Blurto Needs a Rib Resection

Sheri_TOS · 04-02-2012, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blurto

I was diagnosed with TOS on right hand side in October 2010. It was caused by a very large Lipoma, a benign fatty tumour, nestled amongst the nerves, tendons and muscles in the right hand side of my neck, going into the thoracic outlet.
My surgeon reported that it was the size of an orange and had compressed everything in the thoracic outlet area. I had all the usual MRI’s, scans and neurological tests, but they were more to exclude things rather than to diagnose.

Blurto - Tumors causing TOS are incredibly rare. I had a large bone tumor (benign) on my 1st rib which I've heard is rare. They took the rib and tumor in the same surgery. I hope your rib resection surgery relieves your symptoms.

Blurto · 04-05-2012, 06:13 PM

I have recently found some good information about the variations of rib resection according to TOS type. This was from the Washington University School of Medicine's Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Center. It is not overwhelming with information, so no information overload, it is focused and carries enough for you to grasp your situation and to see the possibilities open to you.

I also looked at a really good video on YouTube about 1st rib resection for venous TOS. Search for First rib resection for Paget-Schroetter Syndrome by VascularUAMS, University of Arkansas. Its a beauty!

Blurto · 04-15-2012, 09:48 PM

Hi everyone. Its been an interesting week on the forums hasn't it!! My turn is coming soon. My rib resection is booked for Tuesday the 24th April and it has come to a point where I am looking forward to it for some relief.

The second time in the same place for me, I was well armed with the thoughts and suggestions from everone here and was able to present to the surgeon knowing that I knew a lot more than last time. So, I got more information in return but interestingly, he asked for the names of these forums for his other patients, because I had told him how much support you find here.

If any one is interested, I have posted some images in an album in my profile of my first surgery. The images show exactly where the first surgery was. I'm told I will get a Y shaped incision under my right clavicle this time around, from my sternum, and then back.

So, if you like unusual pictures, everyone is welcome to have a look in the album in my profile.

Limoges · 04-15-2012, 10:21 PM

Sheri, I had a bone tumor (benign) removed from my humorous a few years ago. I wonder if some people are just more prone to bony abnormalities like this. You had mentioned that your first rib had a similar anomaly to mine.

Blurto, I'll "talk" to you before then, but I'll be sending good thoughts your way on the 24th. Not to dismiss the seriousness of the surgery at all, but I think you and LadyLaura, and Nospam will be at an advantage for your 2nd resections because you'll sort of know what to expect.

Sheri_TOS · 04-15-2012, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Limoges

Sheri, I had a bone tumor (benign) removed from my humorous a few years ago. I wonder if some people are just more prone to bony abnormalities like this. You had mentioned that your first rib had a similar anomaly to mine.

Yes, I think people who have had one bony abnormality are prone to others. They found a large tumor (benign) in my tibia that was resected a few years ago.

Blurto - Good luck with the surgery. I hope you get relief from the surgery.

nospam · 04-17-2012, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blurto

Seriously though, my surgeon here in our National Capital is the professor of vascular surgery at both local Universities, I know I am in good hands. He has a dry sense of humour, which we share, and he likes to operate, as he tells me regularly, and I think he really does because when he was describing the size of my tumour to me, and how it took two hours to dissect it from around everything, he had a glint in his eye and a twisted little smile. I was really pleased that he enjoyed it!!

nospam, the TOS symptoms presented on both sides, about 70% on the right side and 30% on the left. This confused the doctors as it wasn't 'traditional' but we found out what it was during surgery. The nerve issues have gone away thank goodness, but the scar tissue has caused a second occurance around the subclavian vein and other nearby blood vessels.

I am a little concerned because of the equal discolouration and pain in both of my arms, this time it is equal. I have an expectaition that both ribs will be assessed for removal, I'll find out on the tenth of this month.

While everyone has discussed their surgeons, what do people think about the quality of care from their nursing staff? My first surgery was a five day stay in hospital and the standard of care varied each day. I even had a nurse try to remove my drain from my neck without cutting the stitches that were holding it in place!!

Is your surgeon for the rib resection the same that removed the Lipoma? He sounds great!

My cervical fusion surgery last year was at a small community hospital near me and the nursing staff was great. My only issue was that there was no cable TV or internet so I was in a rush to be discharged and go home. In hindsight, I should have stayed the extra night that had originally been allocated.

My surgery in two days will be at St. Joseph's Mission Hospital in Mission Veijo. This is a very high end facility with cable TV and internet. St. Joseph's runs fairly efficient facilities. My wife will be spending the night with me (she's an MD), so I'm sure she won't allow any foolishness from the nursing staff. I don't think I have anything to worry about and the nursing staff will be great. My doctor believes I will only need to spend one night and go home the next day.

ladylaura418 · 04-17-2012, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blurto

While everyone has discussed their surgeons, what do people think about the quality of care from their nursing staff?

I was really impressed with the nursing care during my four days at the hospital. There was only one nurse who was a little difficult, but I was fortunate to have the same two nurses for two days/nights. It was wonderful to see their faces the next day, as they had already cared for me the day and night beforehand.

I wish you all the best in your upcoming surgery, Blurto. We'll be pulling for you!

Blurto · 04-18-2012, 04:39 AM

Thanks ladylaura418. I think the after care is important also. In five days, the only nurse I had from one day to the next was the night shift. I was soooo over repeating my story every day.

My decision to use a different hospital this time was influenced by the quality of care. I'm using the same surgeon.

nospam, a good internet connection is key to a proper hospital stay.

My overnight stay turned into five days and if I didn't have a good mobile broadband connection, I would have gone crazy for sure. with cable and internet, we expect an update from you straight out of post op!!

You've had a cervical fusion also, I hope that hasn't made things more difficult this time around for you. I have awful pain in my upper back from this and I can't see how its connected, but I hope it will go away with everything else.

Joanna81 · 04-20-2012, 02:48 PM

Good luck with the second surgery!
Medical care sounds different over there!
I had some issues with one nurse, I was so upset to see her at my bedside when I was out of surgery the second time

Cable and good Internet would have been amazing, I was in for 9 days the first time with no tv or Internet.
I hope They can solve your issues

Blurto · 04-23-2012, 07:06 AM

Hi guys - my turn tomorrow. Admission is 0700 then we'll see what happens from there. I'd like to thank everyone who has posted their experiences here, it has provided me with a solid level of support in understanding the road ahead.

Thank you all and keep watching this space

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