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How was your pain after a lobectomy?

Posted by elyser @elyser, Apr 24 1:02pm

I'll be having a lobectomy (lower left) in early May and am very anxious about the post-surgery pain. Many years ago (about 35) I had a hysterectomy and remember being in tremendous pain when I woke up -- like nothing I had experienced before. That eased up while I was in the hospital but at home I had a lot of pain again. I think things have changed, the surgery itself as well as the approach to pain, but I am scared. How has it been for others?

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mamalinda61 | @mamalinda61 | 4 days ago

I had 3/4 upper left lobe removed a week ago and the worse pain I am experiencing is nerve pain in my breast. If I move a certain way bend over it is like someone is sticking a hot poker stick thru me. I am learning the pain meds are helping but will NOT take the nerve pain away. Praying it gets better. I have been icing and heating off and on. Do NOT suffer their are all kinds of meds to help. I have had 3 major surgeries in 8 months so I have learned to advocate for myself. No one can tell me how " I should feel". Good Luck!

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yellowstonelady | @yellowstonelady | 3 days ago
In reply to @yts5361 "Hi, Because of where the nodules were, he had explained it would be a small incision..." + (show)
@yts5361

Hi,
Because of where the nodules were, he had explained it would be a small incision to reach and biopsy them.
If cancer was found, he would make a larger incision and spread two ribs.
As he explained it, it was like getting punched in the ribs but that in one to two days, I would be fine.
The incision was 20cm plus the ports for the chest tubes. But was told I would have one and it would only be left in for 48 hrs once the drainage stopped.
When I was discharged, his associate surgeon said I would still have some drainage but it would subside, it did three days later, hence I was sent home on oxygen and still require it when I walk more than 10 mins. I’m used to running and or walking 3-5 miles a day so o be this incapacitated is again something I never thought about.
I’ve read different experiences, this is mine. So far I have seen 6 doctors because of the after effects of the surgery.
Each ask the same question: why was I not told I had fractured 4 ribs two that were spread and one above and below the two causing pain that I wouldn’t even wish on my ex husband.
Please research and if the surgeon is vague about pain, aftercare etc explain, your not a surgeon who has done this many times, your a person who is putting your trust in their hands for the best outcome.

Take care

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My surgeon said there would be extreme pain but I had NO idea just how bad the pain would be. It is the spreading of the ribs alright. That was 25 years ago. I still have achiness especially stormy weather. It isn't just the spreading of the ribs but it also pinches the nerves around the ribs. I grew up on dairy farm and been hurt around big animals and machinery and I've had appendix and hysterectomy surgery but that pain was a Sunday picnic in the park compared to thoracotomy.

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