@heidimassey,
Ask your primary care physician to refer you to physical therapy (PT). I highly recommend going to a large university teaching hospital with therapists trained to treat post-lobectomy patients. The therapist will conduct a comprehensive evaluation and provide you with personalized exercises tailored to your needs. I personally prefer women physical therapists who have a gentle approach.

I decided not to take pain pills after my second thoracic surgery. I focused on gentle stretching exercises, initially sitting in a chair and holding a cane to guide the gentle movement. My PT added light hand weights and bands after six weeks. Now I am back to my regular exercise routine.

My brain has adapted to the low-level pain I have only when I think about it. I also have peripheral neuropathy pain and I take 600 mg of Alpha Lipoic acid (a supplement) that was recommended by my Neurologist to try.

I am 72 years old and I have been seeing a physical therapist for 3-4 years for various problems - back pain, balance issues, shoulder pain, and pain after my two thoracic surgeries. I rate my overall body pain at a 1-2 pain level, and I am now in great shape for my age, thanks to all the PT help. The pain does not interfere with doing the day to day activities I enjoy.

Medicare has covered all my PT visits. I now go every 2-3 months.

I hope you feel better soon. It will take time; be patient. The body can heal.