FAQ/Help |
Calendar |
Search |
Today's Posts |
|
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Thoracic Outlet Syndrome/Brachial Plexopathy. In Memory Of DeAnne Marie. |
Reply |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
|
02-24-2009, 07:34 PM | #1 | |||
|
||||
Junior Member
|
Hello to all,
My two teenage kids & I all have cervical ribs. My kids have each had a rib resection due to arm pain. I've had recurring episodes for 20 years, chronically since an auto accident 5 years ago. My question is-I know and trust the surgeon who did surgery for my kids. He runs a TOS clinic, and I've consulted with him about my situation. I have A-TOS, surgery is recommended. I might like a second opinion, but everyone I call requires a referral from the diagnosing doctor. Why?? In the land of the free, I cant just gather my records and test results, xray & mri's and go see a doctor for a second opinion?!? I dont want to infer that I dont trust the opinion of the surgeon who has helped my kids by asking for a referral. And I dont feel I NEED a second opinion, im just curious. What do you think? Did all of you who've had rib resection surgery get 2nd opinions? Did you get referrals from your diagnosing doc? Thanks for your thoughts and experiences-its awesome to know I'm not alone. ~Robin
__________________
~Robin www.rtosjourney.blogspot.com |
|||
Reply With Quote |
02-24-2009, 09:43 PM | #2 | |||
|
||||
Senior Member
|
Quote:
Yea, you need a second opinion, but take it with a grain of salt. I had too many opinions. Are you comfortable with the 1st doc? I still would want to get more advice and understanding for your unique problems. |
|||
Reply With Quote |
02-24-2009, 09:47 PM | #3 | |||
|
||||
Member
|
some insurance requires a referral in order for the visit to be covered. in the land of the free it costs to be free.
i am nagging the hospice for a prescription for a lift recliner. 2 days of nagging so far. dad is depressed that his wife may not live long enuf for this his probably last gift to her. the chair dealer can give us a $400 medicare credit with scrip, or we can pay full price and #$%^( medicare. docs get punished the more they spend so they may not see 2nd opinions & chairs as necessary. |
|||
Reply With Quote |
02-24-2009, 10:47 PM | #4 | |||
|
||||
Member
|
I have had mixed/positive results with 2nd opinons- I didn't particularly care for the 1st doc I saw, but the 2nd doc poked at me ith a pin, and said he could move my ulnar nerve to the inside of my elbow . Never went back to him....
So, I went back to the first doc, got referred to my Pain mgmt doc. About once a year I go see a vascular surgeon for a fresh look at me, and so far, they didn't recommend surgery.
__________________
To do what ought to be done, but would not have been done unless I did it, I thought to be my duty. -Robert Morrison, Phi Delta Theta Founder Currently redefining 8,9,10 ...... . |
|||
Reply With Quote |
"Thanks for this!" says: | (Broken Wings) (02-25-2009) |
02-26-2009, 01:33 AM | #5 | |||
|
||||
Member
|
hi Robin,
Just make sure you are comfortable with whatever doctor you choose or go to and don't let any of them hurt you during the exams!! I have seen many many doctors to get to a vascular surgeon who didn't tell me it was in my head or I had to go and live in pain. (I'm in Canada) Make sure you know the doctor and his/her track record and know that they have done the surgery lots of times as it is tricky and should NOT be done by just any doc. ....okay reading backwards see that you do!! That is a huge bonus!!!! Now in saying that, Arterial TOS is NOTHING TO MESS WITH. I'm sure you know this and likely have been told this. It could be a MAJOR issue very quickly at any time. I only say this having had a 90% occlusion in my subclavian artery and vein and having my 1st rib removed along with a scalene and I am blessed with bilateral cervical ribs. It is your comfort and your body so if you are SURE then you are SURE. Comfort and knowing a good surgeon are 2 of the most important things in a tos surgery consideration.....the other in my mind is urgency. Only you can do the next thing necessary........ Welcome to our community glad to have you!! I am sure you have some advice to give us too!! love and hugs, Victoria
__________________
How poor are they who have not patience! What wound did ever heal but by degrees. . |
|||
Reply With Quote |
02-26-2009, 08:56 AM | #6 | |||
|
||||
Member
|
It's been my experience that Insurance companies WANT you to have a 2nd or 3rd opinion BEFORE having a major surgery.
When I was first dx with TOS, the neurologist said I needed a surgery but he would not be the one to do it. 2 years later when the pain was unbearable, my GP wanted ME to find a surgeon (result: failed surgery and damage beyond the TOS). That's when Beth took me aside and recommended Dr Annest in Denver. One visit to him and it was like suddenly, someone KNEW what to do and had the experience to DO IT! My confidence level increased 1000%. Analogy: If your refrigerator had a short in the wiring, you'd take it to a refrigerator repair place. Not an auto mechanic. Sure, an auto mechanic may have knowledge of wiring and electricity, but how many refrigerators has he repaired? And would going to an auto mechanic void the warranty on the frig.?
__________________
. "It is what it is." |
|||
Reply With Quote |
"Thanks for this!" says: | (Broken Wings) (02-26-2009) |
03-10-2009, 10:39 PM | #7 | |||
|
||||
Junior Member
|
I've called around for appointments with a few well known TOD docs-I've heard 3 times now that my current doc has to refer me...thats bs, my ins. co dosent require it, and with the great outcome both my kids have had with their rib resections-i dont want to jeopardize my relationship with my doc here close to home whos done so well for my kids by asking for a referal....grrr.
I'm calling a couple more docs tomorrow-but if I get the run around Im just going with my guy the forst week of April... frustrating. I dont feel I NEED a 2nd opinion, just wold feel more responsible if I got one I guess. thats my update...cheers!
__________________
~Robin www.rtosjourney.blogspot.com |
|||
Reply With Quote |
"Thanks for this!" says: |
Reply |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Forum | |||
Looking for LDN users experiences | Multiple Sclerosis | |||
Scs experiences | Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD and CRPS) | |||
PT - Your experiences? | Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD and CRPS) | |||
cervical adr experiences | Spinal Disorders & Back Pain | |||
In need of your experiences... | Chronic Pain |