Just my 2 cents about movement after surgery (and I have NOT had TOS surgery.....yet). I had left shoulder surgery ~11 mo ago to repair a SLAP lesion (torn labrum) I was in a sling for 6wks. The first 2wks i could only take the sling off to shower. I still managed to grab for things, slip and fall- catching myself with my left arm, of course. I was amazed at how quickly those muscles wasted away. When I started PT, I could only lift my extended arm to about 1/2 way between shoulder and waist height. It took 2-3 wks of PT and alot of pain and streches to get it close to shoulder height.

I didn't wear a sling post-op, but was sent home with with an immobilizer per Dr Annest. This was for use only when I was out of the house, either among crowds (shopping, church, airports, what have you) or if I would be standing for considerable amounts of time (walking, shopping, etc).

It was just for the first 4-6 weeks after surgery, although I did find it useful a few other times. It has two parts - one is an elastic band that goes around the lower rib cage, the other is two straps that fasten around your upper arm and forearm and then velcro to the rib band. The wide elastic rib band helps stabilize your rib cage post-op, and the straps keep your arm in close and snug, preventing you or someone else from bumping it. I did wear it while traveling home and it made the trip less uncomfortable! But once home it was not worn enough that a frozen shoulder was possible, just to Dr and PT appts and church initially, later only to church, malls or other crowded places.

It is ideal for keeping the drag off the plexus while walking as Dr Togut suggests, including airports. It also serves as a visual cue that you have a disability so that others are less likely to bump into you - no matter HOW I guard my arms someone always manages to bump one or both getting on or off planes - usually with a bag that's WAY too big to be a carry-on in the first place (GRRRR - pet peeve!)

Anyway, fwiw, thought I'd explain what an immobilizer is like for those who haven't seen one, it's quite different than a sling, and used appropriately is NOT a drawback post-op.

beth

I had the trans-axillary surgery in October 2006. I had both sides done within two days of each other.
My surgeon says no lifting over 5 lbs for three months.
I only started PT in the last 3 weeks.
I was re-hospitalized two days after release for lung issues. You need to watch for this. With the reinflation of the lung, and then the chest tube in there, there is a good chance of irritation. Particularily if you are prone to lung issues.
Good luck.
Tracy

Thank you to everyone that's responded! Y'all are wonderful!!! It's definitely been an interesting past week for me dealing with this prep and I've found out quite a bit of info that might be useful for others going into surgeries (especially at Hopkins). Will try to get it all written up and posted in the next couple of days.

Mary