Sudden numbness 2 months post VATS

Posted by candi2024 @candi2024, May 15 8:46pm

I had my upper left lobe removed two months ago. The left side of my abdomen and chest were numb for a couple of days post surgery, and before leaving the hospital I started to feel the nerves heal. It felt like weird sensations in different locations on my left side- zingers, tingly feeling. These sensations still occur sometimes and I am 2 months post surgery. Also - now that I am back to work, I also get a sore feeling on my left side and applying a little pressure with my hand helps. This comes and goes - and usually shows up after being on my feet for awhile. This all seems like normal recovery stuff. Suddenly, this afternoon, I noticed a roughly 3-4 inch radius area on the left abdomen, under my left breast went numb. It’s a couple of inches from one of my incisions. I haven’t experienced numbness since my hospital stay, and my incision is healing well. Has anyone else experienced losing feeling near an incision at 2 months post surgery? As nerves heal, do they also sometimes lose feeling? Does it come back? I would love to know your story if this has happened to you. Thank you.

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cmcguire10 | @cmcguire10 | May 16 1:12pm

Good Morning! I am a year past surgery of my left upper lung. Had VATS. Still get zingers, pains, and have numbness here and there. Nothing that is debilitating, most the time its the “weird” sensation when touching the left side. I don’t know if it will always feel that way. I, too, get the tired feeling or even ache more on that side after a hard days work, but i just think of it as Strength Training. I have read many of these feeds and they all seem to say close to the same; you’ve had a surgery that messes with those nerves and they may heal or they may not, but to me, feeling it reminds me of what I have accomplished in getting through this. I am back to work, walking at least 5 miles a day, lifting heavier things again, and lucky to be spending time with family and friends. I think any pain or numbness will subside over time, BUT YOU CANNOT over do it or you will set yourself farther behind. Give yourself time to heal, slowly and steadily. Good Luck and Best wishes! Cindy

candi2024 | @candi2024 | May 16 5:05pm

In reply to @cmcguire10 "Good Morning! I am a year past surgery of my left upper lung. Had VATS. Still..." + (show)

Thank you for sharing your perspective and story. Glad to hear you’re walking 5 miles a day and you have a great positive outlook. You are so resilient. The numbness you have …. Is it constant or does it come and go?

cmcguire10 | @cmcguire10 | May 17 10:58am

In reply to @candi2024 "Thank you for sharing your perspective and story. Glad to hear you’re walking 5 miles a..." + (show)

Thank you! The numbness is kind of constant. I know that sounds strange but I really don't notice it until I start touching the area as when I’m getting dressed. Pain, more just an ache, is when I over exert myself such as yard work, lifting several cases of water, etc. If I remember right the Dr’s said No lifting over 5 lbs for the first couple to few months. Then gradually build up, and thats what I did. I sure felt it if I did more than what I should have. The numbness doesn't bother me at all. Most feeling has come back but around incisions and little areas in between still have it. Best Regards, Cindy

denzie | @denzie | May 18 7:31am

12 years after an attempted VATS talc thoracotomy, I still have intermittent pain from the injury to my intercostal nerve. I found that a bra with a wide band at the bottom and no underwire helps. Try a fitting at a specialty bra shop rather than a department store. After your initial purchase, you can buy the same brand online. Your oncology center may have a someone that can help.

For everyday use, when I don't have to wear a regular bra, I have a sports bra by fruit of the loom that has the wide strap at the bottom, wide shoulder straps and front closure using 8 or 9 hook and eyes. It doesn't offer great support but it holds the girls in place.