Rib removal is not terribly invasive and recovery times (especially for young people) are reasonable. I have had rib resection surgery on both sides and my recovery is going even better than expected.

Maybe you should try and see this guy for another opinion:

This is great. Thanks!
I have a appt next Monday w/ another hematologist for a second opinion. The more I read about rib removal, the more I'm leaning towards it. The side effects and lifestyle changes that comes along with life-long warfarin in take is something I would prefer to avoid.

How long were you out of work for? From what I can see average recovery is about 6-8 weeks

It seems that my return to work range will be 8-12 weeks (I'm currently in week 6). However, I have neurogenic and vascular TOS and it takes a while longer for nerves to recovery. If you have strictly vascular TOS, 6-8 weeks sounds about right for bilateral surgeries.

Hi jlrob6, I must say, I'm a little surprised at your Hematologist's narrow focused response to your condition. A range of tests are used to discount what maybe wrong before final diagnosis, and reading through these forums, you will see nearly everyone has a different experience with it.

I saw on TV the other week that an AFL player has had a similar operation near his clavicle. The younger patients recover quicker, as nospam has mentioned but I'm afraid your Hematologist doesn't know enough to advise you.

I had my rib resection done five weeks ago, just after nospams first one, but the surgeon went in from the front because my issues were many, the simpler ones and less invasive are transaxillary, through the armpit and there are less nerves to disrupt.

The surgery is less common in Australia, but not unheard of. If you look online, an episode of RPA had a rib resection in 2010. This link can give you some easy to understand information as well. http://morphopedics.wikidot.com/thor...utlet-syndrome

I'm in Canberra and my surgeon is a Professor of Vascular Surgery at the ANU, so I'm in good hands. You would do yourself justice if you saw the appropriate specialist. Keep in touch!

Thanks Blutro, this is great info
I'm getting a 2nd opinion on Monday & will push to have the surgery, as I really don't want to be on blood thinners for the rest of my life.

I'm hoping my Heamo can recommend a vascular surgeon in Melbourne & get the surgery done later this year, to avoid missing too much uni.

Looking forward to Monday, hopefully get some solid answers!

- Jenn

Just make sure the vascular surgeon you select has performed a good number of these surgeries with a high success rate.