Hi everyone,

I am looking for some answers about recovery after a DaVinci robotic thymectomy. I am 3 weeks post-op and am feeling pretty well. I haven't had a surgery follow-up yet, so am left wondering about the questions below. If anyone has an answer to any of these questions, I would so much appreciate hearing your experiences!

1. Exercise – Any restrictions on that? When to do stretching exercises like yoga? I have been walking.

2. I feel a pulling sensation in my upper abdomen when I lift heavy things. Is this normal and related to healing or should I stop what I'm doing?

3. Are muscles usually damaged during this procedure and, if so, can I expect them to heal eventually?

4. The incision scars are flattening, but I still feel a small lump under each incision. Does this go away or is this scar tissue?

5. When can I use silicone scar removal pads?

6. How long does it take to fully heal from this surgery, on average?

I know everyone is different, but I would just like to hear about someone else's experience with surgery. Thanks so much!

TexasRose

I was told to do things to tolerance. If it hurts, stop. The incisions will be hard and raised for several months. As long as the incision is TOTALLY closed--no crusties, etc--you can use the silicone pads. However, my scars are almost toally invisible and I did none of that.

Everyone heals differently. There must be a balance between healthy exercise and over-doing it. Sometimes it's tricky finding that balance.

Thanks for your reply. It's good to know that your scars faded!

RE: scars...once your skin has healed over...use cocoa butter every day (or even morning & evening). My knee surgeon told me this ... and it worked! You can hardly see any of the 'tracks'.

Ever since, I have used cocoa butter as my only moisturizer. Wonderful stuff!! Buy it in stick form - - and don't put it in your purse or birefcase....it 'melts' in hot weather.

Thanks, Suev. I will get some!