Hi Eight,
I had a transaxillary rib resection 5 weeks ago... Mine was vascular, no neuro symptoms, but as far as the actual surgery goes maybe my experience can help... I wish you an easy and stress free surgery and recovery. I really hope it helps you!!!

1. Is there anything I can do before the surgery to make the recovery go quicker and/or improve the likely hood of a successful surgery?

Have your home set up and prepared for recovery so you won't have to worry about it after... Things like a chair or extra pillows to prop your self up in, food stocked or arranged to have brought, house cleaned. Arrange for someone to help you out after surgery and if possible have someone go with you and stay with you at the hospital - make sure they know what your wishes are in case you can't speak for yourself. I know this is a hard one but your state of mind going in affects your state of mind waking up. Anything that can help you be calm and not afraid. I was terrified going in and woke up terrified and crying which didn't stop for 45 minutes (apparently not an uncommon anesthesia side effect but still it sucked).

2. Is there anything I can do after the surgery to make the recovery go quicker and/or improve the likely hood of a successful surgery?

Keep as active as you can - not to the point of pain - but walking a little every day and gentle stretching can go a long way. I started getting full body massage 2 weeks after surgery and have been continuing with that every 2 weeks. It was amazing how much it helped both physically and mentally.

3. I am afraid of scar tissue building back up and needing surgery in the future. I heard PT will help with this, what about massage? anything else?

I was told massage can help. My PT told me to do range of motion exercises starting as soon after surgery as you can tolerate... Simple things like walking your fingers up a wall in front of you, internal and external rotation of the shoulder, reaching to the side and behind you, head circles.

4. How long were you off work? I have a desk job, I sit at a computer, I answer the phone (I use a headset), I enter data. I was advised I would need at least 2 weeks, but it sounds like I may need more than that...

I'm a fitness instructor so it's a bit different for me. I was slightly sore but pretty comfortable with most every day tasks by 2-3 weeks.

5. I drive a stick shift, I am having surgery on my right side first. Advice?

I started driving again at 4 weeks and probably could have driven at 3 weeks, before that I had help getting around. My Dr. advised starting to drive again when I could do it completely comfortably and confidently.

6. What did you do during your recovery?? I will be so bored, could you read, or was that too much to hold a book?


I read a lot, watched movies, knitted, went for lots of walks, friends came over to cook with me since I love to cook but couldn't, and honestly the first 2 weeks I was very sleepy and enjoyed my daily naps! Typing wasn't comfortable for log periods of time but reading is fine, especially if you can prop your book up.

Good luck!!!

Cancelling surgery!! LOL I have schedule the Pec Minor Tenonomy with Dr. Sanders and Dr. Annest the first part of December. Plane ticket and hotel reservations made.

I think it is best to start with a less invasive surgery...

How do they know it's your pec minor that's causing the compression or problems? It may be less invasive, but if they're cutting something without cause, it's almost more invasive IMO.