I have bi-lateral arterial TOS. I had my right scalenectomy done in 2002 and am still doing good on the right side. Had left scalenectomy in Feb 2010 felt good for 10 months and now seem to have recurring symptoms on left side. My therapist has been able to relieve the scapular and trap pain. I still have left chest tenderness and arm pain, heaviness and coldness in left arm and hand. Cannot sleep on either side.
I am in the process of meeting with Dr Conte Vascular surgeon at UCSF next week to figure things out.
I am also going to see Peter Edgelow in a couple weeks My previous surgeries have been done in India.
If anyone can share information about UCSF and TOS treatment I would truly appreciate it.
Thank you very much.

I don't recall anyone recently having only a scalenectomy, most will have the rib resection and possibly the scalenectomy also.

Was the surgeon very sure the scalenes were the main, or only culprit?

Just asking because I'm curious & for my own knowledge, not questioning the procedure at all.

Some times weekends are a little less active for replies.

Feel free to explore our sticky threads and other posts.

i think the scalenectomy of anterior AND middle scalene is better than first rib removal

I think UCSF just does the scalenectomy now. To my knowledge, they rarely do a rib resection.

I saw Louis Messina there a few times 6 or more years ago. I think he is at Mass. General now. I don't know anything about the doctors there now.

Good luck,
Kelly

To answer your question, the surgeon resectioned the scalenes and he also found fibrous bands that were making the artery kink which he removed as well.The color doplar had showed a fallout in the artery on abduction of left arm before surgery.
After surgery a good flow of blood was seen in the subclavian artery even on abduction of arm. I was given some gentle exercises after surgery by my therapist in India,which I did regularly for about 4 months and I was 100 % perfect for ten months after the surgery until I helped a friend with some heavy dishes in a very deep sink and my symptoms gradually started returning.

Also, Rib resections are not done so widely in Europe and India anymore due to risks involved like lung puncture.

Peter Edgelow a well known PT for upper extremity disorders in the Bay Area has developed a protocol to lower the first rib with a pinkie ball on stick as well as diaphragmatic breathing among other things. He is of the opinion that if you can mobilize the first rib and lower it then why remove it?

I am going to him in couple weeks and I am very hopeful.

This is a great site, I am so glad to have found it. Thanks all of you, it feels great to know I am not speaking a foreign language here when I say anything related to TOS.

Thank you, I feel the same. Where are you in your TOS treatment? Are you all better now?

Thanks Kelly,
That's good to know, that they don't do rib resection that commonly at UCSF, which means they may explore other options. How are you managing your TOS?
Do you have a local therapist who specialises in TOS that you could recommend?
I am going to Peter Edgelow for advice in couple weeks, but he is an older gentleman and only works couple days a week.

Thanks for your good wishes, they mean a lot to me.

I tried Edgelow years ago and was never able to do anything, other than abdominal breathing, without spiking my pain. I'm at a point now where I'm doing nothing other than trying to avoid aggravating activities, ice and lots of pain medication (unfortunately).

I had surgery 6 years ago with Dr. Avery, but went to UCSF twice to get a second opinion.

Let us know how it goes.

Kelly

You might also read on Sharon Butler's website, her thoughts on sticky fascia and how that can impact our bodies really fit for me and made sense.

she also suggests breathing properly, relaxation and gentle stretching and has developed programs for various RSI & TOS.
She does have a book on RSI in most libraries that will give a good sense of her ideas and philosophy as a Hellerworker that did get injured and learned from it.
www.selfcare4rsi.com

Yes, Peter is older. Think of him as the grandfather of the physical therapy of entrapments, TOS and other relating conditions, pain and suffering. He has taught 100's if not thousands of therapists. You are in a good place being the Bay area to get great care.

There is also a Repetitive Strain Injury meet-up in the Bay area. Check out sorehand: SOREHAND@LISTSRV.UCSF.EDU
fabulous group run by UCSF

Here is the website for the East Bay RSI Support Group: http://rsi.meetup.com/2/