My surgery was '87 I think. I kept vaseline on my stitched areas for a whole year or more each night to encourage healing. I know they have scar healing gel now but the vaseline did fine. Do not use an antibiotic one, as that creates keloid scarring - causes too much skin production to cover the cut mark. Any bothersome stitches (ones that wouldn't dissolve) I quickly noted to the surgeon for a quick removal - I didn't want any pesky slow dissolvers to create a lumpy look. I kept wrapping and the bras situated much longer that I should have - I still gave breathers and took cotton with witch hazel to gently cleanse and let the area breathe - but then I'd wrap it up nice. Gosh, I remember that first time taking all of that off, and standing in front of the mirror - woowie - I felt like I was 14 years old again, and I do mean YOUNG. It was such a high!

Sadly, over the years, my breasts just continued to grow. The only thing that helped to keep them in a healthy smaller version was to speed-walk every day for an hour - I was in great health while doing that. But when I got sick, I couldn't do it any more, and so the breasts began taking on weight, and now, here I am, with circus-sized breasts once again, that pull me forward with such weight, and I am sure attribute some to the TOS pain.

Like I said, I am ecstatic for you, and God bless your healing process!!!

PS - take a quick read of what RSD feels like and just check to see if you feel that is occurring to you and then talk to your surgeon. Doesn't sound like it to me - my RSD was severe swelling, burning, hot spots and then whole areas of my body felt like I was layed in a pizza oven (for real.)

hi guys..,...quick thought....I have had some ideas about putting Vaseline onto a healing area.....remember that it is sticky and if bacteria get in there they too will stick....so just keep all super clean as well as minimal amounts of the goop and you should be fine!

take care
victoria

Hi Fern,

Yes, I am in Canada...things tend to take a long time here...I waited a year and a half for an ortho consult on a foot injury, so long that I actually couldn't remember why they were calling!!! Then when I went to the appt, all the surgeon asked about was my scar from my rib removal surgery!! I get that a lot! I expect the reduction thing to be a topic of my next appt with the surgeon...I am just really torn about it all. Not sure why...guess I just wonder what effects it would have (on TOS, having children, etc)...time will tell.

Hi Fern!

How's the recovery going? Has the headache gone away yet? I bet you must be glad to be back at home...I certainly know how trying it can be to have a parent do the aftercare, especially when we are adults! Stressful for everyone.

My advice on the incision-site pains is to try touching the skin with as many sterile textures as possible, though you might want to wait until after the stitches are out. When nerves get hypersensitive like that, sometimes they need to be "retrained" back into their calm state. Using hot/cold contrasts can help, too.

Take care,
Melissa

Just a quck update as I haven't had time or pain-free time to be on computer. I am at 2 weeks today and the headache is subsiding. I FINALLY had an appt with a doctor that understands TOS and my meds and what it is I am looking for. I had never had a good experience with a Pain Doctor before so I am very relieved. But he said he doesn't see people twice--darn; I forgot to ask but I think maybe it's because he's the head of a program. The follow-up at his clinic is with a man I've spoken with, very intelligent and understanding and I think a nurse. We had a teriffic meeting. I brought him many of my records to puruse and he had a bunch of them copied. I brought up the hypermobility issue as I really hadn't done that before except for asking neck neuro surgeon some yrs ago. I feel confident that he will find me the caregivers I am looking for and yes, he did provide me with the prescriptions for refills I was in need and it is wonderful to have that off of my chest! Also he gave me a script for Ultracet so I can get off the Vicodin --which I asked 2 other docs for but was denied.) And lastly, I drove myself to the appointment. I still hurt a lot but it feels good to be independent enough to be able to drive a bit. I still can't open a heavy door or carry things so I have to wait around and request that of people but no problem. So now I still lack a TOS treating doctor but have confidence I will have one soon.

The reduction site is healing fine but the feeling of wearing sandpaper or a coat made of broom bristles around my upper arms remains. And a lot of stinging and deep pains too, but tolerable. The doctors both said it is only disthesia and I know it will go away. I feel better knowing it has nothing to do with RSD, something I fear from any surgery as I know how terrible a sentence RSD can be. Good suggestion Melissa, I am trying what you mentioned with the fabrics and touch, as the TOS surgery recommends.
Regarding the vasoline, I was told that's not such a good idea. I am using a Vit E oil immersed in other good oils. I don't mind using a lot as 4oz were only $4 at Trder Joes.

I'm in a rush as my mom is having cataract surgery this morning and I will help be her partial caregiver now. I haven't recovered as fast as I thought so there is another relative in place to drive her and to do most of the work.

Thanks to everyone for your support. I don't have time to read other threads for a few more days but I hope that everyone is doing well. I send good thoughts to all.

Just a note - I am allergic (very) to Vit. E oil, so that was / is not an option for me.

I didn't have the nerve pain you are describing, but I had staples around the bottom, not so much stitches, and I wonder if that was a difference?

It sounds like the pain mgt. group you have found is a good one - thorough - so maybe they have some ideas on helping to avoid RSD after surgery? Just a thought.

Take care...and very glad to hear of your progress...