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How long to recover after cervical rib removal?

Posted , 3 users are following.

cobwebs925
cobwebs925

My op was just over 3 weeks ago and I'm very uncomfortable still. I'd like to hear from others who had this op how long it was before they felt OK and how long before they were able to go back to work etc

They removed the cervical rib, 1st rib, some muscle (scalene I think) and part of the clavicle. I'm still totally numb on my chest, neck and front shoulder with that nagging toothache pain on the back shoulder and down my arm. Still have all the numbness and weakness I had before the op too!

I'd really appreciate any comments as I'm feeling like I should be better. People who have not been through this seem to be of the opinion that I had the problem removed so I should be better now only I'm not!

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    Hi cobwebs925, i just posted something about my op 16 months ago. sounds to me like your in my club....i had rough time, still am, is your blade winged now? that could be cause of pain and you should ask for nerve testing to establish if they have been damaged. its long recovery. i had 2 months off work as i was on liquid morphine & Tramadol....still take Tramadol when its unbearable, and i still have odd days off work when its too painfull. i do sympathise. i had Physio, but as its nerve pain there isnt much they can do. some massage is helpful, as i have muscle runs along the neck/shoulder which goes into spasm, but am going to ask for accupuncture.

    good luck x

  • cobwebs925
    cobwebs925

    Posted

    Hi Lulu65, I dont know about the blade, what kind of symptoms are you having with that? I get spasams in my hand, sometimes the little finger and ring finger sometimes the thumb.

    I'm very uncomfortable and the muscle in the base of my thumb is flat and weak like it was before the op despite trying to use it. The specialist is sending me for physio then another MRI scan to look at the other side as it might be bi-lateral. I have been off work 8 weeks but dont feel ready yet to go back. I just wish they would tell me what is normal for this stage in recovery. If I should feel better then maybe all isnt well but if this is what I need to go through to get well again I can cope but I want to know what to expect really. I cant accept that I'm feelimg sorry for myself which has been suggested however they have not felt this discomfort 24 hrs a day! Good luck to you too

    Best wishes

    Helen

  • Stacey222
    Stacey222

    Posted

    Hello-sorry to hear about your troubles.

    I've had surgery three times now, and may need to go in again.

    The first 2 times I had the bones removed it took about 2-3 months to heal completely. During that time I did lose alot of sensation and the pain was difficult to cope with. However, after lots of physio and when it had fully healed I was lucky enough to have little to no pain, marked improvement in circulation and movement.

    I guess it's different for everyone though-I hope you have a good recovery smile

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