[antikamars]

Having my sub clavicle rib resection tomorrow at St Mary's Tennova in Knoxville with surgeon Dr. Donald L Akers. Have done lots of preparations vitamin and stocking up on items to help aid in recovery and helping to minimize scarring from the incisions. I am wanting to try and recover as fast as possible so that it minimizes the effect on my 2 girls (ages 2 and 8) as well as try to get back to work and still minimize the chance of scarring (work in a cubical environment with no ergonomics). I am nervous about the possible time out of work because I am the sole income for my family and have enough saved to make it about 4 months about of work max (have 11 weeks of FMLA left and must be back at work by Nov 25th). My questions are A: any suggestions from people who have had successful recoveries from surgery and B: Trying to only stay one night (which is what they say if no complications and I do well with the exercises 23 hour observation in outpatient) Any tips? Suggestions on minimizing pain level?


Much appreciated. Will also keep you guys posted once able to get back online.

Amber

[brmr19]

Just take it easy and take the pain meds they give you. You will definitely need some help during recovery. Just don't try to push yourself to hard.

[TOSchick]

You have a lot on your plate. I am sure you have learned pushing it is the worst medicine for TOS. The reasons they may keep you in the hospital longer than a night are many. I have bilateral TOS, so had two separate surgeries. They kept me 3-4 nights each time. The docs may want a pain ball flowing into your incision - this will reduce pain, but they cannot let you leave until that is taken out. You may already have a care provider scheduled to help with your children. Your kids will benefit over their lifetimes if you manage a very slow, steady recovery. Your time in the hospital will ensure you do not suffer complications. Best of luck and well wishes!

[antikamars]

Originally Posted by TOSchick

You have a lot on your plate. I am sure you have learned pushing it is the worst medicine for TOS. The reasons they may keep you in the hospital longer than a night are many. I have bilateral TOS, so had two separate surgeries. They kept me 3-4 nights each time. The docs may want a pain ball flowing into your incision - this will reduce pain, but they cannot let you leave until that is taken out. You may already have a care provider scheduled to help with your children. Your kids will benefit over their lifetimes if you manage a very slow, steady recovery. Your time in the hospital will ensure you do not suffer complications. Best of luck and well wishes!

Had to actually look up what a pain ball is...Will be couch bound and am very lucky to have such a wonderful support system to take care of me and children. Thank your for your kind words and advice.

[Jomar]

Best wishes and I hope all goes very well for you.

Do you have extra pillows , towels or blankets for positioning and support?

Many have slept in a recliner the first week or so, as getting out of a bed is pretty tricky.
Good to hear of the great support system you have.

[antikamars]

Thanks again everyone..3 hours until i'm due there..think the worst part is not being able to eat! lol...just trying to calm my nerves with laughter while I still can.

[stos2]

Amber, Will Send you a prayer and good wishes that everything goes well for you

[antikamars]

Finally got out of the ICU...doctor thought i needed an extra night as well...so fall so good....doing some light lifting and walking targeted to be discharged tomorrow.

Amber

[antikamars]

Sorry for the typos off the morphine and just on the percocets and am finally able to be awake for more than 30 mins period and walk a bit....overall thus far things are going great other than pain at the incisions have a tad in may left neck and down shoulder blade there as well...as you guys said time and taking it easy is just what I need.