Thymectomy via partial sternotomy
Hi there, I’m 20 and I’ve been diagnosed with MG for almost two years now and recently had a thymectomy via a partial sternotomy. I am day 6 post-op and struggling with pain and some weakness. Has anyone had this procedure recently? The hospital explained nothing about recovery, nurses treated me roughly, kicked me out day 2 post-op while my pain wasn’t under control, prescribed me 3 days of pain meds (if lowest dose taken) which I have been trying to stretch out as long as I can, no talk of follow up appointments, etc. I feel like I’m suffering in silence.
Hey there! I'm so sorry to hear about your experience after your thymectomy. I had a transsternal (full sternotomy) three and a half years ago when I was 22. I also had a poor experience with the surgical team and follow-up concerns about pain medications and what pain I was dealing with. I was in the hospital for three, it might have been four days, and the first night I was sent home was excruciatingly painful. The amount and dose of pain meds seemed like a joke. I think this is common nowadays, with opioid addiction being a concern. I contacted the surgeon's office the next day, and they were able to increase my pain meds. Even then, pain definitely kicked in before it was time I could take more medicine. I had pain all over my chest, of course, but also my sides, back, neck, and shoulders. Everyone’s recovery timeline can be different, and it can sometimes take a while to return to feeling somewhat normal. I still experience some discomfort every once in a while. I experienced significant pain for about two/three months.
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I encourage you to reach out to your surgeon's office. They might be able to adjust your medication or suggest other options for relief. It’s also a good idea to ask about follow-up appointments. Here is an article that might be helpful with some tips of mine after my experience: https://myasthenia-gravis.com/living/thymectomy-recovery-tips.
Jodi, Team Member
