Hi there Concoulor3,
I'm now almost six weeks post First rib excision op.
I have to be honest with you here. In my experience, the first week was tough and I required alot of help from family members. I didn't account for unforseen problems immediately after my op. Apparently the actual procedure went very well BUT I became seriously nauseous afterwards. The initial choice of painkillers given were not good for me and I reacted very bad to Diclofenec ( not sure of spelling). I had TERRIBLE stomach cramps and bloating while in the hospital. What I thought would be quite a quick release after the op resulted in me staying in the hospital for 6 days. You have to be prepared for the unexpected.
Make sure that you have friends and relatives on hand to watch the kids for an unspecifed time. Things like washing up, cleaning etc are a total no-no for some time, for me atleast 4 weeks, and I still only do the absolute minimum now.... Don't take the risk of undoing the surgery by overworking or stretching the muscles too quickly after the op. If you go back to household duties too fast than you can cause yourself additional problems due to thickened scar tissue.
Make sure you prepare your body for a trauma..... good vitamin intake, lots of Vit A,B,C and D. I also take Glucosamine Sulphate which is good for the production of connective tissues and Omega 3 oils to help with circulation. After my op I made sure to try and have pineapple- fruit and juice, it contains Bromlein ( again sorry, not sure of spelling)..... its VERY good as a natural anti-flammatory.
Re; clothes, anything loose fitting. So that you don't have to over stretch your scar tissue with a pulling up action. A nice stretchy sports bra that can be pulled up GENTLY up your legs. You may have probs with lifting your arm up or behind you if fussing with straps.
I'm from the UK and have seen on the shopping channel the "Ahh Bra" which is available to purchase on-line. Ideal due to their stretch factor.
Post six weeks and I still cannot tolerate straps near my collarbone/shoulder area.
When you have got to the stage of dressings coming off and it is confirmed by your doctor that your scar tissue has sufficiently sealed apply a vit E oil and VERY GENTLY massage the scar. This stops your skin from drying out and helps reduce the tight pulling sensation on the skin that is experienced during the healing. I use "Bio oil".
Bear in mind that scar tissue will be inflammed and red for what will seem like forever but give it 4-6 weeks and you will see huge improvements.
Look up gentle stretching techniques posted by Jo*mar and Chroma..... very good, ( such as Corpse Pose, Muscle Relaxation Meditation.)I do them daily!!!!!!!!
Hope this helps. My advice is to keep POSITIVE and ensure that you allow yourself UNINTERRUPTED "me time" to concentrate on your stretching, breathing,meditation..... whatever you find relaxing. Even as little as 15 minutes a day works. Oh I almost forgot THE *MOST* IMPORTANT THING......... POSTURE!!!!!
Concerning your kids- being the age range is 6-11 they are all capable of understanding what mum needs doing. Prepare them well with the facts prior to your op, draw up a chore rota NOW!!!!......... Let them get used to new undertakings with helping you out in the house BEFORE you have the op. You have to install with them that unless mum is fit and healthy than she can't do anything for them anyway. I'm fortunate enough to have just the one to deal with however my son has special needs and even he was introduced to new skills within the home. Making his own sandwiches, snacks and prepping his own school bag and uniform, Putting dirty laundry in the wash etc. Be fair and prepare them for the change to come.... They have to input and learn to take more responsibilty for themselves and to help take the load off you.
Put in place a reward system for their completed chores. Set them up challenges and use a timer for each one... make it fun with treats at the end of the day.
This op is pretty intense and can take its toll on you so ensure that you take control of your own wellbeing.
Good luck and best wishes.
SD38