I am 6 days post op, left side rib resection/scanelectomy. How much did others use their surgery side arm after surgery? He didn't give a lot of details other than I can use it a little but no lifting up or way forward or back. I feel like I am hardly using my arm and I am getting a frozen shoulder. Also I hope this pain starts improving, still on Vicodin every 4 hrs and Motrin and still in constant pain, not fun.

I think at this point you would still be at risk for tearing your stitches. If you meds aren't working, call the doctor to see if you can get something stronger.

Since you will be/are doped up, I suggest watching some movies that don't require too much thinking. Perhaps Disney movies, have you see "Frozen"?

Are you allowed to put an ice pack on the area?

I hope some of our past surgical members will see this and give suggestions..

I would call the drs office and get clarification, let them know you are concerned about possible frozen shoulder...same for pain control..

If you are still having pain then you are also tensing up which is not good at all.


I don't know if the leaning over and letting arm hang loosely and doing gentle circles is something that is OK at this stage or not...

Talk to your doctor about going for some mild PT. I did that to help with my post op shoulder pain. You can use the arm, but don't lift anything. Do small things only.

Hi, I'm going through the frozen shoulder issue right now. I'm seven month post-op, same surgery. My third one. I've been through physical therapy with no relief. Your pain will begin to subside over time, but Pleaseeeee...do not do too much with that arm. After my surgery, my surgeon had me to swing the arm once a day for 30mins, but I still end up with a frozen shoulder. This according to my physical therapist. Just learn about something else regarding my shoulder, will be giving an update in a couple of weeks. Relax, keep taking your medicine, and talk to your surgeon regarding your issues. Don't try and do too much. You are going to have pain for about months, but as I stated, it should start to improve. I'm praying for complete healness of your shoulder. May GOD bless you.

I am 4 weeks post op and my doctor had me start 5 exercises on like day 3 post op. 3 of them were neck stretches, one shoulder squeeze, and the other raising the arm up as far as I could without pain while laying on my back.