Hi all

I sat and talked with my vascular surgeon on Friday. My husband was with me. He took us into his office and explained everything in great detail. He wrote a paper on the surgery for TOS in 2004. He's been performing TOS surgery for 10 years. He said he's done 100 of these surgeries. Is that a good number? What did your surgeon tell you? This was seemed to be very honest and told me that it's a very tricky "disease" and many surgeons don't like to do the surgery. It's very risky which I totally agree. You have to have a lot of knowledge and research TOS.

My surgeon is best with the surgery going in at the neck. He said he would remove 2 of the scalene muscles...a scalenectomy, plexus neurolysis and possible rib resection. He does not like to remove a rib...does not agree with that method. After going in ..he looks at the rib and if problems are there...he can shave some of the rib down or remove it all together. He said most of the compression comes from the scalene muscles and scar tissue on the BP. He said that he feels I will do well with the surgery. He said 2 days in the hospital and I will have a drainage tube but removed when going home. He explained the risks to the diaphragm. I was also instructed to get myself to a pain management Doctor who can work with me regarding meds and pain now and after the surgery.

My Neurologist has me trying cymbalta right now. Today is the 2nd day but no difference. He said it can take up to a week to start working. I don't seem to be having a reaction to is so that's good. I need something to work! I can't take it anymore!

I'm just scared...I can't afford to travel for this surgery...I have 4 kids and limited funds. This surgeon seems very knowledgeable but I just don't know. I don't really want this surgery! I don't want the scar!

Please post any answers that you may have. Thanks.

Oh and my surgery is scheduled for January 7th.

Momz