Hi.
I am 47 and just found out I have an extra rib under my collar bone on my left side. If I lift up my left arm above my shoulder I lose circulation. My Doc wants me to see a surgeon and have the rib removed. He is also worried about my artery as it runs between my extra rib and collar bone. I have had back and neck problems all my life. Anyone else been there? I am scared and frusteratd because I can't do half the stuff I need to. Getting dressed is a challenge and I am not suppose to lift anything over 2 lbs, my coffee weighs that! Please tell me that the surgery works and recovery is fast. I have 3 grandbabies that I want to hold and play with.
Thanks
Gladys

Hi,

Girl, you need a lighter weight coffee cup!!! 2lbs?! whoa!

Sounds like a surgery is in your future. Many here will give you valuable advice. Do your research, find a Dr who does these procedures on a daily basis and be prepared to have to travel to get proper care. This is a serious surgery and you do NOT want to compromise on quality care just because traveling seems a bother.

Glad you found this site,
Anne

Extra cervical rib surgery usually goes fine.
Be sure to get a expert surgeon of course. get a few other opinions.
We have many threads to search for more details on cervical rib & surgery.
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/search.php

Just be careful during recovery .
Don't go grabbing up the g babies too soon after.

Only a few have super fast recoveries , but everyone is different and so many other variables play a part.

Glad I found this site too! I live in Golden and the surgeon that I am being reffered to is in Kelowna, about 4 hrs away. How long is the usual recovery?

Since you are in Golden (CO?), you could easily get a 2nd opinion from one of the Dr.'s in Denver. See the Dr's sticky at the top of the threads here.

Presbyterian/St.Luke's Hospital is an awesome hospital, they are familliar with this surgery and their staff knows how to help you recover.