I haven't posted on here for probably close to one year . Diagnosed adenocarcinoma stage to a 2015 had resection surgery and chemo app seven months later they found enlarged nodules in the Mid chest area which were cancer cells...Dr thought they were there before and not seen , I then had radiation for six weeks every day . Followed by a couple rounds of chemo my scans have been pretty good and everything is been stable a month ago they found some nodules on my thyroid I have been told that's very common and 95% of the time it's nothing but for me I don't want to worry so I am going to have a biopsy on the 24th . My question is not so much about the biopsy but more about the pain and numbness I still feel from my surgery sometimes I feel like something is poking me?? Almost like my ribs are broke or something like something sticking out. I know that's not the case because nothing shows on CTs when I have them so could this still all be due to my surgery+? the tightness, pain and numbness ? I have also found I can no longer sleep on my stomach or sides I have to sleep on my back anyone else have consciousness and this is a common complaint thank you so much hope everyone is doing well . Thank you in advance for any replies..
Pain in the last three years after surgery ? - 1293321
merilee
![]()
Posts:32
Forums
Reply # - October 15, 2017, 08:31 AM
Hi merilee,
Hi merilee,
Welcome back to GRACE. It's good to hear that the results from chemo are looking good, and I hope the thyroid findings turn out to be nothing.
Pain after lung surgery, even after several years, is a well-documented occurence. As Dr. Pinder has said:
"Pain after a thoracotomy can persist for many months. Some patients develop something called post-thoracotomy pain syndrome, which can persist for years after surgery. So, in answer to your question, this is a common problem. Still, you are right to bring it to the attention of your physicians and letting them know if the pain changes or worsens would be important." - http://cancergrace.org/forums/index.php?topic=6438.msg44868#msg44868
And as Dr. West elaborates:
"...plenty of patients describe a sensation of tightening/discomfort in their chest after lung surgery or radiation. This corresponds to scarring/fibrosis in the area. Just as a burn leads to tightening of the skin when it scars, radiation or surgery leads to a tightening of the tissue and a sensation of traction in the area for many people. Also, the contents of the chest shift after a surgery removes a significant portion of a lung, or an entire lung, so that shifting within the chest over the weeks to months after surgery can be uncomfortable." - http://cancergrace.org/topic/post-thoracotomy-paindiscomfort#post-12603…
If the pain is caused by nerve damage, your doctor (or a dedicated pain specialist) may be able to prescribe Lyrica or Gabapentin to help you feel better.
JimC
Forum moderator
Reply # - October 15, 2017, 04:20 PM
Did you have VATS or a
Did you have VATS or a thoracotomy? VATS is less invasive and less likely to cause long term side effects. But as Jim has noted, a thoracotomy can cause these side effects and for some, it's for life. Many take either or the two mentioned drugs with good success. Take care, Judy
Reply # - October 15, 2017, 10:08 PM
Yes I believe it was vats??
Yes I believe it was vats?? I Should know this it was a less invasive one I had the resection a smaller scar... so I assume... I have a lot of discomfort even though ,it feels as though ribs are very bruised tender to the touch. been going on since the surgery but as you and others have said it's can be fairly common to so I guess it's something I have to live with . Thank you all.. stay strong and stay well...till next time. merilee
Reply # - October 16, 2017, 06:15 AM
With VATS they don't normally
With VATS they don't normally cut ribs or nerves but do separate the ribs to get to the lung and can irritate nerves. Most nerves will regenerate in time. The ribs can continue to be irritated for some time and then eventually you'll likely feel it now and again. I have spasms from the scar tissue and tingling called neuropathy. It passes and I don't take anything other than ibuprofen or tylenol. Sometimes the things we do will irritate the area such as heavy lifting, pulling or pushing. So maybe trying to limit that can help also.
Take care, Judy