I am asking for those who have had 1st rib removal to relate post op experiences!!
I am finally authorized for surgery with Dr. Avery October 4th. I am trying to plan what to expect and get what I can in place to make it through this experience in one piece! I am a single mom with an 8 yr. old daughter. Thankfully I have a few family members around who are planning on helping as well as some friends. I am terrified and at the same time excited to have a chance at getting my life "back" or at least to reduce the amount of pain I'm in. Life will never be the same and I realize that, but to be able to experience a little more of it would be something truly exciting.

Some of my questions:
1.How was it right after surgery? Day of? The first couple days?

2.What was it was like when you left the hospital?

3.What was it like getting around?

4.What did you need help with? ie. how steady were you, how well could you take care of yourself? Help going to the bathroom? Showering/bathing?

5.Did you need help with the incision at all? Anyone just have incisions above and below the collarbone?

6.How did you manage pain? Did you need ice a lot?

7.What was it like the first couple of days?

8.The first week?

9.The second week?

10.a month post op?

11.two months post op? etc.?

12.How did you deal with meals, dishes, laundry, shopping? Did you use public transportation?

13.How active were you, ie. walking around?

14.What kind of tools did you use to make it easier for yourself? Any tips/suggestions?

Thanks so much for any input. I really appreciate it.
Nidia
--
Injured July,2002: 2 door size boxes weighing 120 pounds fell against my back. Concentra, then Dr. Weddington for Thoracic strain, lumbar strain, did PT and acupuncture, R arm began to hurt 1/03, switched Dr's, Dr. Swartz, MRI April, 2003 showed tendonitis in R shoulder/rotator cuff, slight bulgein neck, changed Dr.'s again after Dr couldn't offer any treatment but meds,off work May/03, Dr. Handleman, good relief from osteopathic manipulations &prolo injections. Continued with acupuncture & PT. I was feeling about the best that I had since the injury until Dr. got a crush on me and had to seek new Dr., worker's comp took 4 months to authorize new Dr., got increasingly worse, Dr. McClure diagnosed TOS, had MRI/MRA Nov/04, cervical epidural Nov/04,Began seeing Dr. Hines for pain management, s/x on R shoulder 1/05 w/Dr. Greenwald, cervical epidural 3/05 for neck which helps, began seeing Dr. Rosales/psychologist for cognitive therapy. Had QME psyche eval w/ Dr. Schnneider. Had AME psy
che eval w/ Dr. Kipperman. Had eval w/Dr. Ansel. Cervical epidurals 01/06, 03/06 and facet block injections 8/06 with dr. Giovanniello. Cognitive therapy w/Dr. Shulimson & Now have Thoracic Outlet surgery approved for 1st rib removal with Dr. Avery in SF.