Following "thoracic outlet surgery," including removal of my entire
first rib, and three scalenes muscles in my right neck on 3-25-04, I’m left
with a condition that continues to deteriorate. My upper spine is rigid and fixed and tethered. My lower spine is often painful and unstable.
I get headaches sometimes for days that are difficult to control (I
never used to get headaches). I have vertigo everyday which sometimes becomes long-lasting and
severe. I have difficulty holding my head up for very long. Riding in a car
for very long is very difficult.
My right neck has a large depression that appears to continue to grow deeper.
My right neck tissues stick together and are becoming atrophied. My right
external jugular vein can no longer be found on a Doppler study. The
muscles and ligaments that attach from my neck to my right shoulder and
chest grow tighter each week and I continue to lose movement and range
of motion of my entire neck, right shoulder and right arm. I have trouble swallowing and now aspirate easily if I’m not
careful.
Both my arms are weak, and I cannot strengthen my right arm at all.
My right hand is numb about 85% of the time.
My right shoulder blade hangs loosely in my back and sticks out
(called a winged scapula).
I have a herniated T6-7 disc abutting my thoracic spinal cord.
My entire right chest and shoulder area is numb to the touch still
almost one year after surgery. I cannot wear clothing on my right
shoulder without marked discomfort. I cannot be touched or massaged on
my right back due to this sensitivity and pain.
My right diaphragm
is paralyzed now due to damage to the phrenic nerve during surgery. Breathing is difficult at times. I have
ongoing sleep apnea. I cannot complete or pass a Pulmonary
Function Test because my muscles used for the inspiration of breathing
are now gone, or scarred tightly or paralyzed. I now have asthma attacks and
at times cannot "catch" my breath despite
using inhalers. My cough reflex is limited and it hurts to sneeze.
Walking is often difficult now and limited to shuffling and small steps.
My pain levels at times are severe.
I wake up drenched every night and morning in sweat.
What concerns me most is I have no team
of knowledgeable specialists to assess me and see me on an ongoing
basis, nor any viable treatment plan that might stop my deterioration.
I wonder whether surgically or otherwise
stabilizing my hanging shoulder blade might stop the tight downward
pulling and atrophy of my neck? I welcome any help or ideas. I can be
best reached by phone (707) 538-6011.
Thank you for reading my website.
