Prior to surgery, please research crps and the risks of rib removal. I had mine removed and now deal with crps. For me, the pain is worse than when I had venous tos. Also there is a large failure rate due to adhesions etc. my arm still goes numb when I lift it and I can feel the scar tissue pulling in my underarm. My docs won't touch it until they have to because of my crps. Make sure your doc knows what crps is! There are steps that can be taken pre op and post op tp try and prevent it.

Yes , CRPS/RSD does happen at times and with no rhyme or reason to it, same with the scar tissue.


Really something to consider.

Are the risks for CRPS lower with scalenectomy only?

I don't know if the risks are any different, RSD/CRPS can even happen from a minor bump , or just out of the blue.

Our RSD/CRPS forum will have more posts about how each member got that condition.
Might be a good topic for a thread or poll there.

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum21.html

Has anyone ever followed up with these folks at UCSD?

I have been reading on this forum for a very long time (thank you for all the knowledge and guidance) after I was hit head on by a drunk driver back in Feb. 2011. I have been in constant pain for over a year and nobody could tell me what was wrong with me. The two regular docs and 2 neurologists all said they didn't know what was wrong because all my MRIs and NCS/EMG studies were coming back normal. After hours and hours of research I was able to diagnose myself with neurogenic TOS. I was given injections, PT, drugs, the works, with minimal to no results. I was ready to give up when I called some of the specialists on this forum. I went to a Dr. Aaron Filler solely for this MR Neurography. I finally got a diagnosis and learned why all my previous tests were coming back normal and why all other forms of treatment weren't working. First, a regular MRI can not take a picture of the peripheral nerves unless it is within centimeters of your spine. The neurography, in which Dr. Filler discovered, is able to take pictures of the peripheral nerves and because of this he was able to pin point my problem which is in the Scalene triangle and within my armpit. My scalene muscles were torn in the accident and the scar tissue is now compressing my nerves making my life very painful. The NCS/EMG were normal because they did it in my hand and forearm because my pinky and ring fingers don't really work right. This test should have been done in my brachial plexus and I was told it is quite a science to do correctly. Now Dr. Filler was very expensive and his office staff was very 'sales pitchy' which turned me off. Dr. Filler was very knowledgeable just would have preferred more eye contact and timeliness plus he is an out of network doctor. I needed a doc that was In Network and that is how I stumbled upon Dr. Justin Brown. I am scheduled to see Dr. Justin Brown April 10th. I am very optimistic because I have been through so much over the past year. I am anxious to get some resolution to this or at least some relief. I will come back with an update.

Thanks so much. I'm looking forward to your report on UCSD. Have you consulted any of the vascular guys?

Hi guys,

My story a little later, I'm a long time reader however. My surgeon explains that CRPS is a normal reaction to nerves being disturbed and they take time to heal. My research supports his point of view and useful information can be found at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke web site. Search for CRPS. edit

I hope the info provides some supportive advice.

Blurto

No, I haven't consulted the Vascular Docs because my issues are solely neurogenic, thankfully. The other doc I saw was an Andrew Nguyen, who was fantastic but doesn't deal with peripheral nerves, he is more of a spinal tumor doc. Had to see him to get referred to Dr. Justin Brown (hoops for the insurance). A few more days till my appt. Wish me luck!

Good luck,

Have there been any improvements or changes to your symptoms?