so good to hear from you, and i'm glad you made it through OK. you are so right when you say there is nothing easy about TOS surgery. this is a very hard recovery... and can be a tricky one, so steady wins the race, my friend (we TOS'ers don't like to hear that).

coldpacks are going to become your best friends right now; be sure you stock up on several (frozen peas work great, too) so that you always have some to alternate between the surgical site, the neck/shoulder/upper arm/forearm/hand, etc. - wherever you need it. you'll develop a rhythm. i had 4-6 going at all times, for weeks after my rib resection as i recall...

also, many find that sleeping in a recliner is a lifesaver after TOS surgery. you might be able to get your doc to write an rx for one and get it covered by your medical insurance, or even just as a rental from a medical supplies place. there was a recliner on a recent thread here, i think from relax the back, that made me drool, beverley, but it costs more than a car. so i don't see how that purchase is one in my immediate future... but a gal can dream!!

the fact that you're feeling improved pain levels, even only slightly, better circulation in the arm, increased ROM, etc., are all very good signs, i think. very good, indeed. i know what it's like to have suffered in great pain in a long, long time and be shuffled from doc to doc, dx to dx, beverley. each one thinks their analysis of your presenting sx is the correct one and promises you the moon, don't they.

but you are right to have high hopes for an improved future and a better quality of life. you deserve to feel better. and your story should be so much more than a cautionary tale. your spirit of wanting to reach out and help others who are still suffering i think is just great. and you have so much to offer in that regard.

but it is time to take care of you right now, beverley. like dawn said, please take it very easy. you are really quite fragile after a major surgery such as this one and it's a huge insult to your neurovascular system, so things might be screaming at you that weren't before. don't be alarmed at that, just heed the call and reach for the icepacks. and the drugs...

if there is someone there who can post for you, that would be ideal. give your arms, hands and fingers all the rest that you can.


again, so good to see you!

alison

I wish you a calm peaceful night.
I was so ready for surgery and had no idea of what to expect, the forum and peeps here with ALL their knowledge.
Make sure you have family and friends around for a couple of weeks to do EVERYTHING for you.
DO NOT be afraid to ask and take pain medication.
Get up and move so your circulation flows after a couple of days.
Rest, use ice for pain and swelling,
DO NOT lift anything more than 5-10 lbs for 6 weeks or more.
A gallon of milk weighs 10lbs, no pulling clothes out of the washer into the dryer, no picking up kids or animals.
Have people drive for you.
And do EVERYTHING in slow motion, no quickness as if someone had dropped something and you automatically reach for it.Us epillows for comfort.
The tempurpedic pillow at Bed Bath & Beyond has bee a blessing
Lay flat when sleeping and DO NOT watch TV in bed... neck strain.
Enough?
I can account for more dos and don't but its all common sense.
XXOO

Welcome back Beverly! Thanks for checking in with us, so glad to hear you have circulation improvement so soon!! Wonderful news! Do rest and heal. Use whatever feels good: ice, heat or a combination! Take your meds on schedule and drink lots of fluids/water.


Anne