[gigicnm]

Hi all. This is my first post. I'm 42 dx with TOC in August, but have had it for over 2 years. I was injured during work just over 2 years ago. Initially I though I had tennis elbow, but it quickly became obvious that there was something more serious going on. About six weeks after the injury I was diagnosed with cubital tunnel syndrome. I a few months of PT and OT, but had no improvement in my symptoms.

Just about 5 months after my injury I had a submuscular ulnar transposition and carpal tunnel release surgery. The day after my surgery I felt that something was not right and was in uncontrollable pain. Six weeks post-op I got the diagnosis of CRPS/RSD (complex regional pain syndrome) in my right (domenant/injured) arm.

I have spent the past 18 months trying every treatment I could to get the symptoms of CRPS under control. It became apparent that there was more than CRPS contributing to my symptoms and I was finally diagnosed with TOS.

My original hand surgeon recommended that I go see Dr. Sang-Gil Lee at MGH in Boston. Dr. Lee diagnosed me with TOS. He recommends that I have my first rib removed as well as re-opening the incision on my elbow (actually making a much bigger incision) cleaning out the scar tissue, addressing any neuromas and maybe even moving my nerve again, plus doing a DeQuervain's release on my thumb. Essentially three surgeries at one time.

I have read a lot about Dr. Donohue being the best for TOS in Boston, but where I have other issues than just TOC I'm not sure that he could help me.

I was wondering if anyone has any experience with Dr.Lee?

Also I would like to know for those of you who have had the rib removal surgery how long did you stay in the hospital (baring there are no complications)? I see Dr. Lee soon so I can ask my list of question, but would like to get some idea of the common hospitalization times.

Lastly, has anyone gone through this surgery who had pre-exisitng CRPS in the same extremity? Did you do anything pre-op or intra-op to hopefully stop the CRPS from spreading?

Thank you for your help,
Gigi