Need input...16 days post Ivor-Lewis surgery

JanBred
JanBred Member Posts: 42
in Esophageal Cancer #1
I handled everything really well, but this pain seems to be hanging on longer than I want it to. I've weaned myself down on Percocet now it's one tablet every six hours or so. It hurts like heck to do almost anything. I'm wondering if it's the ribs broke that's causing this pain. I'm trying to regain my strength but it's nearly impossible with this lingering pain. Any thoughts are appreciated. I don't know if I should try the Fentenyl patches...

Comments

  • paul61
    paul61 Member Posts: 1,392 Member
    #2
    I had fairly significant "right side" pain for about six months
    I had Ivor Lewis surgery and I had fairly significant pain on my right side around my ribs for about six months. I switched from prescription medication to Tylenol after about three weeks because I did not like the groggy feeling the prescription medications gave me.

    I just had to move slowly and carefully when I used that side of my body. It does take time to recover particularly on your right side where they went in to remove the esophagus.

    Best Regards,

    Paul Adams
    Grand Blanc, Michigan

    DX 10/22/2009 T2N1M0 Stage IIB
    12/03/2009 Ivor Lewis
    2/8 through 6/14/2010 Adjuvant Chemo Cisplatin, Epirubicin, 5 FU
    Two year survivor

    Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance!
  • Donna70
    Donna70 Member Posts: 852 Member
    #3
    paul61 said:

    I had fairly significant "right side" pain for about six months
    I had Ivor Lewis surgery and I had fairly significant pain on my right side around my ribs for about six months. I switched from prescription medication to Tylenol after about three weeks because I did not like the groggy feeling the prescription medications gave me.

    I just had to move slowly and carefully when I used that side of my body. It does take time to recover particularly on your right side where they went in to remove the esophagus.

    Best Regards,

    Paul Adams
    Grand Blanc, Michigan

    DX 10/22/2009 T2N1M0 Stage IIB
    12/03/2009 Ivor Lewis
    2/8 through 6/14/2010 Adjuvant Chemo Cisplatin, Epirubicin, 5 FU
    Two year survivor

    Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance!

    pain lasts a while
    Hi,
    Like Paul I had the Ivor Lewis with 3 incision sites and I took pain meds for at least 3 months or more. I had liquid oxycodone and I could cut the dose back gradually. That rib pain is a bugger and does last the longest. Never had pain in my big chest incision. My ribs were kind of sticking out of my back and floated around so I could understand why it hurt. This is kind of soon to expect to be feeling really up to par. I am sure Paul would agree it takes months to really feel more like your normal self. Also we both had to have post surgery chemo so that knocks you for another loop. But once you start really recovering your strength you will be amazed at the eating and activity you can do. Like Paul it will be 3 yrs since surgery for me in December and the last 2 yrs have been all good. Hope you feel better soon but don't think you are a wimp if you need the meds, I was told you heal better when you are not in pain. take care,
    Donna70
  • BMGky
    BMGky Member Posts: 621
    #4
    Husband had to deal with
    Husband had to deal with pain for some time. He got off of narcotic type medicine as soon as practicable; however, pain at times so intense would have to go back on from time to time. He did use fentayl patches limitedly.

    It took some six to seven months to get feelings of improvement. It is a protracted recovery; however, two years post-op and only has eating issues from time to time when uses poor judgment as to amount or food choice. A minimal complaint when you consider what others are facing.

    BMGky

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