I'd be very skeptical of the care you received. I've had this surgery on both sides. Both times, I was in the hospital for 4-5 days (1st day in a step-down ICU unit due to nature of operation and chest tube placement). My surgeon gave me whatever pain management I asked for and/or needed (usually a Dilotid drip for the 1st few days, Demerol for breakthrough pain, and then home on Percocet eventually downgrading to Darvocet/Norcal and then to Ibuprofen). I too CANNOT believe you don't have any pain management. Get some for heaven's sake - you DO NOT need to be suffering like this.

This is an extremely painful surgery (take it from someone who' had 7 surgeries in the last 3 years) and recovery - you should be as comfortable as possibly so that you can heal properly.

That said, it will definitely get better. You are still in the early stages of recovery. I couldn't even raise my arm and breathe properly for 2 weeks and then didn't get completely off the pain meds (using my actual pain as a guide) until about 8 weeks post-op.

I now have some residual nerve damage with complete numbness under both arms/armpits (2 years (left) and 8 months (right) post-op) that is likely permanent. For me, this is a small price to pay for the restored blood flow to my hands and NO resulting nerve pain in my shoulders, arms, or hands. (My TOS was pre-dominantly vascular). My only issue is I have to be careful shaving my armpits 'cause I can't feel the razor against my skin - not much of a problem really.

I hope this helps . . . and I pray that you INSIST on pain medication!

Please don't worry about posting here and that you might be inconveniencing anyone. We are all here for each other and can learn from each other (including you)!!!



Carrie