Pain after lung surgery

[Cakebaker2]

I was diagnosed with a lung cancer in my lower left lung late January 2023,I had a surgery to remove it on 10th February 2023 .it started off keyhole but I had a bad bleed do they ended up doing open ,all went well and I was told all cancer was removed and there was no spread, all went well with recovery ,walking everyday . My question is I'm getting a pain under left breast sort of to the side which is like plusing and I have to stop what I'm doing as it like winds also comes on if I bend too long or twist around worries me as this is similar to the pain i was getting which lead to the cancer discovery after loads of tests is this normal ?

Sorry for the rambling post but since my surgery I fo eorry about it coming back but the pain is quite strong .

[beaverwood]

Hi, I had the same operation on my left lung in October 2021, and keyhole on my right in October 2022. I still get the same pain as you describe on my left, the right is fine. I like you was worried that someone was wrong, I had a lot of support from MacMillan who arranged scans and assessments, it seems to be wind getting trapped in the void and it has lessoned with time, although I do get it now and then. Please don't panic, call the MacMillan trust and discuss what is happening, they have lung nurses who can advise and help getting things checked out. I hope this is some help to you, try not to panic if possible.

[Cakebaker2 in reply to beaverwood]

Thank you feel bit better now and I will contact mcmillan .

[beaverwood in reply to Cakebaker2]

No Thanks needed, I am here if you need to talk, not expert but have been through the mental torture 🙂

[Eglingham]

Hi, I had my right lung removed 2020 and experienced the same, I still get it every now and then depending on what my activity has been. I had open surgery twice within 6wks, 1st to remove lower lobes then remove remaining part on the 2nd. The pain is normal but sometimes it's good to mention it and have it checked for your own piece of mind. It's normal to think the worst we all do who have and are experiencing this cruel disease.

[Cakebaker2 in reply to Eglingham]

Thanks for your reply I will get it checked out glad its not just me your mind is your own worse enemy sometimes.

[Dariada]

I’ve had 2 lobectomies (upper right, upper left) and yes, I’ve had this pain also. It can take your breathe away! I also feel like I have a rubber band wrapped around my chest sometimes. I’m guessing nerves were cut or damaged during surgery and we get the occasional flair up

[Cakebaker2 in reply to Dariada]

For your reply did think it may be nerve damage ,I feel a bit better knowing I'm not the only one .

[Cakebaker2 in reply to Dariada]

Thank you

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Hi Cakebaker,

I'm sorry about your cancer and the pain you are suffering whilst recovering from surgery. It is normal to expect some shooting or stabbing pains as the nerves and tissues repair themselves post op. You can see from the replies that others have had the same symptoms. We would always advise discussing symptoms with your medical team, as they are familiar with your particular and individual case, and therefore can offer the best reassurance of all.

This is a link to our booklet on lung surgery which you may find helpful

roycastle.org/app/uploads/2...

This link takes you to all our information leaflets roycastle.org/help-and-supp...

We have a range of support services, from one to one support to online support groups through zoom , if you are interested in any of these you can register through this link: roycastle.org/help-and-supp... Or by emailing [e-mail]

I hope some of this is helpful, but if there is anything else you would like to discuss you can email ask the nurse at [e-mail] or call our free phone nurse led helpline number on 0800 358 7200 Monday to Thursday 0900-1700 and Friday 0900-1600.

Wishing you all the best

Roy Castle Support Team