Newbie with Thoractomy pain after 5 years
 

After having pneumonia and having to have a thoracotomy five years ago, I am having a lot of pain, when I lift my arm, move in anyway. I am not sure if I should go see my doctor as I am scared, this is the most painful surgery ever!

Welcome lzeigler. :Wave-Hello:

Thank You
 

Scared to tell Dr of the pain, I refuse to be opened back up again.

Welcome to the NeuroTalk Support Groups.

I'm very sorry you're in so much pain still. It was a massive operation that you had done and if you're in pain still you really need to tell your doctor.

Have you been having any physical therapy recently?

If you are scared it's all the more reason to get checked by your doctor. She/he should sort out a pain management plan with you. I don't just mean medications. There are many different methods that people with chronic pain can use on a daily basis to help deal with their pain.

You may like to post over on this forum that I've linked below
Chronic Pain Forum

take care.

What does the pain feel like, is it a burning, shooting nerve type pain or more of a dull boring feeling like rib issues?

I have had 2 thoracotomys, one as a 9 year old for a benign cyst on my lung and the 2ed one 11 years ago for lung cancer. I remember a very painful burning, shooting pain related to arm movement from the childhood surgery which must have been nerve damage but have had little from the more recent surgery. It took a long time for the pain to go away from the first surgery but I don't think it lasted 5 years.

I think you should talk to the doctor, I don't know of any reason why they would open you back up. Maybe some physical therapy might help.

Good luck,
judi

Hi IZiegler,
Please go back to see your Dr asap. I know it's scary, but not as bad as living with the pain, possibly getting worse or causing more damage. Then there is the psychological impact, like Depression to cope with.
Obviously, I am no expert - your Doctors are - but I know something as simple as scar tissue is extremely painful. As Lara says, there are many ways to manage pain that don't involve more surgery - and remember, it's always your decision at any stage whatever your Drs say.
Please take this step to improve your quality of life, too many of us here are stuck in the Chronic Pain hole. At least go and listen to all your options - take someone with you to support you.

Dave.

Great to meet you!!