I feel horrible for the others but I am glad I am not alone. I had the VATS done on March 6tg and have been in pain ever since. reason for it was to get a diagnosis which I did which is sarcoidosis... Now on High dose of prednisone which isn't helping matters.. putting on weight left and right and feel miserable. my pain was mostly under breast and down right side, under arm pit, but then about a week and half ago I got extreme pain again in my back that felt like I had the chest tube in again... dr. seems stumped.. I can't get anymore pain meds (which is okay.. idon't really like them anyway). My pulmonologist consulted with the surgeon and now they are talking about a Nerve block to help... Has anyone experienced that or had it done? Did it help? Pros cons?
I am wondering WHY they do so many of these Needless open lung surgerys, I would Never have it done, Ever! Thank God I Researched and read comments against it otherwise, I myself would never have known. CT scan PFT is all you need to determine lung disease.
I had the VATS procedure 4 months ago. Experienced exact same symptoms and the stay in hospital was the most horrific thing I've ever experienced. Absolute agony for 3 days taking intravenous morphine. 4 months in pain under right breast, under armpit and down right side. Numbness in various areas a painful right elbow ? god knows why and my breathing is now bloody awful. I have had my post op appointment and tore shreds out of the butcher who operated in me, I was never told if the post op problems and would never ever have had the op knowing what I know now. Reason for the op was to rule out histiocytosis with a probable outcome of COPD, well the outcome was COPD and what really has upset me is that now I understand there is no treatment for the COPD and there would have been no treatment on the UK NHS for histiocytosis. So if there is no treatment for either what was the point of the operation? Caused me a truly horrendous time which I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. Think twice before you agree to this if your doc wants you to gave it
I had similar surgery, having same symptoms as you, everyone tells me it takes time. My family Dr is a godsend, I'm praying for both of us! I was doing better until my allergies kicked in last week.
There is good advice on this forum.
Thank you very much for your response, I really appreciate it. My pain is not as bad now, I would describe it as numbness, a feeling of heaviness under my armpit and I do not need pain killers. Hopefully this feeling will subside. Thanks again!
Hello and hope you are doing well.
Understand your predicament. Any injury to the pleura can cause pain. Pleura is the lining of the chest cavity. But as the post op inflammation subsides, your symptoms of pain should resolve. Consult your doctor for stronger pain killers. And limit your activities to help with your breathing. Continue with your breathing exercises.
Hope this helped and do keep us posted.