How do arms get affected after top surgery?

[makipu]

I really would like to know what actually happens to your arms right after top surgery. Do they entirely become numb and that's why you're not supposed to use them?  Or is it because of the pain?  Will it cause complications if I did use them? Are hands affected the same? 

[JayDawg]

Your arms and hands are fine, no numbness.

The reason you're a T-Rex after top surgery (for a DI, anyway) is because you can't lift your arms over your shoulders. And you shouldn't be lifting or carrying much of anything. Put your right hand over your chest and move the left arm around up over your head and you will feel the muscles and skin move. All that is greatly restricted after surgery.

I can move my shoulders forward and backward ok, but raising my arms above shoulder height, nope.

[aleon515]

I agree with JayDawg, nothing actually happens to your arms. They should not be numb or in any pain.. You lose (temporarily) full range of motion because of the incision line going right across your chest. It pulls if you raise your arms too much and you don't want it to pull because it can make the scar stretch. Basically right after you have little range of motion and you gradually get more as you heal.
You hands are unaffected, and you can do all the things you could do with your hands as long as they are right in front of you (typing and so on).

--Jay

I really would like to know what actually happens to your arms right after top surgery. Do they entirely become numb and that's why you're not supposed to use them?  Or is it because of the pain?  Will it cause complications if I did use them? Are hands affected the same?

[Jak]

I just logged on to post something and, lo' and behold, it's related to this first post! I was wondering if folks would say that if one is traveling for surgery it's an absolute must to bring along a companion. I know it's preferable, but would you say not doing so is a really going out on a limb? Re arm use, I can check my bag and wouldn't be driving. Thoughts? Thanks!

[aleon515]

You have to have someone there unless there is some alternative. I stayed at New Beginnings. It was doable by myself. THough the one thing is that it made me carry something heavier than I should have. But it turned out okay all and all. But the surgery center or hospital will not do the surgery unless there is someone there. (I used NBR of course.) There is a good reason for that as after surgery you will not necessarily be competent. It is common to be very out of it.  Also most surgeons want someone with you for the first 24 hours. This is highly appropriate and I would question any surgeon NOT requiring this, tbh.
It would be possible to use a home health aide. Not sure I would have been too happy with this concept. But it has been done.

As for flying: I took a small bag and checked it coming back. I had someone pick me up who carried everything. I got wheelchairs and each airport (you do this beforehand).  I had a "murse" with me, that was kind of heavy with my iPad and it was much heavier than the recommended 5 lbs. I tried to avoid walkign around with it. Might have been okay if I had been dropped off later. However, someone did not listen to Leland's instructions and took me hours early. Perhaps a rolling bag would have been better? But it wasn't heavier.


--Jay

I just logged on to post something and, lo' and behold, it's related to this first post! I was wondering if folks would say that if one is traveling for surgery it's an absolute must to bring along a companion. I know it's preferable, but would you say not doing so is a really going out on a limb? Re arm use, I can check my bag and wouldn't be driving. Thoughts? Thanks!

[makipu]

This explains a good amount, thank you guys.
So then, I am thinking that sleeping will be very difficult, correct? The only position that I can sleep is lying on my back?  Also, how long after the surgery day can one take a shower?

[Alexthecat]

Yep stay on your back. Either in a recliner or make a pillow hill to lay against. I used a power lift recliner chair and it actually caused terrible immense pain in my lower back to the point I had to stop using it and lay flat on my bed with the drains still in.

You can shower after the drains are out. Don't let the water directly spray on your chest. I recommend a brush with a long handle, it will be hard to reach some places. Take your time.

[aleon515]

I have insomnia which I've had since I was a kid. It was hard sleeping on my back. Strange thing, since surgery, I have not gone back to sleeping on my side again. I think a neck pillow is very very helpful to sleeping on your back, btw. Not having your head flopping around really helps.

--Jay

Yep stay on your back. Either in a recliner or make a pillow hill to lay against. I used a power lift recliner chair and it actually caused terrible immense pain in my lower back to the point I had to stop using it and lay flat on my bed with the drains still in.

You can shower after the drains are out. Don't let the water directly spray on your chest. I recommend a brush with a long handle, it will be hard to reach some places. Take your time.

[Jak]

Thanks, Jay! First consult on Monday...

[makipu]

Then  the only thing I should be concerned about when sleeping is, even if I don't lie on my sides, how do I know I won't move around to those positions when I am sleeping

[aleon515]

I slept in recliner for the first week. After that I used body pillows. I imagine if you rolled over on your sides it would hurt like crazy and you'd wake up. A neck pillow helps as well. If your neck doesn't turn, the rest of you won't.

Neck pillow: http://www.amazon.com/Travelmate-Memory-Pillow-Manufacturer-Available/dp/B004UB056E/ref=lp_3732111_1_1?s=bedbath&ie=UTF8&qid=1420877484&sr=1-1

--Jay

Then  the only thing I should be concerned about when sleeping is, even if I don't lie on my sides, how do I know I won't move around to those positions when I am sleeping

[Bimmer Guy]

Then  the only thing I should be concerned about when sleeping is, even if I don't lie on my sides, how do I know I won't move around to those positions when I am sleeping

If you roll over the pain will wake you up.

[makipu]

I am actually terrified of this 1 week post op experience that I keep reading about. I don't even know if I am even going to be able to have the surgery in the first place. I am literally going to be disabled like never before. It's terrible when one is alone in this. :'(I feel sorry for this body that had to go through so much damage from binding and then I have to go through additional suffering.

[aleon515]

It's important to "keep your eyes on the prize" so to speak. It's not fun, but not everybody has terrible pain. In my case, it was more uncomfortable than actually painful. True you can't lift too much and you are kind of a t-rex, but that's all temporary. After it's finished you are going to be happy with how good you look!

--Jay

I am actually terrified of this 1 week post op experience that I keep reading about. I don't even know if I am even going to be able to have the surgery in the first place. I am literally going to be disabled like never before. It's terrible when one is alone in this. :'(I feel sorry for this body that had to go through so much damage from binding and then I have to go through additional suffering.

[Bimmer Guy]

If you roll over the pain will wake you up.

I am actually terrified of this 1 week post op experience that I keep reading about. I don't even know if I am even going to be able to have the surgery in the first place. I am literally going to be disabled like never before. It's terrible when one is alone in this. :'(I feel sorry for this body that had to go through so much damage from binding and then I have to go through additional suffering.

Aw, buddy, it's not that bad.  I was just teasing. 

It's important to "keep your eyes on the prize" so to speak. It's not fun, but not everybody has terrible pain. In my case, it was more uncomfortable than actually painful. True you can't lift too much and you are kind of a t-rex, but that's all temporary. After it's finished you are going to be happy with how good you look!

--Jay

What he said.

[aleon515]

Thank you Brett.
Another thing to think about is that every day you bind there may be pain or discomfort. After a few weeks of recovery, you won't have to bind again.

--Jay

[makipu]

Thank you guys, I am trying to stuff my mind with the necessary information of what to expect and this is a big step for me because even READING (without looking at any results) some things gives me physical pain. I am just trying to accept the fact that there is no other option because even just KNOWING that I have to have surgery is overwhelming.