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Increasing pain over time after Video Assisted Thoracic Surgery
I am wondering if anyone has had a similar experience. I had VAT surgery end December 2021 with wedge resection in right upper lobe. They removed a 3.1cm cancer stage 1b. I was off pain meds in five days. For two + months I had usual nerve pain under right rib. But it did go away. Then weeks later I noticed a slight soreness when I took a deep breath. Slowly this increased. My Pulmonologist said there was nothing on the CT scan to indicate a problem. But the pain has slowly increased and now after 9+ months it is a pain behind the breast which I certainly notice when I take a deep breath. My last CT scan was end October, but Pulmonologist made no comments Three days ago I started to have a pain on the right side below rib cage(not related to breathing). I can only see my Primary Care Physician next week and nurse triage said go to Urgent care to get things started. I am leaving for Europe in three weeks for a month and I sure do not want to have problems. Does such pain just come with thoracic surgery ???
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I have same thing but they are filled with seed corn - so they don’t cook when heated. But they smell like corn 🙂
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1 ReactionThanks. I have one of those. I’ll try it.
Hi, I had an open thoracotomy in September (started as VATS but they had to go open due to calcified lymph nodes that weren’t coming out easily) to remove left upper lung for stage 1A mucinous adenocarcinoma nodule. I was in the hospital for 6 days with two chest tubes and in a lot of pain. But after a few weeks, I wasn’t taking my Lyrica and only oxy at night. After 2 months, I felt a lot better and now take Tylenol PM if I have pain at night. But it seems like I’m getting more intermittent pain lately. After my first check up they did notate some fluid but not enough to remove. My pain is not caused by breathing. I get sharp, stabbing pains by my incision and more throbbing pain under left breast to sternum. It does sometimes wake me up. I’m assuming it is nerve related. I have my first official “check for cancer” CT scan and appointment with my pulmonologist Tuesday. Can’t deny that I’m worried pain is related to recurring cancer but I realistically think it is just my body recovering from surgery. In reality, the aches cause me more mental than physical pain. It is comforting hearing other people’s experiences so thanks to all of you for sharing.
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1 ReactionI can't relate exactly to your situation, but do have experience with surgeries. Healing pains are definitely a thing. They diminish over time. Your doctor should be able to explain more about the nerves that transmit these sensations...