Hello everyone! I have had TOS since May 13, 1998. I won't go into my long history of doctor appointments, tests, and general frustration - many of you know what I'm talking about.

I have surgery scheduled here in Houston in July 2010. Now that surgery is scheduled, I have been doing more research online, and now I'm getting a little bit frightened about the recovery time. I'm using my vacation days - 2 weeks - and then can be gone from work for about another week, and then my paycheck is lowered if I miss more work.

I basically work a desk type job, so I could come back after three weeks, with limited mobility. My boss understands that I won't be 100%.

My doctor has stated that he will be removing my top rib.

My TOS is on my left side, and I'm left handed, which makes life very challenging.

Any advice, thoughts, and general comments would be greatly appreciated!

Dimpls

Hi Dimpls,
Just wanted to wish you the best during your surgery!
You've got a band of friends here who care!

Please keep us updated!

Caring
Rae

Hi there dimpls,

One of the main things we usually say to newbies about surgery is to make sure you have a very experienced surgeon.

Which type of TOS do you have ?
Vascular or Neuro ...?? an extra cervical rib?

Can you use FMLA time? Short term disability?

Driving to work..might be one of the main issues - due to meds and limited mobility.

It's all so dependent on so many variables - your own body, the surgeon, luck...
I hope some others post about they're post op times for you.
I can't recall what the avg recovery /off work times are.

see posts 17 & 18 for polls and surgery info here-
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread84.html

Hi

I'm a long-time suffering from TOS too. Never had surgery. It was recommended I have bilateral with scalenectomy -- and now I know I'm pectoralis, on both side, are involved. I thank God I'm no longer a surgical candidate at this time, but I still know TOS is with me. It hasn't been easy. I know 12 years must have been terribly frustrating. You're a trooper.

Now that you've made the decision to go forward with surgery, after such a long time, I'm sure you've covered your bases.

Jo*mar is right about the driving and drugs. Try to arrange for a driver for a while, at least.

It is fortunate you have an understanding boss. You must be a valuable employee. You've earned that title.

Remember, this is your one shot to have a good recovery, so don't push it just because you said presurgery you would do something. Listen to your body and your surgeon. Surgeons don't want a failed result either.

Maybe work from home might be an option to consider. I do work at home after TOS, and I took liberty to get in a 45 degree angle with my back and upper body. Actually, I didn't have a choice back in those days. I had to lay down, even if it was on the hard floor with coats, balloons, a roll of paper towels worked pretty good after I stomped on them to get them to the right shape, and whatever I could get for props.

(The stomping was therapy too )

Make sure your post PT or other medical providers in your area are qualified to do post cervical rib resection patients.

Have a backup plan and good, understanding aftercare at home ready for your needs. Do ask them for what you need instead of trying to be superwoman. Take care of yourself for the long haul. You must if you go through with surgery.

I did talk to a post surgerical rib resection person for a while and she said she thought she could have gone back to work by the 3rd week, with some limited duties. She didn't, but she THOUGHT she could. I think I can do a lot of things and and I actually can, but boy do I pay. It's a promising bad time to follow if I overdo myself.

We do wish you the best and we will be praying for you. May you recover Godspeed. Lots of people do have success with surgery.

I would be scared before surgery, actually any surgery these days, so we can truely understand any anxious emotions you are going through.

No question or comment is too silly. If you want to know something, ask and someone will respond that has been through the surgery. I know they will. So just take it one day at a time and think positive. Get your body in a better condtion, in good shape mentally and physically as much as you can. You can handle this.

We're here for you...

Thank you so much for your kind words and advice!

I had a doctor's appointment yesterday with my surgeon, and I feel much better after talking to him again. I'm still nervous, but my anxiety isn't as bad as it was.

My mom (who is a retired nurse) will be staying with me, so I'll have great help. I can also do some work from home - email mainly - if I need to after a couple of weeks.

I too will most likely push myself too hard to get better. I've done that before, and I'll do it again! But, I will remind myself to NOT do that, and to take the time that I need to get better.

Yes, I'm lucky in that I have a very understanding boss! So, I'm trying to finish as many projects as I can before surgery.

So, do you now have problems on both sides? Is it much more serious than TOS?

If there is anyone else "out there" that can give me advice, such as what to bring to the hospital, etc. I'd really appreciate it. I've read a lot of the postings on this forum already, but if there's anything new that anyone wants to add, I'd really appreciate it!

Now, if I can just stop worrying about how much this is going to cost me.......!

Dimpls,

I just had 1st rib resection 7 weeks ago. I would say take the typical things to the hospital. Nothing special, but for at home you may need to either sleep in a recliner or have a pillow that can keep you propped in an upward position. I had a difficult time with deep breathing the first week, be sure to do your incentive spirometer exercises. Be prepared for some inflammation just in case. Hope that helps.

I think some used to mention taking those socks with grippy stuff on the bottom - or slippers that aren't slippery.
hospital booties aren't the best and you don't want to slip and fall or try to catch your self.

oh and having easy to put on clothes for going home and at home

pull on pants and loose tops or buttons as pull over tops were tough on the arm movements for awhile.

lots of pillows for propping and comfort - so you aren't straining to hold head or arms in a comfortable position.

try to not make any quick movements for awhile - some had tried to catch a glass or plate that was falling - just let it fall

have a cautious driver to drive you around so all movements are smooth and easy - no quick stops or take offs. etc

I'll try to think of more to add.

I just bumped up a thread to the top of the main TOS list - from a new member that had surgery
and this link has some good tips-
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...t=surgery+tips