Back/rib pain after pleural tap and abdominal drain

[Leopard2018]

Hi

I've been diagnosed with Stage 4 ovarian cancer in May this year.

I had 2 abdominal drains and 1 pleural tap for ascitees. Just finished 6th round of chemo and waiting for what happens next.

Generally feel fairly well except for constant rib/back pain and tightness in area of pleural tap and abdominal drain. Consultant is happy this is nothing sinister and have had a recent abdominal/chest CT scan to investigate this problem which is clear. My onchologist suggested this may be scar tissue.

It feels like my chest/back area is being pulled tight and stretched. Feels like I am permanently wearing a corset. I use painkillers if necessary and hot water bottle on my back.

Ironically, taking into account my cancer and chemo, this is the only pain I have!

Just wondering if anyone can advise/help with this problem.

Thanks

[Lyndy]

Hello, I also had pleural drains during my first recurrence. They can cause that chest grippy feeling although it quickly went away once they were removed. Your CT scan is encouraging, so the scar tissue explanation is probably right. Can you ease it off by moving? Gentle exercise to expand your lungs and ease off tightness might be good but don’t push it if it hurts.

Often we are left experimenting with these symptoms as oncologists don’t know what to suggest. So try things out and see if you can find a position or exercise that helps. Good pain relief is important, if paracetamol isn’t working then ask for something stronger xx

[Leopard2018 in reply to Lyndy]

Hi Lyndy thank you for your reply. These symptoms wear you out everyday. I will certainly have a go at your suggestions and will let you know. Thanks again xx

[Laz66]

Hi, I sympathise lots! I had dreadful pain after pleural drain, initially unbearable and worse than post surgery pain, tried all kinds, including morphine which did help. My pain has almost gone, 2 months down the line so I hope this gives you a bit of optimism going forward. My onc suggested Pregabalin or Amitriptyline for pleural pain. I didn’t try these. A heat pad gave some relief and I tried to build my walking each day. I have nodules in my chest but am back doing long walks and swimming. Keep fighting! Best wishes x

[Leopard2018 in reply to Laz66]

HiThanks for reply. At least I know it's not just me!!!

Felt initial symptoms after abdominal tap under breast area. Then, after pleural tap - in rib/back area. That was 6 months ago. Oncologist suggested internal scarring. So......

Best wishes x

[Bandung]

Hi, you've done really well. After all those treatments you had, I hope your OC are better, not on stage 4 anymore.Speaking about the pain, we may get the similiar pain but mine is underneath my long scar ±27 cm stitching area but I feel the while stomach are painfull.

I had major surgery in Febr this year to remove my giant tumour from my ovaries. My stomach is still in pain all day all night, like being pulled and really tight. I have had a few CT scan on my thorax, abdomen pelvis, also blood tests and those are clear. So no one sure why I am still in pain for over ½ year since the operation. They think its the scar and another think its adhesions.I am taking pain reliefs every day: dihydrocodeine, amitryptyline, cocodamol, then gabapentin at this moment alongside cosmocol and laxido to avoid the constipation. The pain reliefs give me side effects such as headache, dizzy, drowsy, sluggish, very sleepy, and tired.

I do gentle exercises, walking, stretching every day... however the pain are remain the same.

I am thinking of you and wishing you speedy recovery. We are at the long journey to rid the pain off.

[Leopard2018 in reply to Bandung]

Hi BandungThanks for reply. Sorry to hear of your struggles. Hope you feel better soon.

I don't know if they're going to operate yet.

Apart from tightness/pain I'm doing OK. Oncologist thinks it's scarring from drains.

So.....all the best x