Julia,

I'm sorry to hear you're experiencing pain post-surgery. I had a left rib resection and scalenectomy almost 6 years ago. I'm much worse than I was prior to surgery. I was a lawyer but haven't been able to work since 2003.

I urge you to limit your computer use. I cannot imagine how you can use it for 4-5 hours much less your usual 12. For me, anything that involves extending my arms -- cooking, driving, computer, laundry, holding a book, writing, most housework -- increases my pain. The only way I've managed the pain is to reduce or eliminate those activities. That and lots of pain medication.

Do everything within your power to not do activities that make you feel worse. With more time, eliminating the aggravating actions doesn't get rid of the pain; it's ever present. So do what you can now.

Good luck,
Kelly