[Sam Malc]

Hello Everyone,
Well I have now read sooooo many of the threads and I am just so confused and scared about my operation. I am goin in on Thursday 5th Feb 09. It has taken approx 18 years to find my problem and I have had pain all that time. I have had every kind of treatment and alternative therapy going, I never gave up on myself getting better and having a normal life, but everytime I thought we might be onto something, that great big brick wall was slammed in my face again. I had a shoulder operation 2 years ago and the doctors were convinced that that would resolve all my worries.... guess what it didn't. Then mid 2008 I actually had an MRI scan and xray ( which I did ask for when I was 18, but I was told I didn't warrant it... hmmm ) anyway, guess what, from that and the diagnosis they have now said that I have 2 cerviacle ribs and a scalene muscle to be removed, well I must say It took myself anf my husband a while to agree to the operation, but as he so sweetly said to me, I can't continue to be in this anmount of pain everyday, I just don't know how I function sometimes. My pain ranges from severe Head and neck pain ( the kind that you want to jump off a cliff) to arm, hand and finger pain, also numbness in my hand and agony when it returns back to life, also if you pinch my fingers as hard as you can I cant feel them.. I could go on but I don't want to bore everyone. I just need to know what to expect, I was told I would only be in hospital one night unless they punctured my lung !!!!! ( which scared the ***t out of me ), they said it so matter of fact, has this happened to anyone else ), but that I would need care at home after. Well at the moment My Mum is coming up from devon to look after me for 2 weeks as my husband will need to return to work a few days after ( to pay the billls), but is this long enough ? I have some many questions, but If I go on and on I will write a novel. So if anyone can give me the main good and bad, I would really appreciate it. Thanks everyone in advance.
Kindest Regards
Sam

[Jomar]

Hello & Welcome,

We have lots of information in our sticky threads -
I'll give you the links to those since you kind of need a crash course before your surgery...

info-
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread84.html

drs & PT -
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread135.html


The Drs you have been to never mentioned anything about Thoracic Outlet {or inlet} Syndrome , or Brachial plexus anything...??

Your surgery should go fine.
The most important part is having a expert and experienced surgeon and taking care during the recovery time. So if you aren't sure about the surgeons skill or experience level, you might want to do some searching on him.

Also, during recovery you don't want a fall or car accident to set you back, or even reaching for a plate or glass too soon or too fast...
Gentle range of motion and some simple movements should be Ok'd by doc before you leave the hospital..

Tps -
Get as many things around the home prepared so you don't have to do much for a month or so{ just a rough estimate}.
meals in freezer, easy meals, laundry caught up

most TOS post ops rest best in a good recliner with lots of extra pillows to prop arms. takes the weight off the neck & shoulder muscles.

Have a table or tray near chair with phone, tissues, water meds, snack, anything you might need often.

I'm sure some of the group will have some more tips for you too, I'm just going from memory.... of what others have suggested before..

[Sam Malc]

Thanks so much for your help. I will go on the links and have a look. I don't know an awful lot about the surgeon but i will see if there is anything I can find out. He seemed to explain everything well to my hubby and I but, like everything who knows. you end up basically trusting a complete stranger. He did mention TOS, and I did a lot of my own research on the net ( Well what I could understand anyway ). I am luckier than some as I have my husband home with me for a few days then my mum and both are great cooks. We have already started the Spring clean throuhg, unfortunately we lost my mother in law to Cancer on Monday, so we have some unexpected time off, I was going to do it all on weds before my operation on thursday, but the funeral is weds now, so we are cleaning now. Awful time at the mo, but I suppose it could be worse ( not sure how much more but hey !) anyway I am trying to look on the brightside and I will do my very best to do as the doctor orders when I come home.
Once again thanks and if anyone else has any advice, tips, pointers I would really appreciate it.
Thanks lots Sam

[Sam Malc]

Oh my goodness,I have just noticed my spelling, my Mum and husband are good COOKS, so sorry, I think I am too tired to be writing now.
Sorry everyone. i will remember to check my spelling in future. Sam :0(

[Curious]

I fixed it for you Sam . After a few more posts, you'll be able to go back and edit. It's just a safety measure to keep spammers away.

[Sam Malc]

Oh thank you so much, I am really sorry, I think I need to get some sleep, then I might be able to spell. It seems a fun site but I am useless at these kind of things I will try harder to get to grips with it.Your too kind. Thanks again. Sam

[Sam Malc]

Ps: Me again, just quickly, don't be sad....( from your mood thingy) life is too short. Have a big smile from me :0)

[Alffe]

I seem to be chasing you Curious....

[Jomar]

Oh Sam,
So sorry to read about the loss of your mother in law.

[Sam Malc]

Thank you for that kind message. I am not looking forward to next week at all now, because of the funeral and my operation, then the next week it's my Birthday, dn't feel much like celebrating this year.
Just checking but i am not getting anyone else, leave me messages, am I doing this right, I don't know where to look when I log in, I seem to be going arouind the houses, just to get to this page with you guys on.Thanks Sam