I had surgery on my right side on Oct 23/06 and my left on Oct 25/06. I got immediate relief from the numbness and tingling in my hands.
I still have some pain, mostly muscle pain from the surgery. I know I am only four weeks out, but I have a very positive attitude. I am following my Dr.'s orders to the letter. I never lift anything that weighs more than five pounds. I only spend 15 minutes at a time on the computer. I try to walk a little every day, even if it is just around the house. I have not driven since the surgery, and probably won't until Christmas.
While I am having a few problems re-training myself to sleep on my back instead of my side, I am finally feeling more rested than I have in a long, ong time.
My Dr. is very optomistic. He has a lot of successes. He actually will give you the names and numbers of people that he has operated on for TOS, so you can talk to them about their outcomes. He gives you the numbers of both positive and negative outcomes!
Before my surgery I talked to a lady whose surgery made her worse. We talked for a long time, and she cacme to the concusion that if she had done as her Dr. requested she would ave been a little better, but certainly not as bad as she is today.
I talked to a fellow that works as an aircraft mechanic with my husband. Two years ago he couldn't hold a wrench, after the surgery he is back to work full time. While he has had to learn his limits, and not over work himself, he is able to work as an aircraft mechanic again after not being able to provide for his family for years.
I expect, and my Dr. expects that I will be able to return to dirt biking in the summer, and I should have at least a 90% recovery. Of course, I need to do exactly as requested of me in order to get there.
I know that this can be the most frustruating and painful injury. A lot of us have other health problems on top of the TOS. After speaking to a pain management Dr., he suggested I go through a workbook called The Artist's Way. He, and the book, stress a positve attitude is essential to having any kind of quality of life, and deal with this injury.
Deppression takes us over so quickly, and we become paralyzed with grief, unable to hep ourselves. We need to grab hold of the reins, and take control of our own health. Too often we leave the decsions to the Dr.'s, they know more after all. We need to live positivley, let this syndrome know it can't have us. We may have it, but it doesn't have us!
I am grateful to Dr. Nelems for giving me feeling, and functionality. He helped me mechanically, I and my family will continue to help me in every other posible way, so I can realize the best quality of life possible out of this horrible, horrible injury.
Thanks for listening to me rant. I just wanted to give a positive reason to keep on going. Better health can be yours, as it is mine!
Tracy
PS gentle hugs to all () I pray for you all daily

Trix- I've only been trolling around here for a short time, but it's GREAT to hear of a positive outcome (even only 4wks post-op). Thank you for sharing the positive news - i don't think we get enough of it (and i know I'M guilty of only complaning!) good luck and take it easy!!

thank you for sharing trix.

We need to live positivley, let this syndrome know it can't have us. We may have it, but it doesn't have us!

what you stated here is so true. i do that with my back condition.

getnle hugs...and of course....Attachment 430

It is important to hear the good news from those who've had surgery.

You made some very good points.

Each of us has varying factors with our TOS. Each of us can have an entirely different outcome from the other.

Some people will follow their Dr.'s advice to the tee, and have a great outcome; others will not. Some will be diagnosed after years of pain, some will be diagnosed after a motor vehicle accident.

Each case is it's own individual case.

Dabbo, feel free to grumble, vent and complain!! That's what the forum is for also! We all have those days (sometimes weeks, months ) where we need to vent, and this is a great place to do so!! Everyone here is very supportive and usually can relate!! This place can be the most wonderful place in the world when you are having a bad day!!

And curious says it well!! We do need to focus on the positive. It is so much healthier, emotionally, spiritually and physically to do that!!

I'm so glad to hear you are doing well Tracy!! You go Girl!!

Hugs to All,
G~

Hi,

Thought I would add to this considering the recent posts about a bad outcome.

I had surgery by Doc B in Denver almost 8 yrs ago. Both arms all 3 types really bad and was back to work in a matter of 6 months post op the left side. It was a year in between surgeries. I work in the OR. I can't do what I was doing before, but I certainly can still work and do it well.

First of all, please do your homework on docs before surgery. Anyone doing this should have really good outcomes with an experienced doc known for TOS work.

Also, if one waits too long nothing may help not even the skills of a great TOS doc.

NOT ALL TOS surgery comes out badly, but it seems the ones that do have bad outcomes really are upset and in some cases rightly so, others not. If one wants to blame their own surgeon, fine, but don't lump them all together. The top TOS docs are not on the same level as the other docs that think they know how to do TOS surgery.

One important thing is that not everyone is built the same and even the TOP docs may not be able to fix in one patient that they can in another.

Get help sooner then later by a TOP doc in TOS. It's your life and future to make an informed decision. You can get information off here, but then go away and make a decision on your own talking to MANY other patients of the doc you are thinking about going with.

Patient and doctors post op outcomes is the key to having a future after surgery.

Many have had TOS surgery in Denver by a few docs and most don't post anymore because they have a life and have gone back to work!

For others seeking info on Docs and surgery, TOS surgery can and is a life saving surgery in many ways. IF done by a TOP TOS doc.

What great news to hear... Remember NO heavy lifting!!!
Be very careful.. You don't want your Dr's handywork to get jumbled up...
I'm so glad your doing well..
Rest, Rest, Rest....
((Hugs))
Dawn

Hi Tracy, Took me awhile to see your good news - just catching up after taking a few days break from the computer myself. I'm so happy to hear of your good results and your positive attitude!!! Keep up the good work!! Wishing you a continued successful recovery and reduced pain.

So Happy for you!
Nolina