Going for surgery
 

Hey everyone. I am scheduled for surgery with DR. Schneider in NYC on the 25th of this month. Scaleneotomy and rib resection. I know everyone is different, but I was curious on some pain timelines. I understand it takes time to completely heal, but I was more concerned about that initial surgery pain. Like I can barely get out of bed and move around pain. I have three children at home and me and my wife both work full time. I will obviously be out of work, but its a lot of responsibility to fall on one person while I'm recovering. So how long before I'm up maybe making lunch or helping get the kids ready for school? And after this procedure does anyone feel limited strength wise after the pain subsides? Thanks for anyone feedback.

I would say 1-2 weeks [by my experience] before you can start doing basic household tasks. Be careful not of overdo things.

i was never in any pain. this is due to two things:

1. the pain meds make sure you are not in pain (as long as you make sure to always get ahead of it.) Never let it build up before you ask for another. 1-10 point scale. Don't let it get above, say a 4.

2. I think also this is because I was not in much pain going in. Positive attitude helps a lot as well. But if you are in pain now, do not worry, others who were in pain before said there is no reason to be uncomfortable after surgery because of the pain meds.

Everyone is different but I think you should not plan on helping anyone else besides yourself for 5-6 weeks. I am just now (5 weeks post op) using both my arms normally. Not because I couldn't, but because you need it to heal. Also, do not try to do everything with your other hand, because, as my doctor said, you will end up using both muscles in your chest by over-compensating on the one side.

Things are not scary at all post op. But you need time for everything. Plan on taking a lot of time for yourself to sleep, be cranky, be useless. This is crucial to rest and heal. You go through a traumatic experience in mind and body and you need the time. Just let others know they are going to have to do everything. You rest.

Often type A personalities who take on everything get TOS. Some of the healing is going to have to come from you making the effort to be as lazy as you can. That may be hard, hehe. But you have to, I think.

As far as I know, you get strength back right away. But don't use it!

hi Joshuamr....i might not be able to give u much info abt post op recovery...coz im still under investigation and waiting for my dr to come back from overseas n fix a date for the op..n im also kind of trying other alternatif treatment till my dr comes back..but i just would like to wish u gud luck on ur op n ill always pray for u..loking forward for u post after ur op on ur recovery..til then tinesh,malaysia.:):):):hug:gud luck for u again

Hey thanks everyone for the responses and well wishes. 2 weeks from the scheduled surgery.i appreciate all the advice and will take it slow and easy to allow for a healthy recovery. At work so I can't type much but I wish everyone else good luck in their TOS journey and my prayers are with u all.:)

Good luck!
 

Good luck for the surgery and the coming months !
Best wishes,
Anna

That was my meaning of life post-
 

Post number 42, for readers of the hitchhikers guide to the galaxy. I recommend the audio books if you are a fan of Science fiction. In this book, the meaning of life is calibrated as the number 42.

So, an auspicious post number with extra luck from the whole galaxy!

Takes care,
Anna