One year after VATS

[Glouie1]

Hi everyone

I have been following along but had nothing to share for the last year or so since VATS in November, 2018.

No longer have burning nerve pain but still pain to touch and tight band around rib cage. Gabapenten and amitriptyline not helping. No one knows why I have this pain. My cardiothoracic surgeon(20 years in this specialty) says he has never heard of such a thing.

Can anyone in this group offer help?

Thanks in advance.

Best Wishes to you all for improved health 2020

L.

[Jenniferroseolson]

I did not have VATS but had pleurodesis, pluerx catheter, chest tubes all in the same area to deal with my left lung at diagnosis. I was on Fentynl patch for a long time, weaned off of that by using Gabepentin, but I hated the side effects and didn’t have total control of the nerve pain. I ended up seeing a pain specialist (at suggestion of my palliative care doc), who did a nerve block near the bottom of my rib cage on that left side. I had several nerve blocks consecutively (I don’t recall frequency allowed...maybe quarterly?) which helped tremendously for a year or so. I haven’t needed one as I’ve gotten further from the procedures and the pain has lessened on its own.

[Glouie1 in reply to Jenniferroseolson]

Thanks for your reply. I have seen a pain management specialist who was the one who prescribed the amitriptyline. He told me if the pills didn’t help, he would give me an injection with freezing and cortisone. Maybe same as you had?? I was leery of trying that in case it irritated the nerves again.

Maybe I’ll change my mind now.

I was petrified of taking really addictive pain meds so I may have suffered a bit more unnecessarily.

I was in hospital 3 days. The epidural didn’t work so they had to give me pain meds through IV.

When I got home, I had Tylenol 3 for 2 days and then just extra strength Tylenol until I was out of my mind. Got toridol and gabapenten.

I hate to complain about my pain. I’m fortunate. I do not have cancer. I had an undiagnosed (no symptoms) blood clot in my lung. Blood supply was blocked and part of my lung died. Then I developed a major infection which was mistaken for a tumor by all diagnostic scans.

I work full time in our busy restaurant but I’m struggling due to pain. I appreciate any help and info I can get.

L.

[Gatorb8]

I had VATS in June 2019. I have occasional nerve band pain still that goes away if I move my position. Otherwise I have no lingering effects. I would speak with someone else about this as it seems unusual.

[Glouie1 in reply to Gatorb8]

I have talked to surgeon, my nurse practitioner, my family doctor and the pain management specialist I saw a couple of months ago. I have been to a physical therapist.

I think it’s nerve damage that has affected my intercostal muscles.

I am thinking massage therapy now but I can barely touch my left side so not sure how I’ll tolerate that and also scared to anger the nerves again.

The pain and numbness in that area and around my torso really affect my sleep and my daily routine. I’m tough as nails but this is really taking it’s toll.

Thank you for your reply.

Wishing you good health

L.

[Gatorb8 in reply to Glouie1]

I am so sorry. Your surgeon probably caused this. I wish I had more answers for you. Maybe get another doctors opinion. Good luck to you!

[Glouie1 in reply to Gatorb8]

Thank you for your concern and empathy

I’m not giving up. Still chasing a solution. I would really prefer not to have to take a pill. I want to fix the cause if possible.

L.

[mariel143 in reply to Glouie1]

I take gabapentin with the lodacaine patch 5% ask ur dr for this it really helps had my lung cancer surgery in 2016 God Bless

[Glouie1 in reply to mariel143]

This is the first I’ve Heard of lodacaine. Will check it out.

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

8 years out from a VATS for a failed talc procedure and a pericardial effusion I am still experiencing pain. Like a vise grip around my ribs or like trying something to wear a bra 4 sizes too small. I’m on a fentanyl was patch for cancer treatment related issues but it doesn’t give me any relief for that pain.

Nerve damage takes years to heal. Even today I hurt when I take a deep breath. Over the years it has decreased somewhat. I wish I could give you more optimistic advice. At this time I no longer use underwire bras instead I use soft cotton ones with extra wide bands, they help reduce some pressure there. If you don’t need a bra a close fitting camisole may help with comfort.

[mariel143 in reply to Denzie]

I also had it felt like a vise around my ribs the meds muscle relaxer helped ask ur doctor for a script doesn't hurt for u to try it might help it sure helped me

[Glouie1 in reply to mariel143]

Will definitely ask my doctor. Worth a try. Thank you

[Glouie1]

Oh my goodness!! I’m so sorry you still have that pain after all this time.

What you describe is exactly what I am experiencing as far as the tight band. I have extreme tenderness on and near the the incision site and numbness of the skin.

I have to be careful laying on my left side or when trying to carry things.

Chronic pain is exhausting but I’m petrified to take narcotics because I fear becoming addicted like a friend of mine.

I am still taking gabapenten and the amitriptyline for now because I don’t want to get that scalded skin pain back. That was God Awful!!!! I suffered with that for months.

I’m considering the pain management option of an injection of freezing and cortisone but if the intercostal nerves get irritated I’ll have that pain to deal with.

I’m tough. I can handle a good deal of pain and I am getting more used to this band but it affects my breathing and mobility lots of times.

L.