After effects from surgery

[wispernow]

I have just had a cancer removed from my left lung at 78 I am thankfully no further treatment needed

Second time having this thing inside me last time it was on right lung

With that all was well and I recovered quickly

This time I have nerve damage which affects my side around rib cage. I am told this can last ha very long time

Apparently a common side effect ..from left lung treatment

The pain can be very strong and I am not sure how to deal with it

Any tips to soften this would be welcome I don't want to be on tablets

However I would like to stateI feel it's a small price to pay and I am great full to Harefield hospital for giving me a chance to live and enjoy my great grand children

[JeanE41]

Welcome whispering. How long ago was your surgery? My surgery was in June 2015. The pain did last a long time, but diminished with time. The nerves that were cut take a long time to heal. I took codeine pain pills for about three weeks, tapering them off slowly at the end of that time and with the okay from the surgical team I started using Tylenol and naproxen when I weaned off the codeine. For a time I alternated between the codeine and the Tylenol/naproxen slowly reducing the codeine. Do not be afraid to take something for the pain so you keep moving. Exercise is as important as everything else you are doing. Some things that helped me were to keep the incision area warm, sleeping in a recliner, and moving around alternating with rest as my body dictated. Some people find cushioning the surgical area with pillows helps.

I wish you a speedy recovery so you can continue to enjoy those great grandchildren.

Jean

[wispernow in reply to JeanE41]

Hello thank you for your reply I had my surgery on the 8th of October so it's early days .

Yes I have tried a heat pad and a little stretching and it does seem to ease in bed . I am taking anadin extra seems to help a bit .

[anrean]

Please talk to your oncologist and express how much you do not wish to take pills. It may be necessary for a short time to take the pain meds - your body desperately needs to heal and that requires good rest. It may also be that he can prescribe something that is least likely to get you hooked or recommend an over the counter pain relief that is safe for your condition and does not interfere with any other meds you may be on.

I went on medicine "strike" after a very bad incident and deeply regret the decision. The heart doctor listened to me, and I had to turn around and apologize and ask for help when my legs and feet continued to swell. He was very kind and understood completely!

Taking pills for a short time is very possible. You may find that, despite his prescription, you can skip them when you are able to handle the pain. Just talk to him about that, too.

I have not had surgery, but my mother did and found that sleeping in a recliner and using a pillow to support her arm was very helpful. It has been 26 years and she still uses a combination of the recliner and bed.

I wish you the best and look forward to hearing about your enjoyment with great grand children! Please keep us posted!!

Lauri-Anne

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

The things that worked for me were gentle exercise and gabapentin. The gabapentin made me sleepy so I only took it at bedtime and asked the doctor for a lighter dose. It was prescribed 300 mg/ 3x day. Eventually I got it to 100 mg 1x day. But that is a pill and I can understand why you might not use it.

Another thing I found was a sports bra that had 9 hook and eyes up the front and an extra wide band at the bottom and wide shoulder straps. I’m large breasted and it gives only modest support but I’m more about comfort.

[Stillbiking]

I had my surgery Jan. 3rd 2017 and still have pain. I take Aleve, aspirin or Motrin. I use a heating pad when laying down. You have an incredible positive attitude. You are indeed fortunate. Good luck!

[Moname]

I ad my Surgery July 21 2016 I am in Pain all the Time i move my body one way and it is like my nerves go the Other way Like you i sis not want to be on pills so i take Ibuprofen when i cant stand it anymore . I also took Gabapentin 600ml it did not work took my self off. I am 60 years old

[Stillbiking]

I also have residual pain from my lung surgery. Apparently it is common and something they do not warn you about. I use a heating pad when it's terrible. I also will use Aleve, Motrin or aspirin. There is always that pain management clinic, but like you I do not want to take pills. Best wishes.