Hi everyone, I am new to this forum, but not new to tos. After a long time of dealing with this I was refered back to see a surgeon in my area. I previously had declined surgery, not sure if it would help or make things worse...I am still not convinced. Anyways...I saw the top surgeon around here, he has done MANY of these surgeries, bla, bla, bla. Experienced and skilled, so that is not the issue. I do not think he is a "god". I know the surgery is a coin toss....I have mostly neuro tos, with some vascular.
He wants to do (in 2 stages) a rib resection on both sides, cut the scalene muscles, and a sympathectomy on both sides. Has anyone else had this all done? It seemed a bit radical to me. I am not nieve...just looking for other tosers input.
thanks
Jay

[Thoracic sympathectomy can alter many bodily functions, including sweating,[6] vascular responses,[7] heart rate,[8][9] heart stroke volume,[10][11] thyroid, baroreflex,[12]lung volume,[11][13] pupil dilation, skin temperature, goose bumps and other aspects of the autonomic nervous system, like the fight-or-flight response. It may diminish the body's physical reaction to exercise.[6][11][14]]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endosco..._sympathectomy

and many more sites here -
http://www.google.com/search?q=sympa...ient=firefox-a

Did he say why the sympathectomy also??
Seems drastic unless other indications fit for you...

I have googled alot of this info as well, sounds scary. He has said he wants to do the sympathectamy as well because my sympathetic nerve system is also being affected. This surgeon only does surgery on 15% of the patients that come to see him, (so he is conservative in that manor, he will not just cut open anyone for the $$ like some other drs) and according to him 30% that he does surgery on require the sympathectomy as well. I happen to fit that category, but that is the short version. He has me booked for a nerve block first to see the results.
thanks for your response
cheers
Jay

Jay:

Why doesn't he throw in a lobotomy why he's at it?

Seriously, aren't all of our sympathetic nervous systems effected with TOS? I know mine is so am I a candidate?

I don't know anything about your case but what nerve is he blocking?

Hi Anne..thank you for your response. He is having my PM dr. Do a sympaththetic nerve block. If it is successful, then he would want to do the sympathectamy along with the rib resection. Please note...I said he would want to. I usually ask as many questions as possible, but had a lyrica moment while I was there and forgot to ask him if this was something he would have done to himself if the tables were turned.
Cheers
Jay

Oh is your dr crazy?!!! I tell you these rib resections and sympathectamys are disgusting!!!

one of the gals who used to post here had resection and 1st rib resection by same doc who wanted to do same to me. bad move for her, and with her input i cancelled my surgery. i am doing ok without it. some docs think i may not even have tos. i think i made a wise choice, but how will i ever know what may have been? whatever you decide it is your decision. i hope the forum informs you.

Tied...Thanks for your input. I have no doubt I have tos...its just the uncertainty of this surgery that I doubt. From what I have read it will be a cold day in hell when he gets to cut up my sympathetic nerve. As far as the rib goes....I had this very talk with my pt today. This is where I understand exactly where you are coming from tos8. Once this surgery is done, there is no going back, and no putting these parts back in. I still have a big decision to make, but I am not rushing into it by anymeans. I have been working on a theory that as long as I can function,(whatever that means anymore) though be it limited, I will keep my ribs in place in hopes of a better solution on the horizon.
Cheers
Jay
PS...I still appreciate all the input from everyone regarding the sympathectamy surgery done in conjunction to the rib resection.

Hi I am waiting for a right rib resection as well as a clipping of my sympathetic nerve. I had a test last week and my Dr. put 5cc of Lidocaine directly on my sympathetic nerve. For the first time in 2 years I actually had warmth back in my arm and less pain. It was only temporary for a few hours but enough to convince me to have the nerve clipping along with the rib resection. Talk with your Doctor and express your concerns. I believe if you don't have it done at the time of surgery they can always do it at a later date. So that is an option. Good Luck!

moufette - I don't know much but I would never, ever let anyone perform this procedure. Research and ask the doctor if they would allow their nerve to be clipped or their family members.