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Pain after Left Upper Lobectomy

Posted by spikeb1 @spikeb1, Dec 4, 2022

I had my LUL removed via minimally invasive surgery on 11/14 and was discharged from the hospital on 11/16. I am progressing well and have only mild shortness of breath after going up stairs. I am the primary caregiver for my 91 yo mother so am pretty active. My only pain is at night and it’s mainly in my back, eventually radiating to beneath my left breast. It is relieved eventually by 10 mg. of oxycodone. I have tried ibuprofen 800 mg every 8 hours hoping that would carry me through the night but like clockwork, I still awaken between 2-3 AM. I have also used a heating pad without much success. I really don’t want to rely on opioids. Any suggestions? Thanks.

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Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Dec 18, 2022
In reply to @freitag "The tube that went to my shoulder was internal. I didn't even know it was there...." + (show)
@freitag

The tube that went to my shoulder was internal. I didn't even know it was there. It was reduced at the exit to a smaller tube which is where the drainage came from.

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@freitag- Good morning. This was taken out before you left the hospital, correct? Sometimes they are left in but then have to be removed at a later date.

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1 reply
Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Dec 18, 2022
In reply to @spikeb1 "Thank you Colleen for checking. I am happy to say that I am pain free and..." + (show)
@spikeb1

Thank you Colleen for checking. I am happy to say that I am pain free and even able to sleep on my left side without any discomfort. It has been 33 days since my surgery and I am thrilled and surprised to be feeling this good.

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It surprised me too when I began to feel good. lol. I thought to myself, "well, there can be a good life after all of this."

Merry

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freitag | @freitag | Dec 18, 2022
In reply to @merpreb "@freitag- Good morning. This was taken out before you left the hospital, correct? Sometimes they are..." + (show)
@merpreb

@freitag- Good morning. This was taken out before you left the hospital, correct? Sometimes they are left in but then have to be removed at a later date.

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No, this was taken out a bit over a week after I left the hospital when I had to return because of the pain. Yes, it was removed at a later date.

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waltmcg | @waltmcg | Jan 15 11:19am

Has anyone had intercostal neuralgia after a robotic lobectomy,? After having discomfort for 8 weeks, I am told this could be a permanent condition and I am scheduled for nerve block. I was wondering if anyone has experienced this issue.

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Lisa, Volunteer Mentor | @lls8000 | Jan 17 9:03am
In reply to @waltmcg "Has anyone had intercostal neuralgia after a robotic lobectomy,? After having discomfort for 8 weeks, I..." + (show)
@waltmcg

Has anyone had intercostal neuralgia after a robotic lobectomy,? After having discomfort for 8 weeks, I am told this could be a permanent condition and I am scheduled for nerve block. I was wondering if anyone has experienced this issue.

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Hello @waltmcg , This sounds rough. Sorry that you’re facing yet another challenge. Have you seen a pain specialist? Or have you been prescribed any medications to try to help?

Here are links to a couple of other discussions regarding ongoing pain:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/lobectomy-1-year-post-surgery-pain/
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/increasing-pain-over-time-after-video-assisted-thoracic-surgrey/

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spikeb1 | @spikeb1 | Jan 18 5:58am
In reply to @waltmcg "Has anyone had intercostal neuralgia after a robotic lobectomy,? After having discomfort for 8 weeks, I..." + (show)
@waltmcg

Has anyone had intercostal neuralgia after a robotic lobectomy,? After having discomfort for 8 weeks, I am told this could be a permanent condition and I am scheduled for nerve block. I was wondering if anyone has experienced this issue.

Jump to this post

I had discomfort in the rear rib area after having the same surgery. It was never identified as neuralgia and I only experienced it at night. It lasted a good amount if time but resolved within 8 weeks or so.

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