| Last Updated July 13, 2004 |
My TOS :
I was just recently diagnosed with Neurogenic TOS. I think I've had this for many years, but someone finally figured out why I hurt so badly all the time just a bit over 2 months ago. Fortunately, the artery is not involved. Physical therapy is not helping any, much to my dismay, so after seeing Dr. Cassada yesterday, we have decided to go ahead with the Rib Resection surgery. Needless to say, I'm somewhat scared of this surgery after doing a lot of reading and research. I have had many surgeries in the past due to advanced Degenerative Disc Disease as well as other physical problems, but from what I've been reading, this is a much harder surgery to recover from. I am disabled already, and my computer and chat room are my outlet. I'm afraid I'm going to lose a lot of the ability to type like I am used to. Guess I need to get used to using the mic, huh? I would like to hear from anyone who has had the surgery and how the recovery went for you. I know that my recovery will not be the same, as we are different people, but just to hear may help calm some fears. My surgery date is set for July 19, 2004.
Just a quick update. I went yesterday for a diagnostic test at the Anesthesia Pain Clinic at UT. This test was to determine if the skalene muscle is in any way involved, and to decide if it needs to also come out. According to the Anesthesiologists that performed the test, they will both be recommending that the muscle also be removed, as I seemed to gain some relief from the deadening of the muscle. So, now I have this added concern. Hopefully someone will e-mail me who has had this operation and help me deal with the concerns I have. Hope everyone else is doing ok, and hanging in there!
David Cassada UT Medical Center Knoxville, TN