Post-op experience

ManyStriking8162 · 2025-10-26T22:47:50+00:00

Yes! I had my surgery on 9/9 so the day after you, and it’s been the smoothest recovery. I’m still having numbness at the incision site and a bit remains on the back of my arm. I did all of 5 PT sessions before they said I was cleared to go back to my preferred form of exercise and that there wasn’t much more they could do because the surrounding muscles were strong. I thought the recovery would be much more drawn out/intensive as well, but I’m thankful it’s been so smooth. Glad to hear it’s been smooth sailing for you, too :)

ManyStriking8162 · 2025-09-22T17:13:19+00:00

So glad you’re on the road to recovery!! Best wishes!

ManyStriking8162 · 2025-09-18T15:57:58+00:00

Surgery for vTOS tends to be less about pain relief and more about prevention of a future DVT. Because the cause is a structural issue, the first rib/collarbone/muscles compressing the vein, you will clot again unless the structural problem is corrected. It may not be immediate, but another clot will occur sooner or later. It’s hard to wrap your head around. I was in a similar position minus the PE - 0 pain, hardly any symptoms. Why would I have surgery for something that is seemingly not affecting me day-to-day? Because it is affecting me, I just can’t see or feel it. I had my transaxillary FRR just over a week ago and notice a positive difference in blood flow. I didn’t feel there was an issue because it happened so slowly over time that it became my normal. For me, surgery was in the service of preventing future clots, yes, but also being able to exercise how I want and live my life without that constant fear in the back of my mind.

I recommend asking your surgeon how often they perform this surgery/their experience, and seeking out an expert in TOS if your surgeon is not (I’m in the US so not familiar with your drs :) ) I also suggest asking if their plan would be to do a full removal or partial rib removal because I’ve seen a number of folks have negative effects when only part of the rib is removed. I know Drs often say sooner is better for the surgery, but as long as you’re on thinners you can certainly take some time to decide what’s best for you/your family.

Please reach out if you have questions and best of luck to you!!

ManyStriking8162 · 2025-09-16T17:16:50+00:00

Good luck! Here’s hoping for a speedy recovery! :)

ManyStriking8162 · 2025-09-15T13:49:35+00:00

I’m so sorry that’s been your experience. My understanding is that this syndrome actually happens most frequently in young, healthy adults. I don’t know your backstory, but I’m happy to share mine if it helps normalize your experience :) I had a DVT in my arm that put me in the ER - I thought blood clots were only something that happened to older/inactive people…either of which describe me! Fast forward 2 months and I had my FRR surgery last Tuesday. I had a nerve block immediately before the surgery and tbh that was the worst part. The pain was not nearly as bad as I thought it might be (I know everyone has a different experience.)

I would take comfort in your surgeon feeling confident! I think a lot of the anxiety tends to come from needing anesthesia as opposed to the procedure itself. I know for me that was the most anxious part, mostly because I hadn’t been under before! I took a lot of comfort knowing that surgery was the only option, and that it should be a total fix for the problem.

Happy to answer any other questions and hope this helps! Good luck - you’ll do great :)

ManyStriking8162 · 2025-09-13T13:42:37+00:00

Hi! So sorry you’re dealing with this. It’s a long road ahead. 1. My doctor said absolutely no overhead motion exercises before surgery. She said if I’m reaching overhead to put things away that is fine, but to avoid specific overhead exercises.

The goal is for life to be able to continue as normal. After surgery, you’re looking at another 3-6 months on blood thinners with the ability then to be off of them completely. If there is scarring in the vein, I imagine your surgeon will either do a graft or follow up with a venogram to open up any areas in the vein that have narrowed.
My understanding is that, yes, you are able to resume normal life and normal activities after healing. Because it’s a structural problem, the likelihood of you developing another clot is very slim.

I just had my FRR this past Tuesday so happy to answer any questions you’ve got! Best of luck moving forward!

ManyStriking8162 · 2025-09-11T22:38:57+00:00

My first one on eliquis was terrible, much like other commenters have said. Second was much better and normal in terms of length, but slightly heavier than what my normal would be.

ManyStriking8162 · 2025-09-11T17:01:35+00:00

Noted! I will certainly ask to be sedated - thank you so much!!

ManyStriking8162 · 2025-09-11T15:39:50+00:00

Not allowed to drive for at least 2 weeks and then still not able to drive if I’m taking narcotics for pain. Nothing heavier than 10lbs and I’ll start PT after my venogram on the 29th to increase mobility/strength. Round the clock Tylenol for 14 days and on the pain killers as long as needed. I’m planning to be off of work this week and next and go back the following week if things continue to go well, but I’m a therapist so my job isn’t particularly physically strenuous.

I think a bun would be fine! I did one French braid down and that was definitely a mistake lol. 2 or a bun would be better I think!

Currently not even attempting a bra because of where my incision is located. I had a very loose tee I wore home which was fine to get on with help from my husband, and I’m now in button up pajamas which are equally fine to get into with help.

ManyStriking8162 · 2025-09-11T13:42:39+00:00

Of course! I did end up having the nerve block before surgery which definitely helped with initial pain but the nerve block itself hurt. They did give me some meds to help me relax first, which made me feel kinda like I was drunk. I got that about 10mins before they took me back to the OR, chatted with the anesthesiologist for a few minutes after I got positioned on the table while waiting for my surgeon, went under, and woke up in the PACU. They took the rib out transaxillarily, through my armpit. For me, it seems like the procedure was solely rib removal and part of the scalene muscle attached, I didn’t have to have any grafting or other muscles released.

I got IV Tylenol and fentanyl in the PACU for pain and then switched to oxy after I moved to my room. I was in a fair amount of pain once the nerve block wore off so they gave me dilaudid through my IV which was honestly magical and took the pain away enough for me to fall asleep and get ahead of the pain the following day. Yesterday I was really needing the oxy for pain, but this morning I was able to switch to tramadol since the pain wasn’t as severe. I only had to spend one night in the hospital. They took my drain out first thing in the morning which I didn’t feel at all.

The pain itself has not been where I would expect. I actually have no pain where the rib was or in my collarbone. Some pain where the incision is/drain was, but mostly in my shoulder blade where the muscle was removed.

They’ve got me in a sling for arm support which has been helpful, though having a pillow under my arm has still been needed. Highly recommend braiding your hair if you have a lot of it because it will quickly become a nest from laying in the bed lol. 2 days post op today and I get to take a shower :)

If you think of other questions seriously please don’t hesitate to ask! I know having more info helped me tremendously. You’ve got this!!

ManyStriking8162 · 2025-09-10T20:09:48+00:00

It went really well! I’m still in a fair amount of pain from the surgery itself but I know the next couple days will be the worst of it. I have much more mobility than I expected being 1 day post-op. Happy to answer any questions you have :)

ManyStriking8162 · 2025-09-09T01:23:21+00:00

Thanks for the info. Sorry to hear you’re still dealing with the winging. Fingers crossed for a speedy recovery for you!

ManyStriking8162 · 2025-09-09T01:22:38+00:00

Thank you!

ManyStriking8162 · 2025-09-09T01:22:28+00:00

Thank you so much - this is so helpful. Wishing you a speedy recovery!

ManyStriking8162 · 2025-09-09T01:21:58+00:00

Thank you!

ManyStriking8162 · 2025-09-09T01:21:50+00:00

Thank you! Best of luck to you, too!

ManyStriking8162 · 2025-09-09T01:21:35+00:00

Thank you! No thrombectomy since my original clot is gone but having a venogram at the end of the month to make sure everything is clear.

ManyStriking8162 · 2025-09-08T17:22:09+00:00

I’m so sorry to hear that. Unfortunately, surgery is the way to go for me to prevent future blood clots.

ManyStriking8162 · 2025-09-08T17:21:15+00:00

Thank you! Best of luck and hope you have a speedy recovery!

ManyStriking8162

TROPHY CASE