Hi Everyone!
I am new to this site because the forum for TOS has closed and now you have to pay for the new one I am scheduled to have a left cervical rib, 1st rib and some scalene muscles resection on Aug 12, 2010. I begin my last semester of nursing school on September 1st. My surgeon said I can return to school then. My issue is that she said I will have a weight lifting restriction. School says in order for me to attend clinical at the hospital I have to be able to lift 50 lbs if needed. Now... clinical does not start until mid September. HELP! Is this realistic...Will I be able to lift 50 lbs by mid September or even beginning of October?! I have a high pain tolerance and I am not in pain because of TOS just discomfort and numbness at times! Please help. I need to make a decision within 3 days!

Hello,

I would wait on surgery if you aren't in constant or high pain and as long as there isn't any possible clotting issues with vascular compressions.

And I would make sure my surgeon is the best in the area and has plenty of experience with this surgery.

We have a Drs & PT sticky thread near the top of the thread list so you might want to check for other drs in your area.
And second opinions are always a good thing.

Some extra c ribs are small, partial stubs and may not be a real cause of trouble. Did you get to see the films and did dr point out what the exact issues are?

For that surgery {c rib, top rib & some scalene} 1 month of recovery is not near enough to be lifting 50 lbs. might take 6 months or more
and if your body might produce extra scar tissue that comes in to play for long term also.

I would echo what Jomar said.

Don't have the surgery unless you have vascular issues that require immediate attention or you are in so much pain that you have no other option.

I had surgery in Jan. 2005 with an experienced TOS surgeon. 5 years later I am much worse off. I never returned to my job as an attorney. I never returned to any job. I can't lift more than a couple of pounds without worsening my pain/headache.

I would urge you to seriously consider whether surgery is absolutely necessary. With or without surgery, you should ask your doctor whether you will have a limit on lifting.

There are several members here who were nurses, so hopefully they will respond.

Kelly

I had TOS surgery to my right side on June 26th. I was expecting to go back to work shortly after a week or so. Did not happen. I had one of the top doctors in the area. I actually have bilateral TO , but the right side is worse and decided to go for it. My brother also had several TO surgeries which helped in my decision. Everyone is different but needless to say this is a very difficult surgery. You are not suppose to lift anything over 10 lbs for at least 4 weeks. I am at six weeks and wish I could lift that. I unfortunately have had a difficult recovery. I think I have nerve damage, which can happen, from the pulling of the arm overhead during the surgery. Started physical therapy about a week and 1/2 ago which is one of the hardest things I have had to endure. I am a very motivated person but I can see where this recovery can definitely knock people back. Still have allot of pain that I keep pushing through. Expect to have numbness for several months. I have been told that nerve recovery can sometimes take 6-12 months to heal. Again everyone is different but this is something you should know going in. Nerves can and are often bruised, injured or severed. If you plan on doing what you say, you should postpone the surgery. Your post surgery pain will be quite worse than your current TO pain. At 6 weeks I am not even close to being even with the TO pain I had previously. I have been very impatient but now realize that in my case this will take awhile. My brother, to some extent had similiar extended recovery results. Hope everything works out for you.

Hi!
I am also new to the forum, and have surgery scheduled Aug 30. Since I have been out of work, I made a decision to return to college. Classes begin Aug 23. I do not have to do any heavy lifting.... but I am also concerned that recovery from surgery might make the schooling so much more difficult.

I may postpone or outright cancel surgery because of this. Not to mention I'm terrified of surgery! But I also don't want to struggle through life with TOS... so surgery is still in consideration.

Are you still scheduled for the surgery? What are your thoughts on the matter? What is your gut telling you?
I'd be interesting in following your progress, since your situyation is close to mine.

Take care and good luck!
-Melanie