Pain after robotic assisted lobectomy: How long does it last?

@janet23 went to pain management today. He increased my husbands Gabapentin. To 400 mg 3x a day but we haven’t started it yet. I Noticed his ankle was mildly swollen today and his legs tonight. I’ll call the cardiologist and pain management tomorrow.
He did have diverticulitis scan and that’s how we noticed the lung tumor.
The gastro surgeon wanted to do colon resection this Dec.9. I don’t feel he’s ready for another major surgery. Discussed this with all drs today. Oncologist wants to do chemo but Gastro surgeon is worried chemo would lower his immune response and if he had a relapse of diverticulitis and that would be dangerous
This is snowballing. And we have a lot to decide. He also was diagnosed with A-fib. A new post surgery addition.
Stay well all . Will let you know our decision.

My husband is on week 5. Today I put a lidocaine patch on his side where the pain is. Not near the incision which has healed. He said it helped the sensitivity. He also is taking Gabapentin 300 x3 a day. The pain management Dr increased it to 400. But we haven’t started that yet. He also gave us a prescription for a different kind of patch slow release which is either out of stock or the pharmacy doesn’t sell it.
Well we are keeping a record and will talk to the thoracic surgeon Tuesday.
Hope his progress continues. Will let you know.

@canarsiegirl9, how did the discussion with the thoracic surgeon go? Has your husband's pain resolved or gotten better?

@colleenyoung well Gabapentin was increased to 300mg 3x a day. Not a major relief. Then other drugs that didn’t help. At week five we went to pain management. He suggested a patch that releases meds through out the day for 7 days and continue Gabapentin.
The pain which he said was 7’is now closer to a 5 two weeks in.
Hoping this helps.

@janet23 Thankyou. tramadol made him dizzy and so tired. He does have vertigo so that’s an issue. Lidocaine patch didn’t help but the patch pain management seems to be helping along with Gabapentin.
Thank you.

In reply to @janet23 "@canarsiegirl9 After my first robotic surgery, I was taking Tramadol every 6 hours and Tylenol in..." + (show)
@janet23 Thankyou. tramadol made him dizzy and so tired. He does have vertigo so that’s an issue. Lidocaine patch didn’t help but the patch pain management seems to be helping along with Gabapentin.
Thank you.

My surgery was 5 weeks tomorrow and over the past couple of days the pain and what I call "zingers" are really bad. If I have to cough....oh my goodness, it hurts. Taking gabapentin for the first time since I left the hospital. I have a list (of course I found it online and shouldn't believe everything online) but it has hit it spot on as to what happens when. Don't know about ya'll but I don't have very good access to my surgeon or oncologist. I have to MyChart them if I have a question and they take days to get back to me. So I had to go elsewhere for answers. Hope the gabapentin helps your husband....honestly it hasn't helped me much.

@canarsiegirl9 ,

I am praying for you and your husband. I hope your doctors continue to work with you on the best treatment options for your husband.

I have multiple health issues to manage in addition to the cancer. I started seeing a therapist who is affiliated with a cancer center near my home. She has really helped me. I also saw a music therapist for a few sessions. She helped me set up different Spotify playlists I listen to throughout the day. The music brings me great comfort and joy. She also taught me to come up with a mantra to sing each day. My mantra is: “May this day be filled with joy, gratitude, peace, and love.” I walk and sing this song, and stressful thoughts disappear.

Do you have friends, family, or a church supporting you?

@rcerwin3 I've had 3 lung surgeries and I found the best thing to help me was having a cushion with me at all times to hug when I coughed or sneezed...which was often. It helps to stop the strain on the ribcage, hope this helps .

@janet23 Yes we have wonderful children and friends we are stressed but ok. Pain management prescribed
A patch is helping with the nerve pain.
But he still has a cough. It was better today. We added cough meds.
We are coping. Glad you found help. Take care.