Numbness

[Miasgamgam]

Does anyone here have numbness?my incision is on my back but I'm numb under my breast and near my breastbone and it burns like fire....my back doesn't hurt but wow I'm not liking this

[JeanE41]

When they made the incision, they cut many nerves. After 2 years I still have some numbness around and under my breast though the incision is in back as well as occasional burning. Some people have found relief with gabapentin. It can be helpful with "nerve pain".

[Miasgamgam in reply to JeanE41]

Thank you because my back is just fine so I thought I was nuts.holy buckets the stuff we all go thru.thank u I sure will ask for some meds.maybe the tight bra feeling will ease up as well

[Keneki123 in reply to Miasgamgam]

I havent wore a bar as yet ........any suggestions ?

[Jenniferroseolson in reply to Keneki123]

I use a brand called Coobie. You pull it over your head, though, so you have to have good range of motion. I buy a size large enough that the thick elastic band isn't too tight, and you can adjust the shoulder straps to get "some" support. Bras are so tricky with surgery scars and nerve pain. At first, I wore camis instead of bras, then eventually camis a size too big with a shelf bra. I do have one bra with no underwire that is very comfortable, but I got rid of all underwire bras.

[Miasgamgam in reply to Jenniferroseolson]

I have an ahhh bra thank goodness because I already feel like I have a bra on when I don't.its only been 3 weeks so I suppose things will ease up.thank u so much for giving me info

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer in reply to Keneki123]

I have several Fruit of the Loom sports type bras that are made from soft cotton. They have 9 hook closures in front and an extra wide band about the bottom. They accommodate my large breasts just fine. They are extra comfortable especially across the incisions I had for my vats procedure and were really appreciated when I was later diagnosed with breast cancer and has radiation that left my chest feeling like raw meat.

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer in reply to Keneki123]

walmart.com/ip/Fruit-of-the...

[Miasgamgam in reply to Denzie]

Thank u.wish I could just let em flop hahaha

[gibdonnalee Community Superhero]

Same here,Had surgery 2 1/2 years ago. Still have numbness around the scar. Like Jean says, they cut many nerves, so I'm guessing this is a permanent issue.

[Keneki123]

yes I have numbness .... it appears to be nub on the outer layer of skin and a burning sensation on the inside

[Feddeb]

AVON do v soft seamless bras with removable bra inserts if you want more padding! Cheap and comfortable. I bought some last summer after my op

[Jenniferroseolson]

I am more than two years past chest tubes and pluerex catheter incision and plueredesis. The nerve pain continues for me. The sensation you are describing is what I experience also, but mine also is more of an itchy feeling than a burning feeling and occurs in various places in a band from the front lower ribcage around toward the spine. I was using Fentynl patch until earlier this year as well as Gabapentin (neurontin). At the suggestion of my palliative care doctors, I ended up seeing a pain specialist. I then tried Lyrica but didn't find that to eliminate the pain (but it did improve the side effects I had with gabapentin..especially the sexual side effects that no one really talks about-- if it helps with the nerves over-firing, all the nerves in all the places are dulled, too). I had trigger point injections (steroids? not sure) which helped and ultimately found total relief with a nerve block. I have another one scheduled this month as the nerve block does wear off. (I am blessed with expensive but excellent health care such that I meet my out-of-pocket max quickly with repeated chemo and doctor visits, so cost isn't something I am considering when looking for the best answer.)

[Miasgamgam in reply to Jenniferroseolson]

I'm sure my doc will laugh if I ask for a nerve block after3 weeks but I certainly will ask as time goes on.you know that feeling of a tight bra and full belly? Its constant and I'm tired of that already.......wow im a whiner

[Miasgamgam]

Thank you all for your comments.I suppose we just have to consider this a new normal,but annoying I must say.three weeks out if surgery and everyday something new and different.my breathing is a little different with all the wildfire smoke in the air but I guess that's normal.man oh man this is more than I thought it would b

[JeanE41 in reply to Miasgamgam]

Your lungs will react more strongly to pollutants and allergens. Again, this can take time to diminish or resolve. After 2 years I still react to pollutants, but it it is definitely better. Recovery from lung surgery is a long process. You are young and will improve. Give yourself time.

[Miasgamgam in reply to JeanE41]

Thank you for that.I struggle with being down as I'm the do all in my family,I sort of feel like I'm letting people down even though my family probably enjoys my resting.I wonder if just surgery in general makes a person weepy cause I'm bawling all the time

[JeanE41 in reply to Miasgamgam]

When you are used to being healthy and active, being suddenly laid low and in pain can be depressing. It's easy to feel that it will never get better, but fortunately we usually do get better. You will probably not get to your "new normal" for many months. Possibly some medication to help with depression would help you through this difficult time. Talk to your doctor about it. They deal with the after effects of surgery all the time.

I hope you feel better soon. Take care and give yourself time to heal. Be kind to yourself.

Jean

[gramof8 in reply to Miasgamgam]

i know how u feel im 4 months post surgery and stiil numbness and tightness, and belly bloat and swelling .i had physical therapy for the nerve in my back , helpes a little but didnt do anything for the belly swelling , everyday something new like u say good luck

[Miasgamgam]

Thanks everyone ,your so great with answers and I appreciate it.I'm so sorry to everyone who has IR is battling cancer I feel bad even complaining,I'm not usually taken aback by much but the surgery definitely won this round

[FtB_Peggy in reply to Miasgamgam]

Miasgamgam, I hardly see this as complaining. I would say you are stating the facts. This is tough stuff. Be very patient with your sweet body while it takes its time to heal and adjust. It has a lot of work to do, and it needs time and rest to do that. I know, I am a doer too, and it is hard to sit back - just see it as your main job right now. Do it and do it well You deserve this time.

[Miasgamgam in reply to FtB_Peggy]

I just want to thank everyone for supporting me during my lung surgery on Aug 8 and give u an update.I lost my sister and my aunt one month after surgery,I can't tell u how traumatizing that was but somewhere in all this crap I changed my own self.I left the medical field and now am a produce mgr and my stars its such a physical job and I was 6 weeks post surgery lifting heavy heavy stuff...I love it,I love my coworkers and I'm OK I'm actually happy.the past year sucked but to honor my mom,sister,aunt and every person who has suffered I'm going to live a life of happiness and thank to you all for the kind words.I miss my family but I can say that they would be proud that I didn't roll up in a ball and give up,I was spared for some reason and now I'm thankful for my aching feet and my lungs that don't hurt anymore.bless you all

[FtB_Peggy in reply to Miasgamgam]

So much loss, I am so very sorry.

Thank you for letting us know how you are doing; we love to hear.

It is truly beautiful how you honor your loved ones by moving forward with an open heart and gratitude. You turned loss into life. You had the strength to alter the path you were on, and, well, look at you!!! You are happy and powerful. I am so glad you love your new career and friends. You remind us to embrace each moment. Thank you.

Bless your heart and carry on, my Friend. Please keep in touch.

[Feddeb]

GENERAL ANAESTHETIC can take the stuffing out of you for a good while afterwards. Don't apologise for your feelings.. It's how it is! You have been through a lot....it will take time for your body and mind to recover. Hard to sit back..i know ...when I had my surgery last year, my husband had just had bowel cancer surgery and started chemo.

3 weeks is v early days. Rest up as much as you can.. give family time to look after you. Tell them how u are feeling. We were lucky.. eldest son and wife looked after OH whilst I was in hospital and my sister came to my house for 10 days when I came out of hospital.

I was lucky...you will feel better but give yourself time.

Dh

[Miasgamgam]

Thank you everyone I appreciate all the support ,I know things will get better I'm just struggling a little.to many things on my mind but today I will calm down.thank u again

[katherineNED]

I had my upper left lobe removed over 3 years ago and my left arm, chest areas are still numb with occasional burning itching . The incision was in the back but from what I understand they cut/damage a lot of nerves for the surgery and could be permanent.

[Debby1125]

Same here in numbness under my breast and that area is warm too. Scar is on back also. I've been told it's normal because of all the nerves that were cut for the surgery. My surgery has been 1year now.