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| Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Thoracic Outlet Syndrome/Brachial Plexopathy. In Memory Of DeAnne Marie. |
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09-28-2007, 08:20 PM
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In Remembrance
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Yes, this is what I mean about the people here have resources to get someone to Denver if money is an issue, and YES, the Denver docs are highly regarded by Blue Shield when I had mine pre-authorized.
(And this is not to say that there are not other good docs, but just to add to Beth's line of posting. Anyone else may throw up their recommendations if they've got a good doc close to Melissa.) |
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09-29-2007, 02:09 PM
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#12 | ||
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Melissa,
I feel for you as I had those same fears for the last 20 months. When the pain got so bad and I was so messed up mentally on pain meds I knew it was time. I didn't know what Dr Sanders was going to suggest. I just asked him to please help me as I was so tired of Doctors that either didn't know or didn't call me back. I lucked out and only needed a pec minor release surgery. I am so glad I went with the knowledge this forum has given me. It's been a big help to me. Try not to compare what your outcome may be with patients, but take their advice and see a TOS specialist at least for a consult. Take Care  Quote:
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09-29-2007, 04:06 PM
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Melissa- Had I known what i know now, would have had surgery a long time ago. Pt helped, hellerwork helped, pain meds helped, but nothing was goign to fix the mess inside of me except surgery....
the earlier you do it, the better chance you have. i know it is a hard decision, for me, there was really no downside.. i figured is i was already living on pain meds and surgery made me worse i guessed i might take even more pain meds? seemed like the same thing to me, so I tried because i could not stand the thought of life the way i was before surgery. For me, it was MUCH LESS horrific or painful or whatever else than i had imagined. At 4 weeks out, i certainly feel as well as i did before surgery....and it was that way last time, too. Mind you, i had a very good surgeon, who performs about 100 of these surgeries every year (2 a week every monday morning). I didn't believe him when he said i'd feel pretty good in 4 weeks, but he was right- I felt at least as good as i did going into surgery both times, certainly no worse. The outcome of my first surgery was defiinitely helped by close management of my neurologist who got the heads up to give me the cortisone injection...but I think dr. ahn would have come up with it too if i had gone back to him complaining, but I depend on my neuro for that stuff. anyhow, I wish for you the best possibile decision, I definitely advise looking into your heart, but do not be afraid of people's stories too much, because those who feel good have often gone off to live their lives...not hung around to complain about how bad they feel. You will ALWAYS find more posted about bad outcomes than good outcomes.... i have to run, without rereading this post so if i have any horrible thoughts or bad typos sorry...check in later many hugs to you Johanna
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. Last edited by johannakat; 09-29-2007 at 05:56 PM. Reason: bad typing |
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09-30-2007, 10:20 AM
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I've got an idea; my insurance won't cover an out-of-state visit anyway, which meant I was going to have to pay for any myself. My dad did send me some money (no husband to speak of, or kids to help out) that I can put towards a consultation with a top TOS doctor before I decide to undergo surgery with one here in Minnesota. I'm considering seeing Dr. Brantigan, since he is one of the original heavyweights, or so they say. I did have a phone consultation with Dr. Sanders, and have a tentative appointment with him later in October, so I might try to do both at once. My mother does have frequent flyer miles to burn, thankfully, so we won't have to worry about airfare. Then when I get my medical insurance mess squared away, I can go ahead with the surgery here in Minnesota, if it's necessary.
Yeah, I do realize I am hearing a lot more of a negative than positive stories on this web site and the Internet in general, I just really wanted to make sure I undergo surgery with someone who has performed many, many TOS surgeries in the past AND will be around to provide adequate aftercare. All right, off to work on my SSD/SSI application. Take care everyone,  Melissa Last edited by MelissaLH; 09-30-2007 at 01:48 PM. Reason: Oops |
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09-30-2007, 12:09 PM
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#15 | ||
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In Remembrance
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As they say,
YOU GO GIRL!!! Sounds like you've got some fight in you now!!! We are HERE for you!
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10-02-2007, 09:06 AM
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Melissa,
Not only would I recommend doing your homework, but seek a second opinion. I had the TOS surgery 2 years ago and never have regretted it although I hear a few are sorry they did. Before my surgery, I just point blank ask the surgeon if the surgery could make my symptoms worse. He said no. He gave me 80% chance it would help and 20% chance it would not do anything for it. The odds to me looked pretty good. I was in so much pain, I was really ready for it. Ask your doctor that question and see what his response is. That might help you in making your decision. Good Luck! Peggy
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Hi Melissa
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