Hi Shellie,

I'm really concerned about your work causing problems post-op, especially during the first 3-6 months post-op while scar tissue is being laid down.
An ergonomic work station is really key - if the agency can't provide everything due to budget you may have to kick in some $, but it will be money well spent if it prevents future problems. A really good computer chair with lumbar support and a high back and padded arms is one recommendation. There are many different mouse models, and keyboard options, I can't advise on those but someone will come along with their favorites I'm sure. Be sure the monitor is eye level or just below. Most importantly, take frequent breaks from the computer work, change positions, get up and stretch, get a drink or walk about the room. Set a timer if need be, no more than 15 minutes at a stretch without some type of break, after an hour do some other type of work.

Can you get a headset for phone calls? Can you ask the agency to have someone drive you to appts for the first month back? Can you go back 1/2 days the first week back? Talk with someone now and see how flexible they are willing to be. Explain that you want to be back at work and productive as soon as possible, but you don't want to push things too fast and end up undoing the good work that the surgeon has brought you.

Ask your surgeon Monday about post-op restrictions, driving, return to work, etc, as he will have his own orders. And maybe you could talk to the PT place in advance, so you could let your work know ahead of time which days of the week you will be leaving early or coming in late.

Hope you get everything answered Monday!

beth

Shellie, I don't know if you have a reclining chair but that helped me after surgery. I couldn't lay flat and it also made it easier to get up. Also, I slept in our family room downstairs and my husband upstairs. I kept a portable phone with an intercom with me so I could get him at anytime. As I recall, I was given a special foam cushion for my arm to rest it on after surgery. Over the years I've collected so much medical paraphanalia that I could open a medical supply store! Need crutches, give me a call. need doorway traction device, I've got that too! I should sell everything on ebay.

Best of luck. Linda.

hi, shellie, hi brad!

i hope you guys have internet access somehow there at foothills cardiothoracic center (if that is the name of the hospital dr. bottsford performed shellie's transaxillary rib resection in yesterday); anyhow, perhaps there is a medical library there and you are able to log on and will see this...

we are all thinking of you shellie. nothing about this easy, but know that you have tons of support here. i know you did your research and are no doubt well prepared as a result, but still - ask any question you want to, let us know through brad or anyone you may have to post on here for you, we'd love to know how you are doing or to help you through this in any way that we can, OK.

sometimes relief is immediate, some report that they don't feel anything "release" for quite some time... it varies so widely. but we get through. for me, finding this motley bunch of safe and supportive strangers made all the difference in the world!

i did have that one question while i was in CO having TOS surgery, though that nobody would answer for me. it was a simple one, i thought and quite rude of these people not to respond in 'my time of need' shellie ...

and the question was this: if you have sex in denver, do you still need to join the "mile-high club?"

because jet airplane bathrooms are tight and rather uncomfortable spaces to do that in. ahem, i mean i would IMAGINE that they are...

especially for a TOS'er. and denver IS "the mile-high city," right?

(you know, in hindsight, i should never have asked that on the forum. i should have asked my surgeon. i'll bet steve annest would have given me a straight answer to that question. the man is a scientist, after all!)

OK, gotta go to beddie bye now. hope your surgery went better than perfectly, shellie, and after everything you've been through that you are now WELL ON THE MEND.

holding all kinds of good thoughts for you!!!!


alison
"Be Brave"

AlisonI would believe you are right. You should be considered in the mile high club!

ShellieHope you are doing well.

Linda

Shellie,
hope it all went fantastically for you {is that a word?? oh firefox says it is -I had it spelled wrong LOL}

Best wishes and hope to hear when you are able

Shellie,

am thinking about you and visualizing that you are resting comfortably and doing very well.

she sounds good. came through the transaxillary rib resection like the champ that she is. her surgeon has been by to see her twice already today i think she said, which is a good sign. perhaps she found one with a heart; alert the press!!! and the doc himself has shown her some gentle ROM stuff for the affected shoulder and arm.

i believe the R side is shellie's surgical side, for all you visualizers out there...

anyhow, our girl will remain in the hospital for a few days before being released into the loving care of her husband, her mom and good neighbors there in SC. i'm smelling fried chicken... anybody else?

brad is with her in the hospital as much as possible, which provided he is bathing i know she appreciates, so much. (you guys will have to explain to me someday how you are able to hang onto your men with raging TOS in the wings. personally, i could never figure that one out...)

i see that martha continues to fall down on the job. but jo55 came through in a pinch with the virtual flowers. way to go, jo!!!

alison
"Be Brave"

are recovering nicely from your surgery Shellie!

Thinking of you Shellie

Hi sooooo glad to hear Shellie came out the other side to be a new woman!!!lots of gentle hugs!!!!

love Victoria
ps thanks my friend of the sea pines for making the call!!!
V