My robotic surgery was in my small intestine so I didn't have a chest tube I had something called an NG tube - nasogastric tube. Dealing with that was more difficult than the surgery! That was in for two days but once it was removed I was ready to go home and get back to life. No infections, no skin issues and the only pain I had was handled with Extra Strength Tylenol.

I'm sorry that I forgot to mention this- no small thing to forget, eh? Sorry. I did have chest tubes and my upper left lobectomy had special nurses who did this with breathing exercises and actually pressing around the tube with their palms. I hardly felt a thing. I was incredible. My first one wasn't. As you know operations are complicated and pain is a very common side effect. I've read your posts and can imagine your apprehension. I hope that since your surgeon and other doctors are informed of your history they will do everything to help you be as comfortable as possible. If I were you I would make sure that your surgeon is up-to-date with all of this so he can talk all of this over with your anesthesiologist. Make sure that they understand your fears. I'm sure that you are on top of this, right?