I had my rib resection for venous tos. It looks like I lucked out and didn't have much pain after surgery. I took it easy for about a week and did my lung therapy. I was back at work within 5-6 days (desk job). For me, taking warafin and having to go to the hospital every week for blood tests was the worst. I still get soreness every once in awhile, but I can usually take tylenol and it will go away. I would say it is worth it, but mine was a last resort. They did everything they could before resorting to surgery. Good luck to you!!

I am 6 weeks out post op scalenechtomy, rib resection, pec minor clipping....Just so you do not feel alone...this has been a horrendous recovery. I am definitely not to the point of knowing exactly the results, but can't imagine it being this bad eventually. Numbness to chest, side of face, arm, hand, incisions are very painful tingling to arm and hand with extreme shocking pain. I also have winging and have been told that the recovery is so much more difficult with this anomaly. I am a nurse and can't imagine being at a place to go back to what I did. Catching a falling patient is how TOS began to begin with. I wish you the best of luck and would like to hear how you are doing at this point...

Hello TOS Friends,

I had TOS surgery in Jan 10, this was not my first surgery. I had neck surgery in Oct 2006......I really wish I had good news to share. I still suffer from headaches almost daily. My shoulder and upper back is enough to make a girl cry...I'm taking more med' s than I did before my TOS surgery, I still go to therapy, I still get trigger shots every 2 weeks and I'm waiting on a custom made posture vest. It's even going to have arm sling to hold my arm - so I won't use it as much and irritate the muscles and nerves........I've never been able to return my desk job that created all this mess and 1 year ago I tried working as an Aid in our local school and still it was too much for me..........

My doctor said I would be 70% better.....

Ann,

I'm sorry to hear about your experience in the last year. Unfortunately, it mirrors my own (including many of the same doctors, etc.). I've been hearing about that vest since 2003. The vest has become a running joke in my family. It's the only funny thing that has come of this experience.

Take care,
Kelly

My heart goes out to each and everyone of you who are suffering. I hope things do turn around for all of you. Each day I'm amazed at the strength of people who endure this horrible condition pre or post surgery. It truly is devastating with no clear answers on either side of the table.

Ann and Kelly: Sounds like you are in my "circle of friends." Can I ask what posture vest you are waiting for or have? I need a good laugh today and I believe you can provide it .

Wishing you all the best,
Anne

Dr. Tracy Newkirk in San Rafael, CA has been talking about a vest for years. I'm no longer waiting, though. I'm not that much of an optimist.

Kelly

Kelly: Knew you could provide me a laugh . My optimism has long gone too. Reality is, I don't believe a vest with force is the answer, so I'm not to depressed.

Be Well -

Anne

Hello,

I had one on in January when he had about 30 in his office, but the wanted he wanted for me is being made with a sling for my arm. His seamstress measured me and is the process of making me one............it feels wonderful on!!! I truly hopes it makes a difference for me.

xoxo

I had a 1st rib resection and and resection of the scaleme muscle i also had some fibrous bands removed. During the surgery my surgeon cut the lymph gland and also damaged the thoracic nerve this resulted in an etended operation of several hours. I also had a partially collapsed lung. My hospital stay was extended from 2 days to over a week and the recovery period has been horrendous, this is the worst surgery i have ever had with the most pain!!
It is six weeks since my surgery i still have major swelling on my wound and have winging of the left scapular with severe pain. I am still taking pain relief and muscle relaxants and use a hot water bottle for bed and sometimes during the day. I am due to return to my full time office job this week but as yet feel unable to do so.
I have bilateral Neurogenic TOS and was due to have surgery on my right side depending on the outcome of this surgery i am not having this done and my surgeon is not willing to operate either so will try to manage with physio. I also have complete numbness on the wound and surrounding tissue which is permanent and have slight numbness and tingling on my forearm and fingers. I also have a small plural effusion and have some difficulty taking a breathe!!!!!. PLease consider all options before surgery.

All the best from a fellow TOSer