I'm not sure what surgery you are talking about. It's been so long since I had mine by Dr. Sanders. I had my first rib removed on the right side in 1999 or 2000. I can't even remember the year. LOL It is a long healing but I never had my arm in a slang. As far as PT. I think it just depends on how long it takes to get a person feeling better. I spent almost a year in PT before the surgery and I finally figured out that I was not going to get well without surgery. I used a tens unit that he got for me. I slept in a recliner for quite awhile after but I had so much trouble taking meds that I basically had to heal without meds. I would have done better if I could have done meds. My PCP and Dr. Sanders worked together to get me better.

In 2004, I had 3 inches of muscle taken out from under my left arm to help with the chest pain and also if that way worked I didn't have to have the rib removed on that side. It did ok.

I am vertually painfree today. I never thought I'd get as far as I am today. I have my RSDS calmed down and my TOS. I am getting ready to have an implant put in for depression. I will get a block before that surgery to insure that the RSDS doesn't come back out.

I have a 2 inch cut at the base of my neck and a 3 inch scar under my left arm. He did great with me. I was blessed to have him and my PCP taking care of me.
I for got to say that as far as the driving. Bill took me most places even before the surgery. I can't remember how long it was before I started driving after the sugery.

It depends on also if you have any other illnesses you are dealing with. That could slow down your healing. I had too much going on at one time.

Ada