How was your mental state after surgery?

I am 3 weeks and 2 days post thoracotomy and had the same experience. I was definitely uncomfortable esp at night but all I had for pain was Tylenol. I couldn't even take ibuprofen because I am on a blood thinner. By post op Day 9 or 10 I had a lot of pain. Got gabapentin which helps. Now I'm feeling pretty good but am very tired...of course the weather isn't helping. I'm in New England where we have had constant rain and cold. Weather effects moods and energy. Praying for some sun and warmth.

Hi Marcibee,
I'm in the Boston area. It HAS been cold! I got gabapentin and a lidocaine patch for the nerve pain. I'm taking Tylenol too. Some days the nerve pain is bad. I'm due to increase the gaba tomorrow. I think I will do that. I know it makes you sleepy, but sleep is something I need help with, and it's not forever.
I have a nice chaise outside and I've been out in the sun a bit today. It really does feel good.
Muffy

I'm in NH and go to Dartmouth. The last 2 days have been beautiful. I put out my hummingbird feeders and immediately got hummingbirds. I planted a planter for my porch rail. Raked the flower bed but only lasted about 20 minutes because that made me short of breath which hasn't been an issue. Did my walk and online exercise class and that was exhausting. Read in the sun!! And now on the couch with a heating pad. Upward and onward lol.

Good morning! Hope you are all doing well. I just wanted to tell you that I am 2 years post op of my LUL Segmentectomy and I will still get the nerve pain every now and then. So I just wanted to say, don’t rush it, and don’t push it. I have learned that EASY stretching is really good to start and end your day with and even during your day. I’ve also found that my bra (no matter what kind I wear- I’ve bought quite a few different types now) seems to be an aggravator of it as well. The band hits right on a couple of the scars, especially under the left breast. Simple fix, I get home and take it off! Anyway, my point is, the nerve is usually always aggravated during surgery and it takes a very long time to recover. If you are really hurting after doing some yard work or even house work, etc., you might want to slow down a bit longer because pain is a signal that you’re over doing a little. We all want to rush back to being able to do things, but if you try too soon you can set yourself backwards a lot. I’ve also found that bending over does give you shortness of breath because things move around in your chest and stomach area after this surgery and, in my case, my diaphragm has moved up a bit which puts pressure there. So now I make sure to bend with my knees or even sit on the ground or stool when I’m gardening and such. It’s a learning process between you and your body. I don’t have to take anything for the nerve pain, so it is much better than before. You WILL get there, it’s just going to take time🤗 GOD BLESS YOU ALL!🙏

@elyser, you might relate to the symptoms and signs of post-intensive care syndrome (PICS).

- Breaking it Down: Post Intensive Care Syndrome and Recovery - Emotions https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/pics/newsfeed-post/breaking-it-down-post-intensive-care-syndrome-and-recovery-emotions/

See more blog posts https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/newsfeedposts/?search=PICS

Does this sound like you?

Yes @colleenyoung , this sounds like me! I got tear-y just seeing it in print. Thank you for posting.