Wow, lots of new members. Some oldies that helped me through, but glad they are around to help out the people new to TOS.

2 years to the date since my surgery. I have to say that I am extremely happy. First rib removal and partial scalenectomy by Dr. Geoff in Ogden, Utah. It has to be the scariest, most painful thing I have ever done, but it gave me a life, family, and career back so I am grateful. In my opinion it has been successful. A reduction of more than half of the pain I had prior to surgery. I still have daily stretching, very light meds (NSAIDS, neurontin, flexeril), and exercise to keep it in check, but these I consider as an every day "must do" in order to maintain these results.

I play tennis once a week (yep, that's right), hike, and enjoy hobbies of cooking and reading. I go hiking with a few of my significantly younger lady friends and manage to keep up or break the trail. The early morning fall chill watching my children's soccer games doesn't bother me near as much as it did before the surgery. After a year of recovery and therapy, I went back to working full time days. I consider myself very lucky and very blessed to have these results.

Don't get me wrong, I still have the occasional day when I get the old TOS symptoms thrown at me. The pain keeps me humble and makes me appreciate how the surgery has affected me. I read posts from others who have not been quite as lucky and feel guilty for the success that I have enjoyed so far. When I have bad days I avoid the computer, rest, and stretch. When I have good days, I ENJOY them. TOS used to dictate my every move every day. It feels good to have at least a small bit of control over that nowadays.

I do have fibromyalgia, and suffer the occasional migraine; but these are unrelated to the TOS. I had/have bilateral TOS; had the right shoulder operated on and have noticed a significant decrease in the symptoms in the left shoulder. Will probably not have surgery on that shoulder if it keeps steady. Surgery is not for everyone and must definitely be addressed individually.

Just wanted to leave a message in celebration and a message to those that are in pain that I have not forgotten what it is like to live a limited life due to the TOS symptoms. I still do tons of research, follow up on new procedures, and what I can in my small part to educate my family and friends on this disease. God bless to all.

It's great to hear about your good results from surgery.

I too appreciate hearing about the good results...and from a doctor no one has talked about much, always good input...THANKS!!!!

Yes, please do not feel guilty about your good results!!! One, you talk about a possible doc for so many, and two, imagine how much HOPE you give to new people, and to old people who yet to have surgery, or who are trying new PT?!!!

As I read your post, I thanked God for your good turn around, as you seem to be really putting your all into your life, and you deserve as much freedom from TOS as possible. Also, how brave you are for returning to work so quickly, and how hardworking you are in all ways. If anything, take care not to overdo! But I don't want to rain on your fun days in any fashion - haha.

Bless you, bless you, and I do hope you'll still post from time to time to share your message of hope which is sorely needed as a balance to people like me, to show that not all of our stories are the same or need be. It IS a celebration of life!

Utah sounds beautiful!!!

I just wanted to echo Tshadow's comment about guilt. I had surgery 2 and 1/2 years ago, and am worse since. But I'm always happy to hear about people who've had good results. It gives me hope, too.

Kelly

I have posted this but, I had also felt guilty. I had 6 years pain free. My return to TOS was my own undoing. But, it is not as bad as before. Good luck! Linda

Hi Dudette,

I forgot you had your surgery right about the same time I had mine. It was 2 years ago Sept. 10.

I like you. also feel such a relief and for sure don't regret having the surgery.

I would say I am about 75% cured. I also still have some TOS flare up days, but I ususlly just take a muscle relaxant (I can them chill pills), and it does the trick for a good while.

I don't know if I could play tennis, but I do alot more than I could before the surgery.

Now that your feeling well, don't be a stranger around here. We have missed seeing you here.

Glad your feeling so well.

Take Care,

Peggy

Thanks for letting us know! Wonderful to hear some positive outcomes!!

Hi
Nice to see you again!!
Hope that u continue to give us good news!!!!
I love to hear happy stories!!!

Good news is so necessary to hear as it makes me believe not all of us have the same pain and nasty issues!!!!! You go girl and love life as much as you can as it is short no matter how sweet!!!

love and hugs,
Victoria