That was referring to pain after my first VAT surgery (RUL). The surgery was a walk in the park and needed little pain meds...but months later I developed pleurisy and related pain which is painful. The stuff they premedicated me for to do a CT scan with contrast (I get hives from contrast) was described as "industrial strength" by my Rheumatologist and I felt great after...then it ended.
With VAT surgery they go in between the ribs and disturb nerves and things. My Mayo surgeon says nerve problem can last up to a year or even sometimes be permanent. Mine all went away with first VAT surgery RUL but second one LUL had more problems - fractured rib for one. And it still is numb on that side (now 7 months).
Now I am taking Prednizone for radiation-pneumonitis and now tapering and hoping the EXTREME shortness of breath does not return.