How to Recover From a Thymectomy
- 1). Ask your surgeon which procedure is best for your needs. Your recovery depends on which procedure your surgeon uses. For example, a full sternotomy will require a hospital stay of a few days while you have a chest tube inserted. On the other hand, a transcervical thymectomy generally offers the shortest recovery time. You'll also experience less pain with this approach.
- 2). Stay in the hospital for as long as your surgeon recommends. You'll need to be monitored for any possible complications, such as infection. You may also stay in the hospital longer if you experience further symptoms of myasthenia gravis.
- 3). Follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding deep breathing. You may also be asked to cough and turn over in the hospital bed often. This is so that your healthcare providers can evaluate your respiratory capabilities and your muscle strength. You may be able to check out of the hospital in 1 to 3 days.
- 4). Call your doctor immediately if you notice any symptoms after the surgery. These may include fever, chills, redness, worsening pain, discharge or bleeding at the incision. You may also notice nausea, vomiting, problems breathing, coughing, pain or swelling of your lower body or abnormal urination.
- 5). Rest for up to 3 months before returning to work or school if you've had a full sternotomy. If you've had a transcervical thymectomy, you may be able to return to work within 1 to 2 weeks.
- 6). Work closely with your neurologist following the surgery to determine the effectiveness of your medications. You'll need to have your myasthenia gravis symptoms under control before you can return to work.
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