Pain from VATS

Hi Artsie,

It's been less than 2 weeks since your op.

Looking back at my notes, at that point I was still on oxycodone pills 10mg twice a day and had only just started to reduce how often I also used the oxycodone 5ml liquid. If you're only on paracetamol and ibuprofen then you're on way less pain relief than I needed so I'm not surprised it hurts. (Ibuprofen isn't too kind to the stomach, by the way, Paracetamol is better.) I carried on using pain relief as needed, gradually reducing, and it was just over 3 weeks after discharge before I stopped even the Paracetamol. I still get the occasional twinge but the frequency is slowly getting less.

If you can make it without oxycodone that would be good as it locks up your digestion, needing laxatives. On the other hand, being pain free is better because you need to breath deeply to help with healing. As you've made it this far I'd guess your best bet would be dial back the ibuprofen and ramp up the paracetamol.

kind regards,
Steve

Hi Steve 

Thank for your reply. 
i had a Lower Anterior Resection Aug 2021 with an Ileostomy which was reversed Sep 2022 

That blocked November so I am paranoid about my bowel control. 
Pain medication is holding me back as I’ve been uncomfortable since I was discharged

My bowel is super sensitive!

i feel that the nerve and muscle damage caused through the operation is more tender now than a couple weeks ago. I presume that I am regaining sensation which could be why I am so tender 

I may phone my GP for some pain control meds if this continues 

Thanks again 

Hi Artsie ,You are not very far down the line after your Op ,i am 6 months ahead of you ,and though the intial pain has now gone from the operation site ,i do still get twinges now and then ,and if i overdo things ,it can be very painful for a few days example ,last week i had a shower and completly forgot to go steady while scrubbing myself in the site of the scar ,afterwards and for about 2 days it was painful ,but my surgeon says this is normal ,and not to worry ,you are doing well just taking paracetomol ,i did find wearing a soft sports top did help ,or in my case a sports bra ,also i found holding a cushion while sneezing and coughing helped .I also found yawning hard to do .

Thanks Christie K

i agree with everything you say, I wear comfort bras as they give me enough support. No bra is uncomfortable too 

The cushion great tip or arm of my sofa fits the bill too.

I had to put my brave head on when it came to pain meds as my bowel is like a toddlers. Only had reversal September things went well until I blocked November now that I wouldn’t want again. So I am hyper aware of what drugs do to my bowel. 
When I had the six hour open surgery I was on every drug available. Ha ha I was as happy as anything and pain free during the day. The bowel was closed so my Ileostomy took care of the morphine and Tramadol. This time I can’t take those for fear of my Bowel stopping action apparently it can take up to a year to settle 

Today has been a better day I have managed to do more. I even put some washing on the line. Very slowly but I did it. Putting the washing higher up helped. I find bending down causes my heart to thump so baby steps

Thanks again, it’s great to hear from a member further along than me  

best wishes 

yes you do have to do things a lot more carefully ,i found my actual breast felt like mastitus for about 6 weeks ,but told this too was normal ,i found walking up and down my garden path at first helped to build up my strength ,and up and downstairs ,i also found sleeping with a soft pillow under my side in bed was so comfortable ,i think you just have to find what works for you .I know what you mean with the washing line ,i had to get hubby to do it for a few weeks as i just could not reach without pain ,so you are doing well

Thanks Christie

i think today is a good day. I definitely feel better and the pain isn’t as intense. My breathing seems less wheezy too 

I will try the pillow. I started by sleeping pumped upright but now I’m managing on my side. I’ve tried a cushion under my arm but that didn’t help. Ill definitely try your tip with the pillow

many thanks