New here considering rib resection TOS

rbn4jsus · 02-21-2009, 03:31 PM

Hello,
Reading several posts on this forum has been helpful and concerning. I am a 40 yo generally healthy woman with bilateral cervical ribs. Symptoms in my neck began 20 years ago, chronically 5 years ago after a car accident.

I've done everything in the book to manage the discomfort. Both my kids have c-ribs too. They've each had one rib recestion due to arm pain with excellent results. My main symptom is neck muscles locking up randomly-spasms, upper back, some slight arm discomfort. TOS study showed vascular impingement. I consulted surgeon who did my kids' resections last week-he thinks he can help me. i am unsure. I am not a teenager to heal as quick as they did, and my symptoms are not the same as theirs. Doc thinks he ccan help-after reading here today...yikes.
I'll be checking back for any new updates. glad to know I'm not the only one

*copied from TOS intros sticky*Jo

astern · 02-22-2009, 05:50 PM

Hi Robin,

Sounds like your kids had a good surgeon. You may get great results as well, just be sure you have ample time to heal/recover, helpful family and some good Feldenkrais or some e-z pilates for PT. You're right, we aren't spring chickens anymore and we need extra special care.

All the best,

Anne

ps: hope my links were helpful and not too scary.

gibbrn · 02-23-2009, 03:54 PM

have you tried botox to calm the tight muscles....I have and it works quite well just a thought and perhaps something to try before the thought of surgery

love and hugs,
Victoria

tshadow · 02-23-2009, 08:43 PM

I am a proponent of surgery because:

I waited too long.

My headaches completely went away for a year after, and then still, are less.

RSD went into almost complete remission. (Very unusual, but I think because I got better circulation, the body could heal more.)

Didn't cure me at all, but SLOWED IT DOWN, as it was progressing so fast in '04 - '06.

I just say to find a doc who knows what they are doing, and it sounds like you may have a "good one" there!

God bless.

rbn4jsus · 03-03-2009, 08:57 PM

thanks for the feedback-much appreciated. surgery scheduled for early april-cant wait to git er done and be free of these stupid extra bones and get on with life.
~Robin