I had a TOS operation with severe complications. Original surgery was NOT at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). I am heading for a reoperation at MGH. Anyone care to share their experiences with reoperations at MGH? So far, I have been impressed by MGH staff.

Welcome, Sorry to read about your complications.
How long ago was the first TOS surgery?
Did you have mostly Nerve or Vascular TOS symptoms?

What kind of complications do you have?
Could it be scar tissue causing some of the problems now?

I don't know of many re ops posted about that I can recall..

Thanks for your response. In answer to your questions:
1. First TOS surgery was 3 years ago.
2. My issues are mostly nerve TOS
3. Complications were major nerves outside of Brachial plexus & arterial.
4. I am doubtful that scar tissue is the cause. My symptons were immediate after surgery. However, removing scar tissue might help.

Sorry to hear u had tos complications! I hope the next one can help much! I was wondering how found out u had a complication to the surgery? Did they hit a major nerve or something not related not related to ntos.
I had 2 tos surgeries at mgh and waiting for Pec minor tenotomy to be scheduled due to having worse sx 6 mos postop to my 2nd tos surgery.
Best Wishes

Sorry, I forgot to mention I did not have a tos reoperation. My surgeon and the staff at mgh are Excellent! You'll be in good hands.

1. First TOS surgery was approximately 3 years ago.
2. My issues are mostly nerve TOS
3. Complications were potentially major nerves outside of Brachial plexus & arterial.
4. It is doubtful that scar tissue is the cause but possible--my symptoms were immediate after surgery. However, removing scar tissue might help.

Hi, I was just wondering what your new sx were after your 1st tos surgery? Did your surgeon offer u a reoperation or what did he/she recommend? How did u cope for 3 yrs?
Best Wishes

My symptoms after surgery were severe pains in my neck area.

My surgeon did not recommend a reoperation. Shortly after my surgery, she was transferred out of vascular surgery into a satellite branch of the main hospital. She herself could not have performed a reoperation. My surgeon's supervisor also did not recommend a reoperation - only testing and PT.

I have coped with TOS by radically altering my lifestyle. I used to be a gym junkie, but no more. I try to avoid any lifting (but frequently violate my rule and almost always regret it). I even avoid using glass containers for drinking, which is difficult at restaurants. BOTOX has been helpful to me.

Because of my bad experience with surgery, I have unsuccessfully sought nonsurgical pain relief from numerous medical providers up and down the East Coast. To paraphrase the popular song - I have been looking for pain relief in all the wrong places. I have finally concluded that a reoperation is my best bet. Unless I chicken out, I will have a reop.

So sorry to hear of your complications, just awful! Was wondering where your from? Were u dx w Bilateral TOS or one side only? What nerve was damaged? Was it cut? Can nerve be repaired w a graft? What will a reopp consist of? Are u seeing a vascular, neuro. or thoracic surgeon at MGH?
I know how u feel, as I used to be a avid wt lifter and runner so depressing when u cant be active like u used to.
Take Care, and keep us updated!
Thanks
Rhonda

Rhonda,

It is one side. I am sending detailed info in a private message to you.