Chest pain 24/7

[ameechan23]

I had an Ivor Lewis oesophagectomy just over 5 years ago for stage 2b oesophageal cancer. For the past 12 months I have had chronic chest pain that is on the right side and moves around to under my right breast and shoulder. It can be a sharp stabbing pain or heavy pressure feeling. It is happening 24/7 without more than a few minutes per hour pain free. It is getting worse and more persistent. I have had 3 CT scans in the last 12 months and an endoscopy last September. I had a large left sided diaphragmatic hernia repair in late February at the Royal Marsden...a long term complication of the oesophagectomy. It was hoped that the the pain I was getting was referred pain but it wasn't. I am struggling to function on a daily basis. I am 46 years old. I will have a further endoscopy soon. If you have any suggestions as to what the cause of the pain might be, please reply. I take 40mg esmoprazple on every morning.

[Judipat]

Hi

Has anyone mentioned costochondritis, it sounds about in the right area. Google it and have a look.

Hope you get some answers soon.

Best wishes

Judi

[Aussiepete]

Hi. I am approx 2.5 years post Ivor Lewis. I suffer from the same pain - I am seeing a pain management consultant and have discussed this pain with my oncologist and my surgeon.

I think there is definitely a relationship between Food (or lack of food) as well as tiredness and stress levels and the pain.

My surgeon and pain guy have told me that I have some damaged nerves in my rib cage - this makes sense the pain starts near the rib they broke in my back going in. It's also very close to where the two lung drain holes are.

I'm on a prescription for Pregabbalin - 300mg twice a day - this is an anti-epilithic drug which have a calming effect on nerves and reduces the pain. I've tried to wean myself off this a few times and can report that the pain increases as the dosage decreases.

I've also tried RF Nerve Ablation therapy on the intercostal nerves as well as on the splenic nerve. The latter was most beneficial.

I also use topical lidocaine patches on the rib cage - this helps as well.

Hope all of the above help.

[ameechan23 in reply to Aussiepete]

Thanks for the reply. I was offered the nerve drug by my GP but have declined it after reading many posts from people who had had massive weight gain on it. I really need to get referred to the pain clinic because it is a daily battle that almost ends in a trip to A&E. I was doing ok until a year ago and now my life revolves around getting through the day. I look well so unfortunately people and my employer just think I am making it up.