Hi @dsr
I did have a thoracotomy. I actually had a surgery through my neck though to relocate my ARSA, a vascular surgeon did that the first day, the second day the cardiac surgeon repaired my aortic and left subclavian aneurysms via thoracotomy(if I didn’t have those I would have my ARSA still because it had no aneurysm or ring, it was just in the way of the repair needed on my aorta from the other aneurysm). After that I spent a few hours in ICU then to the floor and was discharged 8 days later- flew home the next day to Florida. I was up to a chair and walking to bathroom about 8 hrs after surgery- not well and not easily but they don’t give you much choice. I am a pretty active person and had 2 kids (14, 11) at the time so I was motivated to get moving:). I did not have any therapy- cardiac or physical- and really did not have any complications. It’s 3 years later now and I run 2-3 miles every day - and am doing really good. Hope this helps answer some of your questions. Best wishes!

Jeane