Rib Reconstruction

[BlueEyes1022]

I posted my story or most of it in the thoracotomy section I hope, if you could look at it and see what you think I would very much appreciate it. Someone mentioned to me that since they do rib reconstruction for babies and children that are born disfigured that maybe there is a possibility to replace the ribs they broke and partially removed. I have to keep a small pillow under my arm to keep the remaining end of the 6th rib  I believe out of my ribcage. If I raise my arm too high or pick up anything heavier than a glass it gets caught and it is a heck of an ordeal to have my husband or massage therapist help me. I realize there is plenty of nerve damage along with this but the second surgeon thought that he removed enough of of those two ribs to clear my shoulder blade and said that he is sorry and will gladly go back in and remove the rest of those two. I am chicken because he said that he is not certain that this would help the pain but it would keep my rib from being stuck which I can do with a pillow. A terpurpedic bed is great for post-thoracotomy especially due to the nerve pain.  My prayers are with you all.  BlueEyes1022

[Tuckamore]

Hi Blueyes,

Welcome to our pain management forum. I am so sorry to hear about your extensive pain and procedures. I did read your other thread. That is an old thread on this forum. I do not know if you will get any responses. You may want to leave a PM to the members that have experienced similar medical issues as yours. I do not know if they are all active but it doesn't hurt to try.

I am sorry that I know little about your medical condition. I am hopeful one of the other members may be able to offer you some suggestions. I tend to agree that I would be reluctant to consent to another surgery.

Have you tried seeking another opinion? If not I would. Best of luck to you. Please take care and keep in touch. Please stay in touch. We do know about pain and support. We are here to support you in anyway we can.
Take Care, Tuck

[Mollyrae]

Hello BlueEyes:

Welcome to the Pain Forum. Gosh, I'm sorry to hear of this terrible problem you have to deal with on a daily basis. I'm not sure what advise if any I can provide you with. This area is new to me. However, I do know a lot about the pain side of things. If you ever need help with questions of those type, feel free to ask. Us folks here in the pain forum know a lot about the painful side of things. I have not yet read your story in the Thoracotomy forum but I will hop over there soon.

I'm glad you have decided to join our forum. I know you will find it helpful with many members who are very knowlagable and also very comforting to know others have  or are dealing with conditions such as yours. Please take care and glad to see you.
Mollyrae