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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Rib Pain
This forum is for questions and support regarding neurology issues such as: Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, Autism, Brain Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, MS, Neuralgia, Neuropathy, Parkinson's Disease, RSD, Sleep Disorders, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury
Rib Pain
by CAM, Apr 26, 2002 12:00AM
I'm not sure if I am posting to the appropriate forum, but maybe you can give some direction. On April 10, 2002, I underwent a LEEP procedure to remove some pre-cancerous cells of the cervic. Anyway..I was intubated and they used propofol as the anesthetic of choice. The day after the procedure I had difficulty breathing (like a heavy feeling on my chest and upper back) and had significant upper back (between the shoulder blades)pain that radiated into the rib cage. I went to my chiropractor who helped the pain in my upper back significantly, but still have constant rib pain. A few days after the surgery I went to the ER where they did chest x-rays (normal) and all bloodwork was normal, but they put me on Zithromax (said they wanted to treat me for bronchitis since I was masked/intubated). The pain in the ribs has triggered panic attacks a few times (which have been pretty intense). I have been treating the pain with ibuprofin which helps me control the pain, but has not changed the underlying cause. I have also had the sensation of shaking inside, but outwardly there are not signs of trembling (any thoughts on the cause of that?) I realize that after the first 48 hours that all effects of the anesthesia should have resolved itself, so that is why I am at a lose. Have also had an off and on again sore throat since the procedure, but have assumed that may have been cause from being intubated. Any thoughts or direction would be greatly appreciated.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT, Apr 26, 2002 12:00AM
Sorry to hear about your symptoms. They seem to be related to the intubation and surgery and could be a problem with the lungs and chest. Glad the CXR was ok, but further studies may be needed such as a CT chest. This is out of the field of neurology and may be better discussed with pulmonary or internal medicine. Talking to your primary care doc would be a good start. Best of luck.
