just diagnosed with venous TOS, dr donahue

[Eddiemaverick]

Originally Posted by fclegg

Hello! I went to Mass General to see the same vascular doctor that saw my sister 3yrs ago. She had VTOS. We both saw Dr Stephan Wickey. Dr Wickey ordered Doppler ultrasound which showed blood vessel compression, enough that Wickey said I should see Dr Donahue. My chief complaints were and are neurological. Saw Donahue same day! When blood vessels show compression, then nerve compression is a reasonable assumption, per dr D. So he suspected NTOS, but I had to glo thru phys therapy and when that failed, Botox shots and when they helped, then he concluded that NTOS was a reasonable diagnosis. He is very conservative and is choosy about whom he operates on so that success is achieved for all involved. Recovery is slow, I had LOTS of nerve scarring, he said. I will take at least a yr to recover.

Similar course for me w/ Dr. D and yes he is conservative on who he operates on which is reassuring.

[Joshuamr]

Thanks for the response. I'll try and contact dr Donahue by phone.

[Iris]

Originally Posted by Joshuamr

Thanks for the response. I'll try and contact dr Donahue by phone.

I think it is worth travelling to see dr donahue. He is nice and kind and smart.

[Woodstock3]

I live in VA and am making an apt to see Dr. Donahue because I've heard such wonderful things. It seems he does repeat the PT, Botox course for those with NTOS. I was wondering, since you said the Botox worked - was that not an option to continue with the PT to see if things got better? Also, how many injections were there and into what muscles? Thanks for sharing your story I wish you continued progress in your recovery!

Originally Posted by fclegg

Hello! I went to Mass General to see the same vascular doctor that saw my sister 3yrs ago. She had VTOS. We both saw Dr Stephan Wickey. Dr Wickey ordered Doppler ultrasound which showed blood vessel compression, enough that Wickey said I should see Dr Donahue. My chief complaints were and are neurological. Saw Donahue same day! When blood vessels show compression, then nerve compression is a reasonable assumption, per dr D. So he suspected NTOS, but I had to glo thru phys therapy and when that failed, Botox shots and when they helped, then he concluded that NTOS was a reasonable diagnosis. He is very conservative and is choosy about whom he operates on so that success is achieved for all involved. Recovery is slow, I had LOTS of nerve scarring, he said. I will take at least a yr to recover.

[ladylaura418]

I saw him today - LOVE him. Seriously, I told him today that I would re-do both of my surgeries again if I was sitting where I was a year ago. He has been amazing over the past year and a half to me as a doctor, even with all the complications and challenges we've faced. I feel so fortunate to have found him. Please PM me if you have questions; I will sing his praises to anyone who will listen.

[ruggedbear2]

I was treated by Dr. Donahue for VTOS about a year ago. Recovery from first rib resection is not fun, and it really does take the full year he tells you it will. But here I am a year later and other than a little stiffness that I still stretch, my arm is almost 100% again. If you asked me six months after surgery I wouldn't have believed it. I am forever grateful to Dr. Donahue!

[ladylaura418]

Originally Posted by ruggedbear2

I was treated by Dr. Donahue for VTOS about a year ago. Recovery from first rib resection is not fun, and it really does take the full year he tells you it will. But here I am a year later and other than a little stiffness that I still stretch, my arm is almost 100% again. If you asked me six months after surgery I wouldn't have believed it. I am forever grateful to Dr. Donahue!

Ruggedbear - I'm so glad you share my sentiments! He is amazing.

[romans8]

Originally Posted by ruggedbear2

I was treated by Dr. Donahue for VTOS about a year ago. Recovery from first rib resection is not fun, and it really does take the full year he tells you it will. But here I am a year later and other than a little stiffness that I still stretch, my arm is almost 100% again. If you asked me six months after surgery I wouldn't have believed it. I am forever grateful to Dr. Donahue!

I read your comments after I just posted something on another thread saying people like you do not post on this forum. You proved me wrong. Would you mind reading my last post on the "Chris Carpenter" thread and offering your opinion to my question? You have given me renewed hope.