I had my surgery yesterday morning 11/25 first rib resection, neurolysis, and scalenectomy. Surgery went very well notice my hand feeling a little better already, took me awhile to come out of anesthesia. Like I was worked before it does hurt to breathe after word with chest pain and pain at incision site. Had me on a liquid diet for lunch and let me eat a regular diet by dinner. Was put on bed rest for about 6 hours was hard to get up and walk but encourage trying to walk it does help a little, I had one overnight stay due to be released this afternoon they are sending me home with a breathing tube to strengthn my lungs breaths have been shallow and is also used to prevent infection or pneumonia in the lungs

I will send out other updates I noticed a few people are scheduled for surgery soon anyone that has questions don't hesitate to reply or send a private message

Lindsey

Thanks for the update. Hope your transition home goes smoothly!

How has your recovery been? I am new to the forum and I have NTOS and scheduled for surgery on Wednesday with Dr. Donahue in Boston. Nervous but anxious after 1.5 yrs of being misdiagnosed.....

The surgery went pretty good, I was quite nervous myself but one day of nerves is worth getting the help we need and deserve. I'm sure you've looked at and saw how other people's recovery was and lot of us have different or similar recoveries. One part is what type of incision is if yours is near the collarbone or under the armpit make a difference. Try to have some help the first week that makes a huge difference. I ended up living with my parents for about 9 days there will be something's you may need help with, bathing, dressing, cooking. Try not to over do it with any kind of lifting I made that mistake in thinking I was able to do things myself. Try to have clothes that are easiest to get on and off sweatpants/ drawstring pants. Sweaters with zippers it will be hard getting clothes over your head. I'm sure your doc discussed with you about your pain meds but don't wait too long to take them the first couple days might be a little rough. I was out of work for 7/8 weeks and went back to work on jan 20th had a really rough time. Worked 3 days and now back on disability again. Don't Rush recovery and keep up with your exercises or PT


Good luck on your surgery!
Any other questions feel free to ask

Lindsey
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Hi there, welcome to the forum. I'm also from NH and had 2 tos surgeries w Dr Donahue.
Ill be having Pec minor surgery soon, which I hear is an easier surgery than tos. He is a very busy Dr and an excellent one. I like the fact that he follows up w u every 6 mos to see how your sx are doing after surgery. I think this helps him w comparing other patients sx. Your in best of hands in New England area.
Best Wishes for a successful & speedy recovery!
Rhonda

Well one week post left 1st rib resection at MGH in Boston. Dr. Donahue and team were great. Left fore arm and hand still quite numb. I am told this will subside in the next few months. The pain is tolerable now with less meds. Breathing was sore for a few days. OK now with occasional soreness at back rib section. Incision at collarbone is very tight and the area is s bit swollen. Ice pack on that area and arm has helped a lot. I was surprised how much mobility I have in my left arm. I was lucky to have my wife and kids help during the last week.

Well 1 week post left first rib resection at MGH. Dr.Donahue and team were great. I am lucky to have found him. I was pleasantly surprised with the mobility of my left arm. Left arm and hand are still quite numb, I am told this will subside over the next few months. Incision at collarbone is tight and a little sore and swollen. Ice packs on that area and the arm works well. It was sore to breath for a few days but ok now. The overall pain is tolerable now with less meds. Working on stretching a little bit and waiting for the nerves to calm down....