Tips to minimize discomfort after first rib resection
 

Hi everyone,

I'm a 33 year old male with bilateral TOS for 2.5 years. I'm scheduled to have a first rib resection on my right side (Dr. Hugh Gelabert, UCLA) in one month. I know that everyone's experience is different, but I still thought I'd ask those who have gone through this procedure a few questions.

First, are there things that people found particularly helpful during their recovery that I might make sure I have before the operation? Here are some ideas:

1) We do not currently have a recliner. Would it be in my best interest to get one before the surgery? Or will a couch be sufficient? I have a pretty comfortable ergonomic desk chair, but I'm not sure sitting on that all day would be that good of an idea.

2) Similarly, I was thinking buying a bed wedge system to lay in bed while keeping more upright would be a good idea. Would anyone recommend this?

Second, we have a new baby at home, but obviously he likes to be held. I know it will be not be possible to pick him up for some time after the surgery, but I was wondering how long it might be?

Last, it seems like everyone mentions some difficulty or pain breathing after the procedure. This sounds really awful. For this, and the pain and swelling in general, are there any tricks or things people learned during their recovery that they wish they had known about before the procedure (e.g., optimal positions to sit, stand, or sleep)? It would be great to have some ideas about how to minimize discomfort etc. beforehand.

Thanks very much for all your help.

Welcome newdad. :Wave-Hello:

Welcome!

I had surgery almost 10 years ago and am worse as a result, so take my comments from that perspective.

I had to sleep in a separate bed for about two months because I was up and down all night. Over time, I have changed my sleeping position so that I am almost sitting upright when I sleep. If I sleep with fewer pillows, the pain and pressure in my head spikes horribly. I think buying a wedge pillow is a good idea. You may find it helpful for you.

I have a seven month old grandson now and I find the lifting and the holding really problematic. I can pick him up okay once but if I do it throughout a visit I end up bedridden with a migraine to boot. You'll need to play it by ear with the lifting. I would say it would be a couple of months at a minimum. Have your partner bring the baby to you and you can probably "hold" him with lots of pillows propped under your arms.

I don't mean to freak you out by suggesting you will have the same experience. With any luck you'll have a much better outcome.

It's good you are thinking of these things now. My advice: do less than you think you can; take it slow; never push though the pain -- TOS doesn't work that way.

Good luck,
Kelly

The surgeon will give lifting weight & restrictions, so it depends on the weight of the baby.
And you sure don't want to risk dropping the baby.

Sitting & holding baby with a pillow supporting /propped under arm , is different and more doable than randomly picking baby up and walking /carrying.

Many do like recliners but a wedge is a option too.
Often it is the trying to sit up to get out of bed that is the issue ..
as well a some swelling form the surgery itself when laying flat.

Be resourceful and figure out whatever helps and works best for you.

You can use the search tool here or scroll back thru past TOS threads on surgery for even more tips..

I did extremely well following my surgery. I picked up my 13 lb. dog after about four weeks, guessing your baby will need picked up more than my dog though, it was hard.

You can sleep in your own bed as long as you have lots of pillows. A wedge pillow sounds great. You will have a 10lb weight restrictions for about 2 months so you won't be able to hold the baby. Don't try to force this as you will damage your surgery.

There are no tricks for pain except for pain killers. It's a painful surgery

We don't have a recliner, and I did fine sleeping in my bed after my surgery (first rib, cervical rib, and scalene resection and aneurysm repair). I just shifted positions a lot at first to try to get comfortable. I had a 10-month old daughter when I had my surgery. It was about a month before I picked her up, but I could hold her on my lap pretty quickly after surgery (especially when she was calmer like rocking her to sleep). I've had another baby since my surgery and have not have any problems picking him up.
Like others have said, the pain (and need for pain meds) is just part of the recovery, and you don't want to push it. I found I just needed time and some very gradual physical therapy, and I did fine.
Take care!