoracic outlet. The nerve doesn't slip in this area. The nerve sticks and causes pain, muscle spasm, ect. The whole idea of rib resections and or scalenectomy is to unstick nerves. Now you heal, hopefully. Part of that healing is to form scar tissue. Which sometimes is as bad as what was in the thoracic outlet or T.O., to begin with. The nerves get tugged in two directions when they get stuck in the T.O., the tugging of the nerves down into arms, chest and upper back but also back to your spine. This pain is different but almost the same. It sometimes shows up as Cervical Radiculopathy or damaged nerve roots, google it ,for symptoms. This causes pain in shoulder blades, etc. looks like TOS, smells like TOS, must be TOS. Hang in there, the first 100 years are the hardest.

Later Mark J

I looked at the Neurolumen site to find out more about it.
I wish those sites would have more information about the product and how it works..:(
Seems like they just give the smallest amount of info..

basically it looks to be a combo of TENS & LED with a single low level laser diode on the pad. I think it was 4 of the LEDs.

I don't know the cost of this Neurolumen, but to compare..

My Light Relief has 59 colored and infrared light emitting diodes. 65.00 on Amazon

My Digital IF stim device similar to a TENS only better for my soft tissue discomfort. 127.00 or so

TENS is more a pain blocker, so make work better for some.

Chiropractor's low level laser had probably 5-10 diodes. It worked great on those specific sore spots. 1500.00 - 3500.00 for most soft lasers (aka cold, low level)

I just don't know if the Neurolumen has enough lasers or LEDS to have any real impact so basically it is a TENS..:confused: But I could be mistaken...
If you can get a free trial period, it might be worth trying it.