My Thoracic surgeon told me the robotic instruments they insert between the ribs cause nerve damage (tingling, burning, sharp pain), and nerves are very slow to heal.

In the hospital after my two robotic lung surgeries, I only took Tramadol and Tylenol for the first 1-2 days after surgery. All other codeine based narcotics make me very nauseated. Has your husband tried Tramadol?

Ask your doctor if it is ok to try 600 mg of Alpha Lipoic Acid, which is a supplement that my Neurologist suggested I try for my painful peripheral neuropathy in my feet. The neurologist said it was the only supplement that could help nerves heal. It worked for me, but it took time. All the nerve pain in my feet went away. He also recommended exercise.

I posted earlier about seeing a physical therapist for post-surgery exercises. The early exercises involved sitting in a chair and holding onto a cane with both hands to guide gentle movements. She progressed through the exercises over the next several weeks. She told me it was essential to keep moving as the body heals. The therapist also showed me how to perform a gentle scar massage around the incision sites to prevent scar tissue from attaching to the surrounding bony structures and muscles, which could cause future pain after the incisions heal. I saw her starting two days after surgery and continued seeing her weekly for 4 weeks.

My incisions healed and are smooth and flat. I have a full range of motion and no pain. Be patient it takes time. I hope your husband feels better soon as he heals.