Decision decisions

Dee · January 30, 2007

I've just returned from a consultation with a surgeon regarding cronic neck pain. He had diagnosed thoraic outlet syndrome and advised me that surgery (the removal of my first rib) will most likely alleviate the problems, but as with any surgery he cannot be 100% sure about the outcome and in this case not 100% sure about the actual diagnosis. Using his wealth of experience and assessment, he's convinced enough to suggest surgery.

He outlined the dangers with surgery of this kind (the decision is to cut near the neck/or under arm to remove the rib - close to vital arteries/nerve supplies), and as with any operations there are concerns re anaesthetics. In my case, the surgery will be on the same side as a shoulder repair and will require strained movements of the arm (pulling in and out) to get to the rib, which may weaken the repairs done to the shoulder.

I now have a choice - to go ahead with the surgery and risk the possible repercussions etc BUT be possibly cured/relieved of the neck pain (which is quite serious) OR continue to treat the problem with multiple trips to physio/doctor/painkillers/moaning/massage for the foreseeable future waking up everyday with cricked neck

opinions?

Nathan Explosion · January 30, 2007