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Had lobectomy in 2020 still having radiating severe nerve pain.
Lung Cancer | Last Active: Jul 9, 2024 | Replies (118)Comment receiving replies
Thanks for your comment. With my lobectomy they went in from my back shoulder. There’s a 7-8 inch incision. I truly hope your nerve issue subsides. After about a year the pain becomes more or less permanent. Mine comes from the incision & radiates around to my front top rib. I also have a big muscle that spasms & comes through my front rib cage. It’s like a Charlie horse & very painful. They’re calling it a Thoracotic defect from the surgery.
It does pass if I hold my arm above my head as it stretches the muscle.
The nerve pain radiates across my back & is deep & burning. I have to get on a heating pad immediately & that does help to calm the nerves down.
I have read that this nerve pain is common after that type of surgery. It was difficult finding a bra that wouldn’t aggravate it. I still dread wearing a bra.
I’m hoping that someday these issues will lessen but so far they haven’t.
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I also had a thoracotomy April 2020. I have similar nerve pain, burning ache radiating across my back that intensifies till it feels like it is deep in my rib cage wrapping around my right side. I have been unable to wear a bra since surgery as that increases the pain till I cannot stand it. After over a year they referred me to the pain clinic and I am taking Gabapentin 3 times a day and getting nerve block injections every three months. I did not want to take medications but I cannot work without them. I did 60 sessions of PT, acupuncture, massage, etc. They help but only for about 24 hours so I finally relented to medication and injections. They do not completely get rid of the pain but I would say it is 50% better with them and I am able to do more.
I’m so sorry you have to deal with this. My husband says something similar, at least I’m alive but day in, day out pain can really wear you down. Sometimes I just want to hear I’m sorry you’re in pain - which he says also.
I also do 4% lidocaine patch on my back everyday which really helps a lot. If you have not tried that you should and the pain doctor says I can use them daily and you insurance may cover it if your doctor tries putting a prescription through save money on buying them.
I hope you find some things that bring you some relief.