@teress221
Hi
I am so sorry for what happened to you and all you've been through.
Have you tried a medicine pump?
I never heard of the procedure you mentioned. Would you please explain.
Thanks
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

@teress221 I had two kidney surgeries. A couple of years later I developed chronic pain in my low back, sacrum, buttocks, hips and thighs. I've had two surgeries on my hip thinking that was the source of this new pain. After three years of therapy, injections, and testing, insurance change, having to change my therapist, etc. A fresh set of eyes and new perspective has come to light. The theory is that the kidney surgeries caused scar tissue and nerve entrapment, the source of my pain. I wonder if the chest tube caused the same perfect storm inside of you. The recommended treatment has been myofascial release. This is done with manipulative therapy. I had been getting a weekly (and extremely painful) deep tissue massage, but that's not what myofascial release entails. It's a very light touch. The first time I thought it was voodoo and what kind of quack is this. Laughingly I asked what I could expect over the next few days. She said I wasn't going to like her very well. Actually I HATED her over the next few days. I couldn't walk more than 90 seconds at a time. Then I got back to my baseline. While my husband was away from home for a vacation, I had my girlfriends over for a board game night. I spent the day cleaning my house and cooking and setting up card tables. By that night, I was having another flare in my pain. Back to 90 second walks again. I've seen this therapist a total of four times now. I can't believe how much improvement I've made since my first time!! One day last week and one day this week, I woke up with ZERO pain. Usually I toss and turn trying to get comfortable and when I can't take it any more I get up for the day. The first time I woke up with no pain, I literally thought I was dreaming. I was looking at my alarm clock thinking this is such a wonderful dream and I don't want to wake up, wishing myself back to sleep. Then my alarm went off and I realized I was awake! Of course my pain started up again once I was up and moving but what ecstasy to have those few moments after years of constant pain. I am a believer in this massage therapist! Problem is her availability. I only get in once every other week or so. There is an intensive program in Sedona AZ that I'm looking into. You get 3 hours daily of this therapy and it's 2-3 weeks long. I am so anxious for this pain to end and I am seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. I'm ready to sprint to the finish line! I am trying to figure out how I can make it work with my finances, insurance, and time off from work. If you haven't tried myofascial release therapy, find a John Barnes trained therapist and give it a few sessions. They should be able to tell you at the first session if they feel scarring and can help you. I mention John Barnes therapists because many massage therapists believe they're trained in myofascial release but it's not the same thing. I've received both. There's a difference. If you're close to Sedona, I've heard that you can book appointments for a single session instead of the intensive program.