I have seen that Dr. Brantigan and Dr. Annest are experienced TOS Drs.. I am wondering who is the BEST?

5 yrs ago, I was diagnosed with TOS with cervical rib, at that time I met with Dr. Sanders, and let's just say, I am not surprised that he is retired (old!). I have an appointment with Dr. Brantigan a week from today, but I just found that he has a sanction because his team draped the wrong leg (not TOS related) and he started cutting away. I have bilateral ribs but the right causes very few symptoms, but he could, in theory, do the wrong side.

Should I ask him about this when I meet with him?

Would it be prudent to schedule with both and see who I feel better about?

I recently had a rear-end car accident which has made symptoms worse and has an open medpay claim - I wonder if they would allow a second opinion?

thanks for any input.

I think the best is the one that fits best for you, so if you can do it see both.

Wow I'm surprised that mistake happened - for my dh wrist surgery (1984) & my knee surgery (2003) - both times they came in ahead of op time and made sure to mark the correct body part with a permanent felt pen LOL.

I guess I assumed that was a standard everywhere now, just for this reason.

I say get both opinions if you can. I've consulted with several docs and each has a different opinion about treatment options and follow-up care. TOS is so far from being cut and dried that it is important to get the right advice/treatment plan for your specific case. If it means seeing multiple docs, then it's worth it.

About the wrong limb thing, WOW! I'd hold off on saying anything about it until you are 100% sure you are going to have the surgery with him. No sense bringing up an awkward subject that might derail the appointment when you may not even go with him as a surgeon. If you do end up having surgery with him, you can ask the team who gets you ready for surgery to mark your correct arm.

I was completely satisfied with Dr Annest and his team. His associate Dr Nowak is awesome! The P/T people and hospital staff at PSL are smart, attentive and know Dr.A's requirements.

PM me if you need more details.

Anne

Astern
Has first hand experience,, Have heard and spoke to Dr. Annest, extremely professional.
Alas, this is the third issue two others were TOS related with the other doctor. No secret,
He is a vascular doctor, some of these issues were related to the permanent nerve damage to the diaphragm. Another is his testimony against a w/c patient.

Sad to be losing the old doctors,

As for the second car accident. I would wait three months post injury, up to 6 if you can to calm that issue down, or see what is new damage. It will take 3 months minimal for the nerves to calm down from the new assault being on the safe side.

When you consult with any doctor, if anyone says they will cure, they are incorrect. It is trying to improve the condition by removing the extra rib and free up the space the major bundle passes through. In your case, I would be concerned about cutting nerves, then doing the wrong side.

A doctor needs to see and test each nerve as he goes along. The scalene muscle in your neck can hid the nerves. Sometimes the mapping of blood vessels is screwed backwards too, coming through the scalene and they are needed to be protected and observed.

It would great if the rib could be done arthroscopic. But it takes large cutter to get in and get the ri, make sure no rough edges are there, and the lung is not collapsed.
Many doctors will collapse the lumg first to get it out of the way.

Dr. Togut did that with my dd and then carefully watched for it to re inflate. However she had many issues with scar matter.

DiMarie, you're kinda freaking me out now! Giving me good questions, I suppose. I met with dr. Brantigan, he has determined that I have arterial TOS and neurogenic issues. And that it is not if I need the surgery, but when. I have read from several sources that my type of tos is the most serious (at risk for complications if left untreated) and only happens in 1-2% of tos cases. With cervical rib, but that it also has the highest success rate for improved mobility.

So many ppl seem to suggest putting off the surgery until they can't stand it anymore, but all that pain and drugs doesn't seem like a way to live! Not to mention daily stress, seems like a quick way to shorten your life. I guess my reasoning is, I am 40 now, in very good physical health, seems like a reasonable time to get it out of the way so I can go on living.

Anyways, I have met with two vascular surgeons so far, both recommend surgery, and I hope to get in with Annest for his opinion. But sanders and brantigan both were extremely confident this was the appropriate action. Granted they are surgeons, but I dont see anyone else that treats TOS.

Would there be another type of MD I should consult with?

Thanks!

*admin edit*

This doctor is great at what he does. You could do no better.

*admin edit*

Only you, the patient, that has seen doctors can make an informed decision. You should never ever go by what anyone says about any doctor. For good or bad.

I would highly recommend Dr. Thompson at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO. I know he is considered the specialist in TOS, it is all he does. People from all over the united states go to him. Great doctor!

Hi Saddie,

I recall when Dr. Thompson did the surgery on our friend from the forum in 1997 i think I recall. Is the other doc in that area Julie Friedburg. Sorry, I do not recall the spelling only the approximate sounding of her.
Kimmie P is known to check in, maybe she can refresh my memory.
Hope you are doing well.