The vascular surgeon who wants to do surgery on me said I won't be able to return to work for at least 3 months. This would be after removal of a cervical rib, scalenectomy, and removal of scar tissue.

3 weeks sounds way too soon from what I have read of others experiences, but what do I know?

Hi, twelveleaves


oh wow 3 months? Cervical rib is a little different from my case, Cervical is an extra rib (so your surgery might be more complicated due to the anatomy in which the rib grew and what structures it has effected). Thankfully I didn't have the cervical rib, I just 1st rib (the regular rib) removal, scalenectomy, aswell as scar tissue removal . Do you happen to know the approach (the way) they are doing your surgery? (under the armpit?).

I was caught off guard when I woke up after surgery, I thought my incision was going to be under the collarbone, but it was on the side on my neck (roughly 3 inches vertical and above and along the collarbone). I'm curious if anyone has had this approach?

I'm seeing my referring physician on June 10th, to fill out my "return to work" documents. My surgery was on May 16th. so just over the 3 week mark. I'll find out then if i'll be on modified work duties (my surgeon stated I might have to work part-time at first), or if i'm still going to be off work longer. I'm hoping he'll state when I do go back to work, I have to work from home (due to the weight limitations) - I never knew how hard it was going to be not lifting more than 5lbs (being a women my purse/bag comes very close to that 5lbs mark).

I guess it's just to see how the progress is in the recovery process, yesterday and today's been a rough day - a bed ridden day. Pain is still the biggest concern as my pain meds are almost gone, which i'll have to switch back to my old prescription - praying it helps, even a little. Aswell as my breathing is a huge issue still (it's hard to breathe deeply - and painful) - having mild asthma is also a concern i'm just hoping a attack doesn't happen . the last 3 days here in Toronto have been Heat Advisories - therefore housebound - which sucks.


Anyways good luck on your surgery!! let me know how everything turned out!


Katie

sooooo..... my recovery is going to be a bit more complicated than I thought. came down with a case of shingles on my face - totally obvious (on the right side of my nose, and a patch just below my eye) and because pain is very common with singles... my jaw is killing me and having severe chronic right TMJ pain (jaw joint) is obviously NOT helping, also the pain has spread to my neck, shoulder and close to where the rib was removed, and headaches are another story... the Dr is pretty sure because the surgery was so recent, and I haven't been eating much, being in pain, lack of sleep, and just in general run down, it might have triggered an outbreak.

Seriously... of all times...

follow-up surgical appointment is in 8 days, I will post an update.


Hope everyone else is feeling good!


Katie

Katie,

My understanding is that surgeries involving cervical ribs are actually more straight forward. They also have better outcomes that do surgeries that stem from gradual, repetitive "injuries."

I did not have cervical ribs. I was told recovery would be 6-12 months. The surgeon also told me that I should not go back to the job that caused the problem in the first place (attorney) because the likelihood of re-injury was too great. In my case, I never went back to work (that was 8.5 years ago).

The recovery time provided by the surgeon is less important simply taking an honest appraisal of how you are feeling. I'm really sorry you now have shingles in addition to the surgical recovery to contend with.

Take care,
Kelly

So sorry to hear about the shingles and all the complications Katie! I had the same experience as kellysf regarding realistic recovery time even with cervical ribs. Having them doesn't mean recovery is any shorter, it can mean better recovery based on research and since mine isn't out, and my TOS has gone on longer than should of because of my surgeon basically not doing what he said he was going to do, my case is different from the"norm". But I think you really need to take it easy and please look into a home health care nurse as suggested by someone else. I am originally from Canada and came back to recover following my first surgery for 2 months. I got private health ins fairly cheap and home health care would be provided if in your situation, having no one to care for you. And PLEASE do not carry a purse. DO everything you can to watch your limits and listen to your body. At the end of the day, everyone is different so one dr cannot even say 3 weeks or 3 months, it all depends on the surgery and the person's overall health, job, support system....basically a variety of different factors. Take all of these things into account. I made the mistake of trying to go back to work by job hunting/interviewing for a new one to accommodate me and I could not even handle that. But again, everyone's situation is different. I hope you feel better soon!

Thanks guys,

Update. my return to work date as been postponed now until July 1st (I was scheduled to go back June 12th). I have been taking it easy I think I've defiantly learned my lesson - I'm glad it's been postponed will be relaxing as much as possible. Now my biggest hassle now is dealing with my work. you have no idea how clueless people can be when you state "cannot lift/pull or push anything more than 5 lbs" seriously they ALL said "can't you use a laptop bag you can pull" like DUHHHH.. do people not know what stairs are (you must use to lift up curbs, on and off buses, dealing with the subway is another issue and WALKING up stairs to street level (they don't have escalators) and doing all of this during rush hour and in Toronto??? No thanks!!! Dr's orders are until at least August 2nd not to lift weight (Which I'm listening to). Now, it's time to deal with the BS with work, and all the documents that have to be done with both work and the government for unpaid medical leave. Fingers crossed there won't be anymore issues....


I hope everyone is doing well!!

Katie

Hey guys,

I've got a question, Did anyone have any issues with shortness of breathe after surgery? it's been almost a month post-op, and it's definitely bothersome, I had Xray last week, when the shingles started the dr noticed i was struggling to breathe in the office (I was trying not to make it that obvious), I don't know if others have had it, it feels like i sort of panic if I cant' breathe for like 5-10 seconds. Dr. was concerned enough to personally drive to the closest clinic to do an emergency Xrays, Thankfully no pneuothorax (which he thought I had). I'm just curious if anyone has had this? how long did it last for? I saw my dr 2 days ago and he just said "It was a potential side effect, which a few patients have, it should resolve over time"... what is the definition of "time". I'd really like to know from actual patients who have had this.

please let me know!

Thanks,
Katie

yes it is a side affect.....in My case though, I had complications that reqiured 2 extra surgeries due to "Chyle Lymph Leaks" ( now 29 months post op) which caused damage to the Phrenic Nerve and my diaphragm was elevated into my lung and unfortunately continued to about 20 months post surgeries.......early on had bouts of bronchitis, chest tightness and terrible cough.....I still have shortness of breath when I do too much.....it is a very scary thing and doing "diaphragmatic breathing" is helpful but I still have great fatigue and other complications due to those extra surgeries.

chloecasey

Oh My.... i'm so sorry to hear about all the complications.... thank you for answering, I wasn't sure how common it is or how long it might last. I will try to do diaphragmatic breathing, i'm hoping it will help.

I hope your recovering well!

Thank you again!

Katie

Hi Katie,

Your shortness of breath would be a touch of pleurisy which should not take too long to get over. The rib cage generally assists with all things breathing and a full rib resection can have an impact on some peoples ability to breath as easily as they used to be able to. If your surgeon happened to touch the Pleura (the lining surrounding the lungs) during surgery, you will get a bit of irritation and inflammation until it settles also.

Did you have shortness of breath in hospital as well? I couldn't walk five yards without needing a rest. I couldn't talk and walk at the same time, which some thought was a good thing...

Shortness of breath is not mentioned often in these forums but you can be confident that you should get over it after a while. Remember to keep warm when it gets colder again.