Acupuncture for post op lobectomy pain in elbow and chest a.Has anyone tried it.

Hi I had a right upper lobectomy 20th of March and still have some annoying aching throbbing pains associated with under sternum, back shoulder right arm elbow and finger pain .If is not severe but distracting a.This week I have tried to sop taking all analgesia to see where I am with things but it has been difficult since Monday I have only had two ibuprofen and a paracetamol and two brandy's. The way I see it this is chronic pain. So in one of my thoughtful moments l thought perhaps I should try a tens machine or acupuncture .Has anyone else out there tried either of these methods of pain control and found them to be useful? I hate taking tablets as I just feel that every pill has a side effect .I start adjuvant chemo on 18th and at least would like to have started managing this aspect better before that. Gloomily the oncologist has told me I am likely to hit rock bottom with the chemo as I am post op .Obviously every pill has a side effect and chemo has the most but no choice in that what so ever if I want to keep going that is. I will look forward to any comments opinions advice .I have started swimming again and some light yoga stretches but trying not to go too mad at it yet and I am not sure what I will manage once chemo takes effect .

This is just too depressing to even think about .

[Hidden]

Hi Diane, I haven't tried tens or acupuncture when I had my RLL in 2011, I just took the Ibufrofen and Paracetamol for a couple of months to ease the pain. I think you are doing really well considering. I don't know which chemo you will be on but I had Cistaplatin and Vinorolbene and had to change the Cistaplatin to Carboplatin because of Tinnitus. I tolerated the chemo quite well and I'm surprised your oncologist was so negative as everyone reacts differently. As long as you take the advice and any anti nausea pills etc and keep exercising, drinking plenty of water, eating healthily then you will give yourself the best way if getting through it. As for the pain etc I still get the odd twinge now almost 4 years on.

Good Luck Rab.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for replying ,hopefully I will be ok on chemo ,l am not looking forward to it but an necessary evil and its not for ever .Your have to find a positive somewhere in this situation . Glad to hear your still doing ok after 4years that's brilliant. That's makes me feel better in itself so you never know I might be up there with you soon and this all behind me .