All:

I'm about 90 pence percent sure that I'm going to fly to Denver on Wednesday to meet with and probably have surgery with Dr. Sanders. I would love some advice on how to best prepare for this trip.

Many thanks to everybody and I hope you are all doing as well as possible. Hugs, Annie

Are you going to have a first meeting?
or meet and have surgery?
Is it a last minute appointment thing?
I'm confused.
Why only 90% sure?

Jo and anyone else who would be willing to chime in!

I've gone down the line with a surgeon in Los Angeles who has given me surgery orders for a scalenectomy . After that, however, I spoke with Dr. Sanders via phone consultation, and I'm really interested in having him evaluate me for the pec minor procedure, because it is so much less severe I think. Is that right??

Plus, Sanders' office was so wonderful and gave me a ton of references to former patients that he has totally fixed and that just love him. I have only been able to get one reference like that from the LA doctor's office, which worries me. Should it??

Anyway, I'm thinking after the above and lots of other extensive research that Dr. Sanders may be the way to go. I'm definitely at the point where I should be having surgery.

I would be traveling to Denver alone and meeting my parents there. I would have the consultation with Dr. Sanders on Thursday, and then possibly surgery on Friday.

I'm only 90% sure because I still have not completely decided to not go with the Los Angeles surgeon which would logistcally be a lot easier. But I need to decide by the end of the day tomorrow to make arrangements.

Anyway, meanwhile, thought I'd get all of your expert thoughts on how to prepare for this trip.

Hopefully this answered your questions. If not, feel free to ask away or PM me whichever you prefer.

I really appreciate any advice. I'm really really nervous about doing this right and especially about recouping from major surgery in a hotel! hugs, annie

would your parents be there to assist you after the surgery til you are able to go home?
I think recouping in a hotel might be better- no cleaning, cooking or housework to worry about- LOL

We do have some surgery threads with info on preparing -
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...paring+surgery

well i know there is more but I don't have time to search for them right now.
Hopefully some that had surgery can post a few suggestions.

Hey Annie-
Hope you decided by now, and if you are off, good luck to you...!
I am sure either of your current options is a great choice and you'll come out better on the other side!!!

Haven't heard back from you...
Saw this post and WOW...what a turn of events or should I say docs.

Dr. Agnew, my Neuro/Pain Management doc feels Sanders has more surgeries under his belt and good outcome than others.
He did mention Brantigan though.
However, the pec minor surgery is Saunders latest creation.
Dr. Agnew injects my pec minors
I get relief for a period of time and it rids the nasty flare ups.

Please, read and read some more, research as you do on this website "pectoral minor surgery". You'll get everyone's take on their accomplishments vs otherz.

I told Dr. Agnew I would rather see Saunders take my indiviual case and see what he can conservatively do to help retain flexibility, range of motion and decrease the pain instead of his latest theory of removing the pec minors. To me and this is personally, k? I personally do not want my ribs, my muscles or anything removed unless everything is so intertwined, scarred or compressed that it's life threatening and the surgeon can give me a % of increased mobility with little pain to get back to work. As if pain and W/C isn't enough, huh?

Our anatomy was created for our muscles to keep us upright for good posture and flexibility which in turn creates less tension on our nervous and circulatory systems. Therefore, I believe it's essential to work on gaining core muscle control, flexibility and a meditation state of mind with the condition we have before I take it to the next step once again.

Guess, I just answered my own question. I'm just not there yet mentally for another surgery or I would being waiting in line with you in Denver huh?

However for all you newbies...
I understand the need to find a cure.
I was ready after 3 years of this and had a bilateral costaclavicular and right ulnar nerve decompression. The right ulnar nerve is still so annoying as everything else.

Let us ALL know what happens
What you decide since tomorrow is Friday, YIKES!
Best wishes

Thinks for the kind wishes. I am actually going on Saturday and meeting with Dr. Sanders on Monday. I know he will not necessarily be able to cure me, but I really like to get his expert opinion of my surgery options. Thanks to all for all your support, and I will keep you posted.

My very best, Annie

I recommend staying at St. Christopher House. It's by the hospitals and it is a very discounted rate and its for people in your situation. I just stayed there a month....3/14 til 4/11.

Feel free to PM me any questions...I just did my 2nd monthlong trip to Denver! I feel like a pro!