Sudbury Man's Double Battle for Life-Changing Rib Surgery Exposes Ontario Health Care Hurdles

Imagine living with excruciating, constant pain, a condition that robs you of your ability to work, sleep, and even hold your child. This was the grim reality for David Frew, a dedicated father and former miner from Sudbury, who spent years battling Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS). But his fight wasn't just against a debilitating illness; it was a grueling, two-pronged war against Ontario's health care system itself, forcing him to twice appeal for a life-altering rib resection surgery.

Frew's ordeal began subtly, with numbness and tingling in his hands, escalating into a 'lightning bolt' pain that shot through his arm and shoulder.

His left arm became virtually useless, rendering him unable to perform basic tasks or even embrace his son. Diagnosed with TOS, a condition where blood vessels or nerves in the space between your collarbone and first rib are compressed, Frew learned that a specific rib resection surgery could offer relief.

The procedure, involving the removal of his first rib, promised a return to a semblance of normal life.

His path to recovery, however, was paved with bureaucratic obstacles. Despite a clear diagnosis and a specialist's recommendation, OHIP initially denied prior authorization for the surgery, deeming it 'not medically necessary.' This rejection plunged Frew into despair.

"It's almost like you have to prove that you're in pain when you're telling them that you're in pain," he recounted, his voice reflecting the profound frustration of being disbelieved by the very system designed to help him.

Undeterred, Frew, with the unwavering support of his wife, launched his first appeal.

He gathered medical records, specialist reports, and heartfelt letters, painting a vivid picture of his suffering and the drastic impact on his life. This monumental effort eventually paid off; OHIP reversed its decision, granting approval for the surgery. A wave of relief washed over the Frew household, as David finally underwent the complex procedure at Toronto Western Hospital under the expert hands of Dr.

Michael Baker.

The surgery was a success, significantly improving his quality of life and allowing him to reclaim some of his former capabilities. "I was able to give my son a hug, a proper hug for the first time in years," Frew shared, the simple act symbolizing a monumental victory. But his ordeal wasn't over.

Months later, as he prepared for a second surgery on his other side, a mirror image of his initial struggle unfolded. OHIP, once again, denied prior authorization, citing the same 'not medically necessary' reason.

The familiar sting of frustration returned. Frew was forced to relive the entire appeal process, investing countless hours and emotional energy into justifying his medical need.

This time, armed with experience and a clearer understanding of the system's demands, he navigated the appeal with a grim determination. The approval eventually came, but the experience left him, and many others, questioning the fairness and efficiency of a system that forces patients to repeatedly fight for essential care.

David Frew's story is a stark reminder of the hidden battles many patients face within the health care system.

While grateful for the eventual care that transformed his life, his journey highlights a critical need for streamlined processes and greater empathy in prior authorization, ensuring that no patient has to fight twice for a chance at a pain-free life.