Lung pain

[Babygirl50]

I had surgery on my lung in 2014. Had right lower lobe removed and to this day when I cough it hurts really bad. I would like to know if this is normal

[LadyoRockee]

No, it is not normal, not after the length of time since your surgery. My lower left lobe was surgically removed in February of 2011. This operation was performed on a Monday and I was discharged to home on Saturday. I was taking 5/325 hydrocodone/ acetaminophen every 4 or 5 hours for about 2 weeks, after that I just took Aleve as needed. My lungs never hurt, just the incisions, especially where the drainage tube had been inserted. Every day that I was in the hospital, Radiology brought in the x-Ray machine and took x-rays of my lungs and heart. For a year after surgery, I had to go in every 3 months for a Cat scan of my lungs.

Your surgery was in 2014, you've had no follow up x-rays or catscans?

I think that you should see your doctor, and the sooner, the better! You have been hurting a long time! I do hope that you get relief soon!

~Bonita~

[merilee]

I had a wedge resection to remove lung tumor last May, I continue to have back and rib pain, my doctor said it's possible for the pain to last even years.... But I had her order a CT which just happened to show enlarged chest nodes that were positive after biopsy. More chemo and radiation now, local reoccurance

So I would get it checked....

...to ease your mind... M M

[NicF4 Partner Roy Castle]

Hi Babygirl50

Unfortunately long term discomfort can be a side effect of any Lung Surgery. While the pain settles in about two weeks, there may be vague discomfort in the chest even a number years after the surgery. Incisions can also be painful and the intercostal nerves, which run under each rib, can be irritated by instruments or by the chest drains. Nerves can take a long time to repair and may require you to take a different kind of pain relief. You may always feel some discomfort.

If the pain or discomfort has changed in nature then it is important to see your GP, If the pain or discomfort is preventing you from coughing properly then again you should see your GP. A combination of adequate pain relief and maybe some extra physiotherapy could help you. If you are still worried then it would not hurt to discuss it with your GP and maybe request an x-ray or scan. Try keeping a pain diary it can help you to see any change in the pain/discomfort. It can also help you with obtaining good pain control.

I hope this helps

[Tina60]

Hello

Just seen your post, I had bottom right lobe removed by key hole surgery this time last year. After the operation when I coughed I had a sort of popping feeling which told can happen and is uncomfortable now when I cough but not painful. When I do too much like clean all the windows or heavy gardening my side will still be uncomfortable, I guess when nerves have been disturbed it takes time if ever to settle down again.

Hope you get the pain sorted.