My chest was very sore after my thymectomy. I had it in Aug. and still feel weak in my upper body. It hurt bad for 3 days in the hospital, when the chest drain tubes came out(3 days)that helped a lot. I walked real gingerly for 1 - 2 weeks. I couldn't drive for a month, their main worry is having a crash and hitting your chest on the steering wheel. I went back to work after 6 weeks. I am a high school teacher and missed the first month of school.

Now my chest doesn't hurt, but every once in awhile it feels a little strained.

The main thing I noticed was the weakness. I couldn't even lift a pan of macaroni with one hand to drain it. Sneezing the first few times was extremely painful. I kept a pillow nearby and bearhugged it when I felt a sneeze coming on. That didn't last for too long.

My kids are 10 and 14, so I don't carry them anymore. I can tell though my upper body is weak. I have trouble reaching for anything over my head. It is hard for me to handle.