All goes well one-week post op except that I have burning pain in my chest. Dr. Sanders says that this is from irritation to my cutaneous nerves and that I should try brushing my chest with a soft brush, but that this may last for a couple months. The soft brush thing doesn't really work. Light tickling and any type of cooling action in does help a bit.

However, it is still excruciating.

I'm wondering if this sounds like RSD to any of you? If so, any thoughts about whether I should look into getting blocks? Are the right type called sg blocks? All thoughts very very appreciated.

LA,
During the operation a lidocain soaked pack is placed in the chest for some time to numb and calm things down. Post op it is numb and then starts to wake up from the poking , pulling, and proding. The clips they use to cut the rib are as large and heavy duty as pruning clipers.Lots of truma going on.

I would try an ice pack wrapped in a dishcloth to desensitize it. OR the old stand by of bag of peas.
If it doesn't calm down maybe Dr. S would consider a lidoderm patch to help, I would call and ask.

I hope it soon calms down, some did for De in three weeks and other before three months.
Take things slow and easy,
Di

Yes, there can be several months of burning. Try the ice. If you can tolerate it, it will help and should also prove that there's no RSD.

bags of frozen peas....MMMMmmmm chilly!