[sueofct]

Hi. After many years (since 2006), doctors, tests, PT, more tests, more doctors I have been diagnosed with Neurogenic TOS. Surgery May 9th by one of our best Vascular Surgeons in the hospital I work in, with experience doing this surgery. I have bilateral TOS, with my dominant side being worse. My question, confirmed by 2 doctors, it that the first few days will be painful but then not so much, and I can expect to return to work 2 weeks after surgery. (I type all day). True?

[brisco71]

Originally Posted by sueofct

Hi. After many years (since 2006), doctors, tests, PT, more tests, more doctors I have been diagnosed with Neurogenic TOS. Surgery May 9th by one of our best Vascular Surgeons in the hospital I work in, with experience doing this surgery. I have bilateral TOS, with my dominant side being worse. My question, confirmed by 2 doctors, it that the first few days will be painful but then not so much, and I can expect to return to work 2 weeks after surgery. (I type all day). True?

In my experience, 2 weeks is waaay too soon to go back to work. Maybe some others will chime in with different opinions.

[20YrsTOS]

Originally Posted by sueofct

Hi. After many years (since 2006), doctors, tests, PT, more tests, more doctors I have been diagnosed with Neurogenic TOS. Surgery May 9th by one of our best Vascular Surgeons in the hospital I work in, with experience doing this surgery. I have bilateral TOS, with my dominant side being worse. My question, confirmed by 2 doctors, it that the first few days will be painful but then not so much, and I can expect to return to work 2 weeks after surgery. (I type all day). True?

Not true at all. I had my third TOS surgery in Dec, and my doctor told me the same thing. It's Mar now, and I'm still off work. It all depends what u are having. I had two scalenes removed and first rib. I've read about some people who went back to work in two weeks or so, but that's rare. God bless u on your surgery. Ask more questions.

[SwissMiss]

Originally Posted by sueofct

Hi. After many years (since 2006), doctors, tests, PT, more tests, more doctors I have been diagnosed with Neurogenic TOS. Surgery May 9th by one of our best Vascular Surgeons in the hospital I work in, with experience doing this surgery. I have bilateral TOS, with my dominant side being worse. My question, confirmed by 2 doctors, it that the first few days will be painful but then not so much, and I can expect to return to work 2 weeks after surgery. (I type all day). True?

Hello! Had surgeries on both sides with different recovery times.

Right side: 3.5 weeks off. Went back to work part time after that since I had serious symptoms also on my left side.

Surgery on left side (Arterial & N TOS) 6 months later. For left side I was 7 weeks off work and have been working part time for the past 6 weeks. I am slowly but surely getting better.

As you can see, very different healing times for each side. Take it slowly after the surgery. I may be completely wrong... but... you will hardly be able to type for hours 2 weeks after surgery.

All the best!

[kellysf]

I agree with the previous posts that two weeks is insufficient (especially if you have neurogenic TOS). I couldn't do much of anything for two months following my surgery. It's now 9 years later and I can't type for more than 2 or 3 minutes without making my pain worse.

You don't want to be in a position where you run the risk of re-injury or undoing the positive effects of surgery.

Good luck,
Kelly

[brisco71]

Originally Posted by kellysf

I agree with the previous posts that two weeks is insufficient (especially if you have neurogenic TOS). I couldn't do much of anything for two months following my surgery. It's now 9 years later and I can't type for more than 2 or 3 minutes without making my pain worse.

You don't want to be in a position where you run the risk of re-injury or undoing the positive effects of surgery.

Good luck,
Kelly

Completely agree. You don't want to go through this surgery for nothing. Give yourself the time you need to heal.

[sueofct]

Thanks. I'm using vacation time believing I'll be back in two weeks. Now I'm worried. I have to eventually have the other side done too.

[Jomar]

Just think of it as affecting the rest of your life, if you are very lucky you'll have a fast full recovery, but better to be safe and very cautious.

It is a chronic thing for many, the surgery can help a lot, but if you go back to same old thing with out making any changes you might be tempting fate..

Hope for the best , but prepare for the worst..

Things to consider..
Is the employer large enough that you can more into another job with less desk/typing?
Is work station as ergo friendly as possible? If not ask about this upon returning.
Can you use stretch break software or just make yourself take little breaks and walk a bit moving arms around and getting the shoulders back?

[kellysf]

Is it possible for you to use sick leave or to apply for temporary disability? If you can't perform your job duties, you may be able to apply for disability benefits (depending upon your job and benefits).

Take care,
Kelly

[kellysf]

FYI, I was an attorney. My surgeon said I could not work for 9-12 months after surgery. He also said I should explore another career because if I went back to the same job that caused or made my condition worse, I was likely to undo any benefits from surgery.