[succa]

Hi,

I was diagnosed with TOS a few months ago. I have suffered with pain for years and muscle atrophy on my right thumb. My pain fluctuates but seems to worsen whenever I carry anything or use the computer. It was through the discovery that I have a cervical rib on both sides that I was finally diagnosed. My doctor recommended I have supraclavicular thoracic outlet decompression surgery, however I am very concerned about the potential complications of this procedure. Consequently, I was wondering if anyone could offer any insight, advice or perhaps their own experiences? I have read a lot of horror stories on the internet so I thought it best to ask someone directly who may be better informed. Thanks.

[Jomar]

Hello,

At least with the cervical ribs being present, you have a pretty clear cause for your TOS.
Surgery by a highly skilled surgeon is always the best way to go, even if you may have to travel.
drs & PTs listings -
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread135.html

Usually the C rib removal has the best results.
Be cautious during recovery time, avoid fast grabs for things, bumps and rough car rides..

You can search the forum for specific posts mentioning cervical rib-
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/search.php

[rbn4jsus]

I have cervical ribs, as do BOTH of my grown children.
Weve all had surgeries for TOS, years later-we all have returning symptoms.
I encourage you to read up, understand your condition and all the options before surgery.
I thought I had done just that and wish Id known more!!
Im finding some relief now through a knowledgeable physical therapist.
You can read more about my journey with TOS here -
http://rtosjourney.blogspot.com/

Gentle hugs~

[succa]

Thanks to all those who responded! I have now had the surgery. It was a highly unpleasant experience and recovery took time, but I feel more like myself now. There were no complications despite my fears, although surgery was longer than anticipated as apparently not only do I have cervical ribs, but I am also "wired" differently to everyone else. So yes everyone in the family thinks I'm an alien now.

I was really hoping it would all be over, but it seems not. Although there is definitely some changes, I'm still experiencing discomfort, especially after using a computer for any length of time. I no longer experience any burning pain down my right arm and I can carry more weight on my right shoulder now as well as sleep on my right side, however my left arm, hand and thumb have started to give me issues. This is distressing as I have gone through so many years without my left side being a problem and I really do not want to go through surgery again. I am hopeful I will be able to find an alternative solution. The doctor I visited during my last appointment did not seem to believe there is one, but I hope she is wrong. I've not received any physical therapy of any kind and I wonder if this could be the answer.

I wish I could provide happier news...

[Jomar]

Your posture may have changed over time also, so some expert PT or expert chiropractic , body-worker might be a good thing .
*As long as they are very knowledgeable and don't force any strengthening too soon.

So things to check.
Is head forward of the body
are shoulder hunched or rolled forward

There are videos on you tube showing posture assessments. those might be helpful for you to watch..
There are also things you can do at home that are easy if upper body posture need some help..

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/album.php?albumid=422

[Kitt]

Welcome succa.

[16rhonda]

I can relate to ur experience. I suffered too for 8 yrs w sx, and 3 other surgeries for neck, shoulder, elbow pain. Bilateral C-Ribs. One yr postop of 2nd tos surgery w worsening pain & numbness for last 6 mos. I just found out I most likely have Pec Minor Syndrome. My Dr says its rare only 8% Other drs say 50% of tos pts have this too.
I feel like I haven't been able to move forward. We need to keep trying too find relief & try to enjoy life as much as we can!
Best wishes
Keep posting!

Originally Posted by succa

Thanks to all those who responded! I have now had the surgery. It was a highly unpleasant experience and recovery took time, but I feel more like myself now. There were no complications despite my fears, although surgery was longer than anticipated as apparently not only do I have cervical ribs, but I am also "wired" differently to everyone else. So yes everyone in the family thinks I'm an alien now.

I was really hoping it would all be over, but it seems not. Although there is definitely some changes, I'm still experiencing discomfort, especially after using a computer for any length of time. I no longer experience any burning pain down my right arm and I can carry more weight on my right shoulder now as well as sleep on my right side, however my left arm, hand and thumb have started to give me issues. This is distressing as I have gone through so many years without my left side being a problem and I really do not want to go through surgery again. I am hopeful I will be able to find an alternative solution. The doctor I visited during my last appointment did not seem to believe there is one, but I hope she is wrong. I've not received any physical therapy of any kind and I wonder if this could be the answer.

I wish I could provide happier news...