I was just diagnosed a few weeks ago and I've already had a clot removed. Been pain free for over a week now because of it and I'm finally feeling good. I'm having my rib removed in about two weeks. From what I've read on here, some people took months to recover enough just to lift small weights and whatnot. My surgeon seems to think that I should be able to use my arm as soon as the drain is removed and she told me she wants me to use it as much I can after surgery and not to let pain stop me because that will slow the healing. Obviously she isn't telling me to go out and lift stuff and I'm sure I'll have a weight restriction, but she basically doesn't want the pain to immobilize my arm. But she also hasn't given me much to go on because I think she's minimizing the effects of this surgery and how bad the pain really could be.

So here is where the question lies, I'm having my surgery on Dec 10th as soon as my finals are over, and then I return to school January 5th. Is there a possibility that I could be able to use my arm to write by this time?

Also where did your recovery lie at about a month post-op?

Generally you do want to use it and move it a bit , so you don't get frozen shoulder, and just to keep the fluids moving around.

But avoid quick movements and any accidental trips, falls or rough car rides and things like that , so you don't overly stress the area while it is healing..

Much of the healing time frame is so personal, along with luck & the skill of surgeon.. It is hard to estimate..

Usually with Vascular TOS surgery recovery is faster better than Nerve TOS type.
The the angry nerves take a long time to respond..

I'm having a first rib resection and scalenectomy this tue nov 25th my doc has me scheduled to go back to work jan 5th if you have any questions about the surgery and post op after my surgery feel free to ask Or private message me I'm not sure what to expect but I've heard different things from people about the healing and recovery process.

Lindsey

Your school can assign you a note taker for the semester. It is a common accommodation under the Ada. You can have someone write your tests for you and get audio textbooks because holding books will be difficult.

It's hard to say. You will be able to use the hand but I don't see anyone writing essays at that point in recovery.

The surgery is indeed very painful and it takes months to recover. I know it's not what you would like to hear but no point in denying the reality. Make arrangements for worst case scenarios.

[QUOTE=taybm20;1109488]
I'm having my surgery on Dec 10th as soon as my finals are over, and then I return to school January 5th.


Good luck. Please keep posting. There are people on the same path, but behind you. I wish you a speedy and successful recovery.