Blurto, they check for all sorts of useful things. At MGH you meet with a team of different specialists; someone from the Thoracic Surgery Dept., an anesthesiologist, and a nurse to go over various things. One thing they cover is whether or not you've had issues with nausea after surgery. They can anticipate problems and solve them to make sure you're more comfortable and safe.

Sounds nice and thorough Limoges. I've most often had a chat with the anesthesiologist to check what medications I regularly take, a blood pressure check and questionnaire on allergies, usually after I've been admitted to my room on day before admissions, or like last year, a quick chat 15 minutes before I walked into the operating theatre.

Interesting how different it is.

Interesting too that you get to go to your room the day *before* admissions! My surgeries are usually schedule for first thing in the morning. It would be great to be at the hospital instead of having to get up super early to drive there.

It appears my left rib resection was highly successful. I was discharged 24 hours after surgery. I was surprisingly comfortable post surgery (I felt like I had been hit by a truck and had trouble walking after my cervical fusion). I didn't really need the fentanyl pain pump after a few hours and they transitioned me to Norco and Toradol. I will continue the Toradol orally for 2 more days then transition to Celebrex. Norco, Neurontin, Pamelor, and Valium will be continued as well.

Surgery was just under 3 hours. The brachial plexus was fully fused to the first rib, covered with scar tissue and required surgical neurolysis to separate. There was no scalene hypertrophy or fibrous bands. Dr. Angle was quite pleased that the issue was easily visualized and explained my symptoms.

Immediately after surgery my entire left arm was numb. I could move my arm but had no fine motor skill and could not form a fist. My function is slowly returning as I can make a fist but still have no grip strength. The left hand is basically useless at this time (which should be just resting anyway). I've noticed slow but progressive improvements all day today. My axillary incision is only mildly painful and I have some rib pain if I laugh or cough too hard.

I am very encouraged and Dr. Angle believes if the healing continues to progress we may be able to do the other side after only 3-4 weeks. We'll see how things go.

It's good to hear from you again, and that all is going well.

Glad to hear that you are well. Interesting to see about your numb side. Mine is on the right hand side and I'm right handed, could be a bit messy with limited movement.

Did you have any drains inserted??

I slept a good 6.5 hours straight last night in the bed on my right side, keeping a down pillow tucked under the left arm (I've been holding the pillow at all times). Left side is still very numb but dexterity is returning. I was able to scratch my leg and hold my iPhone this morning with the left hand. This was not possible yesterday.

No drain was needed. In the attachment, you may see that Dr. Angle made a second small incision to insert an arthroscopic camera to increase his visual field. I have been able to shower with my wife's assistance. We will be able to remove the bandages Monday.

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I have to take a moment to compliment the nursing staff at Mission Hospital. I had 3 nurses (charge nurse, main RN, and nurse's aid) attending to me during the day and two at night. All were pleasant, friendly and kept my spirits up. I had a private room and my wife was able to sleep on a lounger next to me.

Mission Hospital also had WiFi internet and HDTV. Overall, my most pleasant hospital experience by far!

Marc, so glad to hear that things are going well for you, and that you had a good experience. Be gentle with yourself and sleep often!

This is all great news!