Hello, Does Anyone Out There Have A Complete Set Of Cervical Ribs That Wrap Completely From Front To Back? How Do You Feel? I'm In Bad Shape. Cheryl

Hi Cheryl, I'll bet you ARE miserable! Welcome to our little club. Sorry you have to be here, but you have come to a great place for info.

You can click on my 'Icon', then click on 'find all posts by this user'. That will tell you about me. I'm in a horrible flare right now. My cervies made the curve and then embedded into the first ribs. I too was miserable. I'm still miserable, but at least now I know why.

Curious to hear your story... have you had any tests done yet??

Anne

ANNE,
ONLY X-RAYS AND PHYSICAL TESTS. I AM 39 YRS OLD MARRIED WITH 3 BOYS AND I HAVE HEALTH PROBLEMS MY WHOLE LIFE. CHEST AND ARM PAINS IN GENERAL. I'VE BEEN DIAGNOSED FROM EVERYTHING . FROM GERD TO ULCERS , HEART ELECTRICAL) PROBLEMS ,HEADACHES SWELLING FOR NO REASONS.. ALOT JUST WANT TO PRESCRIBE ANTIDEPR. OR THINK I'M JUST FAKING IT. A LOT OF BAD DIAGNOSIS AND UN-CARING DOCTORS . i HAVE A GOOD PRIMARY DR. NOW , BUT I DON'T HAVE ANY HEALTH INSURANCE. I COULD WRITE A BOOK. CAN'T TYPE NO MORE , I'M HURTING . I WILL CHECK BACK AND TALK TO YOU LATER. CHERYL

Welcome Cheryl
I have learned a lot from the great folks here who have TOS.
Sorry to hear how bad you're hurting and for so long.
I may be wrong but I think I remember reading that people who have the extra ribs seem to have more successful outcomes from surgery than other folks.
Don't take my word for it though. Check out some of the informative links in the TOS forum here.
Take care!

take care Cheryl, no more typing today for me too!

I had the surgeries and had an overall improvement of 10%, but then I didn't have any help at home (more hinderance) post-surg. Many do get great improvement! Would do it over again if I had to.

Anne

Cheryl,

I am sorry to hear you are in so much pain. I don't have extra cervical ribs but youch it sounds painful. My TOS is more scalene oriented and I had surgery (sclenectomy no rib resec) 7 weeks ago.

Everyone is great here and has so much information to offer. I am happy that you found us all. We are here for you.

I too have an extra set of ribs.....just like the .5% of the population that does. I have one on each side and have had the first rib removed on the right side as that is where all my symptoms are and where my injury occured. I had the rib and scalene removed then physio pushed me too hard and then all my symptoms came back I was off all my meds and feeling great then all came back with a vengence......so dealing with it all now....

take care happy to talk with you about it just pm me....victoria
love and hugs

Anne,
It' Been Awhile Since I've Been Online. Not Doing To Well. My Head Is Taking The Blunt Of My Pain Today. I've Got The Shakes And My Eyes Are In Such Pain. I Can't Even Think Straight. Thank You For Chatting With Me.
Cheryl

VICTORIA,
Why Did They Only Remove One Rib.? Are They Going To Remove The Other? Are Your Ribs Wrapped Completely To The Front Of Your Clavicle Or First Rib ? How Long Was The Rib They Took Out? Thats A Whole Lotta Questions. I'm Just Real Curious And Scared Because I'm Just Waiting To See The Cardio-thoracic Surgeon Soon. Could You Tell Me About Your Surgery Experience. It Would Sure Help Me Out Alot To Know Whats In Store For Me. If You Feel Like It , If Not I Sure Wish You All The Luck. One More Thing Before I Go, Did This Affect Your Eyes And Head Alot ???
Cheryl

No ins yikes .. can you find a dr that will pro bono /discount for you.
It really sounds like you need a MRI at the very least - if not one of those more detailed imaging scans.

If you go for surgery try to find the best dr you can get.
It may help some to do the diaphragmatic breathing and gentle posture work and gentles stretches.
You can have a family member help to eval your posture.
head aligned with shoulders
shoulders relaxed and aligned with hips
chin slightly tucked down - not jutting up or our

the head should be in a state of balance over the body - that helps reduce strain on the neck.