[tidyteresa]

I had my left top rib removed 5 weeks ago. My symptoms that got me to that point are still happening. I went back to my surgeon and he ordered a CT scan and that showed that my vein has damage. Tomorrow I go back for a venogram and they are going to dilate the vein. My dr says that if that doesn't work he doesn't know what to do. Really? I asked if a stent could then be put in and he said he would look into it. I sure this whole surgery wasn't a waste of time and I still have to put up with swelling and numbness! At least he did finally approve me for PT which I hope helps! AAAAAHHHHHHRRRRGGGG! There done venting now

[nospam]

Originally Posted by tidyteresa

My dr says that if that doesn't work he doesn't know what to do. Really?

It may be time to consult another surgeon for a second opinion and more expertise. Where are you located?

[tidyteresa]

Originally Posted by nospam

It may be time to consult another surgeon for a second opinion and more expertise. Where are you located?

I am located in South Dakota and if this dilating tomorrow doesn't work I will be finding a different doctor to consult with.

[LiveLoveandTrust]

As I understand, they don't recommend putting in a stent for TOS patients. Maybe in your case they would but I was told never, ever.
I do hope you feel better really soon! 5 weeks isn't that far out of surgery and you still have many months of improvements to be had as swelling goes down. Hopefully that damaged vein is successfully dilated.

[tidyteresa]

I went into the cath lab yesterday and they did an angioplasty on the vein that was compressed. They gave me a picture that showed before and after they did the balloon and it showed wonderful flow now! I go back in 8 weeks for another CT scan to make sure that this indeed to solve the flow problem. The doctor told me that a stent in this area would be useless because of where it bends so the next step is to put in a new section of vein to replace the damaged area. I hope this works because I really don't want to do the splicing option!

[tidyteresa]

It has been two days since my angioplasty and my arm feels fantastic!! What a joy this is!! I start PT on Tues and I am looking forward to it. Can't wait until my energy level is back so I can start walking and get the weight off that I have gained since surgery from "taking it easy"!

[nospam]

Good news!

[tidyteresa]

Well the good feeling didn't last. My symptoms of numbness, tingling, swelling returned on the third day. I am waiting for a call from my doctor to see what our next move is. Really hard to stay positive at this point....

[Jaden]

It sounds like the nTOS symptoms may have returned but did the vTOS symptoms return as well?

did the flow problem come back?

[fdupshoulders]

get better T!