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TOS Cervical Rib Removal and First Rib removal

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Guest
Guest

I (have) had Thoracic outlet syndrome. It took approx 8 years to figure out what I had. Finally found a doctor I could agree with. He found cervical ribs both right and left. Only had symptoms on my right side. Pretty sure symptoms were brought on by a car accident (whiplash). Anyway.. Had the cervical rib removed and the first rib removed along with the skaleen muscle that was in a spasm. It has been 5 weeks and I am still taking pain meds, although I am finally starting to feel some relief. Not ready to quit the pain meds though. Although I'm gonna have to since my dr wants me off them. Wish he could feel this pain.My chest is numb but it is painful underneath. It burns like heck and the muscles, or it may be the facia that runs from my neck to my chest that is so tight it kills me. I try to do my stretches but it hurts. Mornings are awful. Be prepared to not sleep at first. I am thankful to have found this site. You feel like you are the only one out there who has been through this since it is such a rare anomaly. If you are going to have this surgery perpare yourself for not only the pain but the mental challenge of being in pain for so long. You will have some really down days. Good luck

1 like, 198 replies

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  • wendy176
    wendy176

    Posted

    Hi Louise, glad it was a good ending for you. how long was it for you and what tests did you have to go threw for a consultant to do the op !!!!
  • louis52558
    louis52558

    Posted

    Hi there,

    Well once They found the rib I was referred to Great Ormond Street hospital and had an MRI and an x-ray however they then referred me to another hospital in order to see a specialist. I had two more MRI's and a few x-rays done by the second hospital and they found that the rib was constricting one of the blood vessels in my neck. I was then sent to have a nerve test to see if they were damaged in any way but they were fine. I then had a meeting with the surgeon who recommended I have the operation as symptoms were only going to get worse, and around 6 weeks later I was in surgery. The whole process from discovery to surgery took just over a year, but I wasn't an urgent case.

  • wendy176
    wendy176

    Posted

    HI there louis5258. Hope you are doing well now ? It's been over a year now ! had MRI and scan-x-rays and isotope scan. At the being they thought it was my heart ? heart got the all clear, and my Doctor said it was cervical ribs abet. been in and out of hospital ever since. even had two letters apologising to me that they had missed on scans and that showed cervical ribs on both sides. but every time I get to see my consultant appointment they keep saying if I had cervical ribs they do not cause pain !!! I showed them my letters to say it was confirmed that I do have cervical ribs ! They really want to live in my world !! and now I have got to go on Friday for what you said a nerve test ! I have now had to ask for second opinion because I cannot go on like this. I still work but I pain for it with the pain.
  • louis52558
    louis52558

    Posted

    If you're living in the UK I recommend going to the Royal London Orthopaedic Hospital for your second opinion, that's where I was refered and they have a really good group of specialists (apparently the best in Europe), and they'll defiantely know what to do
  • wendy176
    wendy176

    Posted

    Hi louis52558. Many thanks for that. will ask for that. it's great on hear because you find out a lot more about the condition and know that you are not mad and alone !
  • nadeem52448
    nadeem52448 Guest

    Posted

    Hi there,

    I just read the experiences you all guys been through are freeking me out. I have a cervical rib on both side and have been suffering from the symptoms of TOS. I have been told I have to have an operation next week. I'm quite worried to be honest and just wanted to know a bit more about the procedure and recovery n how it will effect me later I guess??? If anyone could help me who had reciently operated. I'd really appreciate it.

    Thanks

    • .........
      ......... nadeem52448

      Posted

      I had my operation in february of last year and only had to have one side taken out. I was out of hospital after one night and although i still have pains (mainly muscular) its better i guess. I know i havnt had to have both sides operated on but i think its best not to worry!! Everyones experiences are different and when i read some peoples experience on here i was freaked out but it was all ok in the end. Just remember that soon you hopeefully will be rid of the pain you have now!!
    • wendy176
      wendy176 .........

      Posted

      Hi Jessbear16. glad to hear your op went well. how long did you have to wait for your op, and what tests did you have to have. ?? I have had scans. xrays. MRI. etc, had the report that I have cerivcal ribs both sides, but consultant just messed me around for over a year now, so got rid of him, and been waiting now to see another one at a differant hospital, but been waiting for months.

       

    • .........
      ......... wendy176

      Posted

      Hiya yh had to wait a while too at least over a year i think - Went to several hospitals and none seemed to know what to do with me but eventually got treated. Yeah i had to have xrays and MRI which wasnt very pleasant!! 
    • wendy176
      wendy176 .........

      Posted

      Yer MRI !!! I don like small spaces so hated it. Glad I am not the only one then with these hospitals. hopefully I will get treated soon, tablets they have given me do no good, and to be honest physio seems to make it worse. is there anything you found help it !

    • .........
      ......... wendy176

      Posted

      Im afraid not!! I dont think i had it as bad as you but i just took normal iburpofen when i had the pain - sorry im not much help in that respect 
    • wendy176
      wendy176 .........

      Posted

      Morning, iburpofen does not help, why do these hospitals mess you around, no wonder they are in trouble. my notes have been lost so many times. I have asked if I could keep a copy ! but can not, yet they are my notes !! it would save such a lot of time, and would not have to keep repeating the tests. Thanks for are chat, it does all help knowing we are not the only ones going threw this.

       

    • .........
      ......... wendy176

      Posted

      Oh i know its such a hassle chasing them up every few weeks !!! Yeah thats why i joined this group - i just wanted to know more about in the same situation smile 
    • wendy176
      wendy176 .........

      Posted

      At least we listening to each other more than consultants !!! and to try and find ways to manage the pain. and to get on with every day !

       

    • CanadianRN
      CanadianRN wendy176

      Posted

      I have copies of all my scans and reports that doesn't make sense
    • ss07saz
      ss07saz .........

      Posted

      I'm having the same experience in terms of being messed around.  which hospital was it?  Mine is the Northern General in Sheffield.
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