any thoughts? pro or con?
It looks as if I'm going to need a rib resection with sclenectomy

As has been said so many times, get yourself to a top surgeon, with a lot of experience doing these surgeries. Take their statistics regarding success with a grain of salt.

I had a surgeon is SF who has done about 90 surgeries. I liked him and he provided good follow up. The surgery just didn't work. In the 3 years since surgery, I have gotten much worse.

But other people here have had some success..Maybe they will weigh in.

Kelly

I'd say my rib resection and scalenectomy improved my headache, circulation, RSD situation - but I cannot say that for everyone. In fact, no one should tell you one way or the other. It should be your own personal decision.

surgery was a walk in the park compared to actually having TOS.

my hand symptoms are better thus far, but my back still hurts a lot.

i am 10 weeks out on the right side, and 5.5 months out on the left side.

I saw Dr Ahn in LA, he does two surgeries every monday, and is considered quite and expert in the field. I would highly recommend him if coming to LA is an option.

Hi Horsemommy,
Surgery is going to have to be your decision and you should do your homework and research. Johanna did a great research thread on surgeons and you should read it if you haven't yet Titled, DOCTORS and PT List for TOS and is the 10th post on this thread http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/showthread.php?t=135.
I had my first surgery 2 1/2 years ago which I though worked until 8 months later I begin having sever arm pain. I had to have a redo a year after my first surgery and 3 days post op I developed RSD... I had a top surgeon that was very experienced but I didn't have a good outcome.
So as you can see this is a decision you need to make on your own and do your homework before you have surgery...
Every case and every outcome is different some are good and some not so good. Know what you are going into before you go there.
Best of Luck to you
&Dawn

I would have surgery again in a second. After surgery my pain relief from TOS was instant. I had acute pain from the surgery but the numbness and tingling went away almost instantly.

I was very happy to get rid of the symptoms....I had a very vascular problem so the relief was great...no more hand swelling.....

So I am pro surgery!!

Love and hugs,
Victoria

As others stated, It has to be your decision. I had mine 7 years ago and had 6 years pain free. The pain that I am suffering from now is minor compared to my life before. When I say pain free, I mean not even advil. But, due to driving too long (20 hours of stress) I aggravated the problem. But now it is minimal. Pain medication, percocet and pamerol and that is it. Not large amounts. I am able to live a "normal" life. Good days and bad but much better. It was a long road. I even had a baby in between who will be turning 5 next week. Planning her birthday and College shopping for my oldest. Life can be tricky!

Wish you the best in your decision. Linda

thanks everyone.
My dad actually had this surgery more than 30 years ago (he was a guinea pig at the time LOL) and he has never regretted it.
I'm now in the process of getting the name of the Dr at Hosp of Univ of Penn in Philly. I have to start over (sort of) to get my surgery scheduled but at least I have documented Venous/neurogenic TOS.
Now the crappy part, my office manager just gave me notice that I'll be let go on 12/31/07. What a nice way to start the new year Luckily my insurance is thru my hubby, but how am I to have surgery in the spring with just having started a new job???
I ought to go out on medical leave now and stick it to them! (it's not work related but they knew I needed this surgery) How's that for treating me after 8 years of service!!! (long story)
If it weren't for the fact of taking care of my farm I would have it done now, but I don't have the extra help in the winter
Sorry for the rant, I finally came to terms with needing this surgery and my manager is being a PITA.
I only hope my next boss is more understanding.

Horsemommy,
I am sorry to hear about your job...
All I can offer you is Big Gentle Hugs
Best of Luck to you in your up and coming surgery..
&
Dawn

I am with you on reconsidering medical leave....even if you only mean it as a joke!, if you need the surgery, are you sure you aren't doing yourself more damage each day by working? If you are on the computer all day you may very well be. I really regret working those last 6 months or so In hindsite, it was a very bad idea to keep abusing my body that way. I am probably better now than i was then, but having a glimpse of what 'could' be (i see it only on the good days, which still come and go, even at home) i know that I was seriously in bad shape. The improvement I have gotten by tracking down my problems carefully and concentrating on fixing each individual one is essential if I am ever going to function close to normally again. I have gained 1000x more awareness of when i am using my body improperly and how much better it feels if I can get it to a proper position...of course it doesn't really want to be in that proper positioning, only gradual coaxing is helping it to get a little closer each day.

Just becuase they gave you notice doesn't mean you can't reconsider your personal medical situation.

just a thought.

warmly,
johanna