Pain a decade 1/2 later??

[Rock_star]

Hi, had a left side thoracotomy/pleurodesis/blebectomy procedure in 1996 to repair a spontaneous pneumothorax. I was 18 years old and had no notable pain or problems during my twenties, but recently starting having a recurrent pain localized near where my surgery and chest tube took place, as well as more diffuse pains around my rib cage on both sides. my questions are:

1) Has anyone else experienced a spontaneous occurence of pain after 10-15 years of none?

2) is it possible that i would experience pain on both sides of my body despite the surgery being only on the left?

I was warned that intercostal nerves were damaged in the procedure which take a long time to regenerate, but i don't know if my issues are actually related to my thoracotomy at all or not...

Thanks for any input!

[OtisDaMan]

Given that you haven't experienced any significant symptoms from the surgery for such a long time, I would probably treat the occurrence of pain as an unrelated development, at least initially, to avoid prematurely ruling out other possibilities. The doctor is probably the best starting point in this case. I am aware of cases where gall bladder problems have caused quite severe pain that "seemed" to be originating from several sites including the tips of the last few ribs - unusual but not unheard of. Even appendix pain can appear high up if the appendix isn't located in the usual bottom right quadrant of the abdomenal region - another rare but not unheard of anatomical variation in the human body. As Tuckamore says though, changes to scarring, even adhesions from the original surgery, could have changed leading to the start up of pain, which means it isn't to be ruled out that the surgery aftermath could cause pain this late in the piece. Sorry.

Regards,

OtisDaMan

[Tuckamore]

Hello and Welcome to the Pain Management Forum. I am sorry to hear about your new painful symptoms.

I also have heard of pain recurring years after the initial incident. Have you seen your physican and if so how does he explain it?

When you had this procedure nerves and tissues were more than likely disturbed and possibly damaged as you were warned. It is also possible that over time additional scar tissue or scaring has occurred. Either or both of these things can be contributing to your pain. It is the bilateral pain that has me a bit confused.

Considering you pain is now bilateral I would not rule out this being a new condition that may or may not be related to your previous one. It does not seem likely to me that you are experiencing bilateral pain from your previous pneumothorax. But please understand that this is just my opinion and I am not a physician.  

I assume they did not find a causation of the original spontaneous pneumothorax. Do you have an underlying lung disease?

I have had a pneumothorax secondary to the trauma of a MVA some years ago. I have not had any recurrence of pain in that area. This is not to dismiss the possibility that you could have a recurrence.

I think it is important that you pursue the reasons for your symptoms. I would not dismiss this pain as a reaction to an old incident. If your PCP has no answers than you may be well served to consult a specialist such as a pulmonologist.

I hope you will keep in touch with us and let us know how you are doing. I will look forward to your updates with interest.

Take Care,
Tuck

[sandee1818]

I have heard of some members here having pain return after years of little or no pain so I do not think it is impossible.
I would recommend seeing your doctor and getting the test done to see if this is from the previous problems or if it something new going on.
Either way your in pain and need to find out a diagnosis so that you can treat the problem what ever it may be.
You will get more responses it just is very slow on the weekends here.
I hope you do find the cause of your pain and find some relief soon.
Please let us know how your doing and keep us updated. We are here for you and will help any way we can:)