Still have chest tube pain 3 yrs after Thoracotomy!

[barefoottrader]

I had my Thorocatomy 3 years ago, recovered fine, after the usual 6 weeks of discomfort. However, I still have a signifigant amount of discomfort at the site where they inserted the chest tube. I have a lump, and regularly suffer what appears to be muscle spasms, where I can not even lie on my stomach. The area is also sensitive and appears to have nerve damage when touching, unlike the thorocatamy site, 8" long, which is 100% fine. Any similar sufferers suggestions greatly appreciated. I called my surgeons office, and received no reaction nor response.
Thanks

[Tuckamore]

Sorry Barefoortrader. I missed your question to me.

If you are still monitoring the forum and don't know, PMP mean Pain Management Physician. RSD is a type pf nerve disorder. If you goggle RSD you'll find lots of good information

Again Sorry I missed your question.
~Tuck

[mkiloman]

I can sympathize, as I've gotten no relief from post-thoracotomy pain

I developed what can only be described as the king daddy of chronic empeyma in March of 2011.  After having a thoracotomy, and full decortication of my right lung, I am experiencing constant, chronic, severe pain.  I have done some extensive research on this procedure, and from what I have read, my case was severe, to say the least.  I was in surgury for 5-1/2 hours, requiring 4 units of blood, and the surgeon who performed the procedure described my chest cavity as looking like "a bomb went off in your chest."  I am a 40 year old male who was in superior physical condition prior to the pneumonia and empeyma.  I am now struggling with post thoracotomy pain syndrome, with the only treatment being opiates

[ilovemyemma]

Hello..  I too suffer from the same exact pain as you... Have you found any relief??

[barefoottrader]

Thanks for your reply, but can you please tell me what is RSD, and a PMP, so I can research further.
Thanks, I too look forward to hearing from you again.
Barefoottrader

[Tuckamore]

Hello Barefoottrader,

Welcome to the Pain Management Forum. You've come to the right place. All of our members have CP (Chronic Pain) of some sort and can relate.

It sometimes doesn't make sense as to where or why we have pain. I'm wondering if  you may have RSD at the insertion site of the tube.... Or a nerve(s) and soft tissues that may have been damaged. Your surgeon will typically not help you. Chronic Pain or lingering pain is not their concern, even if their procedure may have began the Chronic Pain cycle. They are surgeons and if it isn't a surgical problem they are generally not interested.

Have you consulted your PCP? You may want to request a referral to a neurologist or even a PMP. It's time to begin your search for an answer. How extreme is your pain? Does it interfere with your daily activities or does it interrupt your sleep?

I'll look forward to hearing more from you.

Take Care,
~Tuck

[n2braves]

My husband had a valve replacement 2 years ago and still has sternum discomfort to the point that he has trouble sleeping many nights. He says he hears popping and it feels like it moves.  We checked with his surgeon and they did not use wires but a bracket on his sternum. His MD gives him a small script of Vicodin for when he needs it,  Short of going back in and redoing the bracket, there is not  much they can do I guess but lots if people end up this way.  I feel for you.

Cindy