Hi,
I am new to the site.
I just was diagnosed with Vascular form of TOS 2 weeks ago with a venogram and have have neurogenic TOS for 2 years.
I started PT a month ago and was going 3x a week.
The PT was doing 1st and 2nd rib adjustments and lots of exercises, and my symptoms were getting worse. Then one night my whole arm swelled up.
After an emergency ultrasound and then a venogram the next week, they found the blockage and referred me to a Vascular surgeon who wants to do a 1st rib resection.

In the office the vascular surgeon sounded very non-chalant, and indicated that it was more elective surgery as I didn't have any active blood clots. I'm guessing most of the people he sees need emergency surgery and blood thinners, etc...

I was kind of ****** off at the PT for the rib adjustments as they really irritated my entire arm.

Since then, between consults, I've been going to 2 different chiropractors for various treatments with lasers, acupressure, and activator adjustments. Additionally, I'll go to the community acupuncture clinic soon. The arm has gotten a little better, particularly because I'm sleeping with a pillow under each arm. Any advice on sleeping positions would be greatly appreciated!

The right arm is worse than the left....

At any rate my hand surgeon stated that only 1-2 mds in any given metro area actually do this type of surgery and that you have to be "fearless" as a surgeon to even attempt to perform in the small area. He personally didn't know anyone who ever did the surgery.

When I talked to the surgeon, I was a little surprised that the vascular surgeon didn't want at CT scan of the area. I was reading up on the website and was happy to read about Dr. Brantigan. I really have some concerns and would love advice:

1. Does the rib grow back after the resection?
2. Has anyone worked with Dr. Brantigan?
3. What are your personal experiences with the current treatments for VASCULAR TOS/ with neurogenic complications. (I've been really scared by a lot of postings on the site about bad results)!
4. Anyone get the fibrous bundle release done before the rib resection?
5. How does the surgeon know if the resection worked? Has anyone asked their surgeon that question?
6 Where do they go in for the rib (under the arm pit, or over the rib)? Any ideas on difference?
7. Is the surgery worth the downtime and pain?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. At this point I'm thinking of flying to Denver from Rhode Island to get a more complex assessment of all the symptoms, not just from a vascular perspective.

Thanks, and God bless you all!