3 weeks post op cervicle/1st rib resected
 

scared scared scared... part of me wishes i never had this operation, i was sent home the day after surgery no xray done no pain killers given the pain felt as if i was being stabbed in the chest,couldnt breathe or relax nothing, the next day i was back in hospital with a lung infection they kept me in for 5 days now i am at home breathing getting there just cant get rid of this scared feeling i am not sure if i was supposed to post this on here guess i just needed to voice how i feel right now,,feel kinda silly troubling a bunch of strangers no disrespect just need someone to talk to you know, am i supposed to feel so stiff and numb will it get easier xx

hello Joanne,
Please feel free to read the other posts here on the TOS while you are recuperating.

Just to be sure you get the main TOS page with all posts listed here is the link -
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum24.html

There are other posts of surgery outcomes & experiences for you to compare and we'll be happy to talk when you are better able to type more.

will it get easier

for sure, your in acute phase.

Hi Joanne...praying you are feeling somewhat better. I am 6 weeks post right rib resection, scalenectomy, and pec minor clip. I can tell you that you are not alone. This has been a very hard time in my life. I can tell you that I am better than right after the surgery, however, it is small baby steps and very very frustrating.
I cannot believe you are not on any pain killers. At this point I am still on two pain killers, muscle relaxer and ibuprofen, and I dont like to take meds...but if I didn't I can't imagine how it would be. Keep posting responses and let me know how you are doing. I am a good ear and my goal would be to encourage you.... Deb

Omg!
 

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)!!!

:grouphug:

Carrie

OMG is right
 

email me and i'll try to help u thru this