Pain in ribcage

[Welshandproud]

I had debulking surgery four weeks ago and am still experiencing pain under my rib cage when I yawn, sneeze, cough or take a deep breath. The ribs are also sensitive to the touch. Has anyone else had this problem?

[Ange09062016]

My ribs weren't sensitive to touch but deep breaths did hurt for some time after. They said it was common since they did a lot of work in my diaphragm. Coughing and sneezing does take some time too for it not to hurt or be uncomfortable. Hope you feel better soon.

[Welshandproud in reply to Ange09062016]

Thank you Ang. Yes they did a lot of work on my diaphragm too to remove the omentum so that does make sense. I had an appointment this morning with the practice nurse to dress my wound which has not healed in one section. She spoke to my GP who took my sats, bp and temperature. He gave me a good examination and ruled out a pulmonary embolism which was a relief and said it was mechanical and linked to the surgery. I suppose I am just going to have to be patient and give it time.

[Ange09062016 in reply to Welshandproud]

Ok good! Yes, take one day at a time! The surgery was a lot harder then I expected too. It takes a while to recover and feel like yourself again. I promise it will get better. I'm exactly two months today from my surgery and almost totally back. I do have nerve pain sometimes with my incision. Keep strong. It will get better.

[lorraine71-Australia]

Hi fatandforty,

First I thought I would give you a new name FAB AND FORTY.

yes I had the same pain, just getting up from a chair was a very difficult , but you must remember this was no small operation it was full on.

It was at least 6 weeks before I felt like I was ok.

Relax as needed but also do try to do some small exercises, if only walking around the house,

If you are still worried call your oncologist or nurse.

Cheers Lorraine xx

[Welshandproud in reply to lorraine71-Australia]

Thank you Lorraine. I also like my new name though fab and fifty is now more appropriate!! It is reassuring to know that others have been through the same thing and come through the other side. I will certainly continue to try to be more mobile. I'm sure that will help. Thanks for your support xx

[Ivster]

I've it's been like a little over 2 weeks for me, and yes I experience the same pain. Especially if I've to cough, or sneeze, I'm sure it's part of healing up. Plus we have a lot of stitches in the insides too.

[Welshandproud in reply to Ivster]

I wish you a speedy recovery and remember to not give up your pain meds too quickly. We need them x

[Neona]

yes, after 9 weeks I still have to hold my stomach if I cough or sneeze and I get shooting pains in several places including under my ribs. My ribs are not sensitive though.

[Welshandproud in reply to Neona]

Thanks for that. I hope that your pain decreases soon too.

[Hairlessbeauty]

Hi,

Had the same. My diaghram was ripped of and ribs broken to get out all spots of disease. Will take a while to heal.

Best of luck, take care

Zaneta, xx

[Welshandproud in reply to Hairlessbeauty]

Ouch broken ribs. That must have been absolute agony. I hope the pain has reduced now x

[Hairlessbeauty in reply to Welshandproud]

It was in March 2015. After surgery and 6 carbo/taxol I was clear for 12 months. Now again on that horrible road. 4 sessions of carbo/caelyx done, 2 more to go 😥

[Alifit]

I'm 13 weeks post debulking and my ribs are still tender - I am assured this is perfectly normal considering the enormity of the operation. Every time I mention it I am asked if I'm taking painkillers (I'm not!) - just regular Paracetamol is recommended.

[Welshandproud in reply to Alifit]

Thanks Alifit. I must keep reminding myself how serious the op actually was. I just expect too much of myself and my body I think. I had just expected to be so much better by now.

[Alifit in reply to Welshandproud]

I did too - it's really hard going from reasonably fit to post operative - I've fought it all the way. For me the key has been a balance between resting when appropriate, but pushing myself within reason when feeling well. I'm back on my 6 mile walks, have just restarted my riding lessons and am going skiing in March. I also have epic sleeps in the middle of the day!

However, if you are worried, never hesitate to talk to your doctors. Stay positive if you can - I'm sure it aids recovery.

Love to you Ali x

[Janet235]

Yes, like you same but deeper inside on left that felt it was ribs but they only hurt when I took deep breaths, coughed or on some unexpected movement... Was taken seriously enough to warrant a CT scan but nothing showed so was also suggested it was post operative niggles. After that specific pains moved around my central body but All went away after about 10 weeks. I make myself do relaxing breathing at least once a day as I think our chest cavities do suffer and we are probably holding our bodies in tension more than we realise!

The free 10 lesson Headspace Ap on your phone is a good one to try....

[Welshandproud]

Thank you for that. I think you're right about the way we hold tension in our bodies.I'll give the headspace App a try.

[jdillon]

Hi! I was a good 12 weeks post surgery before it felt better. I am now 7 months lost and will still have times it's very tender. My onc keeps reminding me it was a 'big' surgery and could take up to a year.

quick healing to you!

Hugs!

Jodi

[Purple-iris]

Hi

Yes as others have said it does take time but you will get there .

I am now 12 weeks post op and enjoying long walks again and coping with hills . Something I thought I would never do just 4 weeks ago . I had my peritinium stripped around diaphragm which led to breathing problems after surgery and needing oxygen for a few days whilst in hospital .

The surgery was much harder than I had imagined especially as I was feeling relatively well before hand .

Walking a little every day is good . Take it easy and before you know it you will be through the worst .

Love and best wishes for you recovery . Kim x

[Welshandproud]

Thank you everyone for your replies. I have now discovered why I was in so much pain. I had an emergency admission where my surgeon explained that the pain was due to tools which were used during surgery to lift up my rib cage and remove cancer. No wonder I was in so much pain. So if there is terrible rib pain post op that's probably why. I am glad to report that it is much better now.