I thought I'd post these up seeing as before my op I searched all over the internet for some info on what my scar was likely to look like afterwards but didn't come up with anything.

I've attached photos that were taken <1 week, 2 weeks and around a month after the operation. The scar is now almost completely flat, although wider than it was in the last photo. It also went through a period of being red but is now (7 months later) white and not as noticeable. I used bio-oil as soon as it was sealed and really massaged it like the surgeon advised. I'm actually pretty happy with it now, and it's a talking point when people do notice it!

Hope this helps for anyone who is getting this op

Bex

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Glad to see how well you have been healing!!! Scar looks really quite good!

Hi Bex

I was told last week that I should have surgery to remove both my cervical ribs starting with the right side. I wasnt really told much and to be honest I was in shock cause I know doctors would rather not operate (this is what I have been told), however, in my case as I'm having many problems they feel it necessary to remove them.

I know that each person is different but I dont know how long I will be in hospital for, what the recovery process is / length of time off work (worried as I dont get paid only SSP). I also have two children and will probably have to rely on parents etc to help with school run.

I have read some horror stories on here and some which dont seem that bad! Anyway I'm just waiting for a date now.

Im a little worried.

Kind regards
Jannene

Hello,

Cervie rib surgery is usually the most clear cut and fixable one for TOS.

Hopefully you have a skilled & expert surgeon and helpers at home for recovery period.

Recovery time frame really depends on so many things - personal fitness level, general healing times for each of us varies too...

Here is the TOS forum search link - just put in "cervical rib surgery" or any variation on that to find specif posts or threads
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/fo...to_forumsearch

Hi Bex,
Thanks for putting on your post op scar photos. Like you I couldn't see any images on the net! Very useful and gets my morbid curiosity out the way!!
I've just had a ( vascular ) TOS First rib excision ( right side) on 31/08/11 and due to have another on the left side . I seem to be healing well, scars, above and below my collarbone are dry and inflammation is going down each day. Now 11 days after op I have noticed abit of burning on some movements and tightness around the scar area plus some neuro signals, the most uncomfortable symptom is the new rush of blood now flowing into my arm and hand, giving me a heavy dragging feeling when my arm is hanging down by my side as I stand. However despite this I am happy to say little pain at the incision site.
I would be greatful for any info on recovery. How long before you attempted the PT exercises and how long was you out of work etc?
Hope this reply is ok, my first time on site.
Thanks
S

Hi everyone/anyone
Any tips/info on aftercare following first rib excision....healing scar tissue, symptoms expected, PT exercises, sufficient time of work for recovery.
Any info will be appreciated.
Unfortunately not many people are aware of the condition and help and advice is hard to come by.
I'm 12 days post surgery ( right side ) and healing pretty well but unfortunately I am due a second identical op on the left side. My follow up with my surgeon is in 6 weeks and I will get more details then.
I am experiencing intermittent numbness in my last three fingers and burning sensations on certain movements on the outer edge of my collarbone. Hopefully this will settle when healing progresses! I'm also finding it uncomfortable adjusting to the new pump of blood that I'm getting into my right arm and hand,causing deep aches... making it quite obvious now that I still have a vascular fault with my left side as it is noticeably paler than the one I have just had surgery on( this happens when I stand up and my arms are hanging down by my sides.).
I hope I have posted this correctly...I'm a newbie to NeuroTalk!!! Many thanks S