I had the rib resection surgery two years ago. I still have problems with hand swelling and numbness I also have knot in side of breast from surgery, went back to see surgeon today about all this and he diagnoses me with edema and prescribes me a compression are stalking. Tells me he took out rib nothing else he can do. but when I ask about disability he tells me i can get a job answering phones or making appointments on a computer but if on computer too long everything swells up . If i over use it too much then it causes migraines so who is going to hire someone that only can answer phones and input data in computer. And if has a flare up has to stay home.

Hello Mindy,
I'm glad you found the site, hope we can be of help, and also give you emotional support through your journey with TOS.

Welcome

yes, it's a journey.

I believe I'd get another doctor's opinion. Sign up on disability if you have to and need to. You can do that yourself or get an attorney. You will have to use his records, but don't sound like they'll hurt you. Some doctors are just antidisability until it happens to them. If you're not able-bodied, then you're not employable. It would be difficult to have a public job. I'm self employed and lay around more than I want to.

There's lots of info, support and friendship here. Jump in whenever you're ready. We're here for you.

Most surgeons have no bedside manner and tend to not want to bother with anyone they can't cut on (again)

Have you seen a neurologist yet ?

Mindy, I'm sorry your having such problems. After my rib-resection and scalanectomy It took about a year to feel better. At first I had been diagnosed with a herniated disc and had disc replacement. When I was still in pain they just thought I wanted more pain meds. Like we really like taking them all the time!

I would see another doctor and try to be placed on disability. That is what I am going to do now. I have TOS and RSD and have been unable to do alot of daily activities. Working is not an opition. Best of luck and I hope you feel better, Linda

mindy,

my cousin tells me soft kiwi is great for edema. she eats one every single morning. i don't know where the edema is, but raising that part of your body higher than your heart is good too, when u are resting.

your doc makes me depressed too. feel for ya. you may want to try the doctor tacky page to look for a better one.

as far as what jobs you can do, i hope u find one. if the job is answering phones you can use a headset to make it more ergonomic, and make sure how you sit is ergonomic. if you can land a job, ask the doc for a good pt to help you out with the ergonomic stuff. if what the pt suggests doesn't work, then you have some ammunition for disability or for a better suggestion on what type of work you can do. good luck.

I had a posterior thoracotomy with 5 rib resections. I was left with nerve damage and scoliosis. I could probably answer a phone or use the computer for about 15 - 20 minutes at a time. After that, I have pain. I can't stand with my hands down at my side for too long or my right hand goes numb. Some days are better and some days are bad enough that I just lay in bed most of the day. I had a very good attorney help me get on disablility. Don't let anyone tell you that you can work, when you know you can't. I had my surgery 10 years ago. It never got better for me and as I age, I'm sure my health will get worse. If your not on disability now, get someone to refer you to a good attorney. I've also been seeing a psychologist for years to help with depression. Good luck.