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pain

jmu
jmu CSN Member Posts: 4
edited March 2014 in Esophageal Cancer #1
how long does the pain in the side rib cage continue after surgery. also, chest?
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  • MOE58
    MOE58 CSN Member Posts: 589 Member
    #2
    A long time
    It takes a long time one cause of the way they had to cut you and two cause of the tube, it may take up to 9 months before it ever goes away. if I can help let me me know

    lORI
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  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #3
    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
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  • muschie
    muschie CSN Member Posts: 1
    #4
    Pain in rib cage and chest
    I had esophageel surgery on December 8th with only minor complications of some infections at the site of the drainage tube.
    Now I am experiencing quite severe pain on my side rib cage and chest area and am wondering if this is pretty common and what I can do to relieve this discomfort. It seems to get even worth after I eat which I must do to maintain my weight.
    Any input will be greatly appreciated.

    thank you,

    muschie
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  • Donna70
    Donna70 CSN Member Posts: 852 Member
    #5
    muschie said:

    Pain in rib cage and chest
    I had esophageel surgery on December 8th with only minor complications of some infections at the site of the drainage tube.
    Now I am experiencing quite severe pain on my side rib cage and chest area and am wondering if this is pretty common and what I can do to relieve this discomfort. It seems to get even worth after I eat which I must do to maintain my weight.
    Any input will be greatly appreciated.

    thank you,

    muschie

    pain
    Hi,
    I had full 3 stage open surgery on the same date and am still taking some oxycodone for the pain, though it has lessened. I also take liquid Tylenol for it. My friend had similar surgery and a year later if she strains or pulls that area too hard it still bothers her sometimes for days. The drs told me they had broken a rib and spread the ribs there and that is why it hurts because the nerves and muscles are still healing together. I would definitely mention the connection to eating, the drs want to know what is going on with you. But as Lori says it lasts a long time. Glad you are eating and hope you are healing well. I am still surprised at how long my healing process is taking, don't know if it is because I am 65. I too did not have complications and my worse problem now is j tube related because it gets infected everytime I get chemo. take care and good luck!!
    Donna70
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