I am scheduled next week to have 1st rib resection and removal of scalene muscles due to VTOS. Not ruling out any neuro damage at this point as well based on symptoms. My main issues are pain, swelling, heaviness, temperature changes- extreme pain in left side of neck and left forearm. I am nervous, not knowing what to expect; especially as I am typically the care taker. Nurses make the worst patients. I am having this procedure done at Shane’s ( UCF) which is 4 hours away from me) my husband is able to stay with me in the hospital which is a relief. I feel confident in my surgeon who is also the chief in vascular surgery and one of the top professors. I feel blessed to have his skilled hands work on me. It’s taken years to get to this point, and I’m ready for relief……
I’m sure there are a million threads , I’m new here if anyone could help guide me on what to expect. How painful is this, should I expect drain tubes after? How long were you out of work? I believe I will be in the hospital 1-2 nights. Thank you in advance

Since I had never heard of VTOS I had to look it up. Sounds like you are embarking on a major surgery, and recovery and outcome is unknown until one goes thru it all.

I always look for alternative therapies to all surgery and looked up alternatives to this surgery. Here it is, perhaps you know of it.

*copyrighted quote removed- available by following link*

Conservative (Non-Operative) Treatment of VTOS | Request PDF


Perhaps others here have comments, good wishes on whatever you do.

There are many past posts with info for you.
On my computer- not sure if phone or tablets will show the same....but if you scroll down to bottom of page you'll find similar topics..