rib pain

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jmu
jmu Member Posts: 4
edited March 2014 in Esophageal Cancer #1
my husband had an esophagatomy almost 6 weeks ago. How long does the severe pain in the rib area continue? Also, he is on pain meds every 4 hours. The docs suggested that he could take advil 2 hours after the pain meds. any other suggestions??????

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  • MOE58
    MOE58 Member Posts: 589 Member
    #2
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    rib pain-I can help
    Hello,

    I can help you the rib pain will be there for at least a good 6 months, it really never goes away, due to the fact they have to break a rib to get to the area for surgery he will be on pain meds for a while also my jeff was on them up until about 2 months ago, its a long process, you have to have patience and know there is light at the end of the tunnel, I have walked your shoes, so I definately know what you are going through, he will always be sore and some numbness for awhile, he is probably still sitting proped up and know that will also take awhile to go back to a bed. With all the tubes and surgery he had each day will get a little easier, if you need any other quesitons answered I will be glad to help. Been there done that.

    Lori aka MOE
  • Donna70
    Donna70 Member Posts: 852 Member
    #3
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    MOE58 said:

    rib pain-I can help
    Hello,

    I can help you the rib pain will be there for at least a good 6 months, it really never goes away, due to the fact they have to break a rib to get to the area for surgery he will be on pain meds for a while also my jeff was on them up until about 2 months ago, its a long process, you have to have patience and know there is light at the end of the tunnel, I have walked your shoes, so I definately know what you are going through, he will always be sore and some numbness for awhile, he is probably still sitting proped up and know that will also take awhile to go back to a bed. With all the tubes and surgery he had each day will get a little easier, if you need any other quesitons answered I will be glad to help. Been there done that.

    Lori aka MOE

    rib pain
    Hi,
    Lori is right it lasts a long time. I am three months out and mine is not bad just once in awhile but I am on chemo also and have to take pain meds for the problems that is causing. I have stated on another site that my friend had the same incision thru the ribs and still has pain a year later, just once in awhile but if she strains or pulls too much on that side it hurts for a couple of days. My drs suggested taking liquid Tylenol and that seemed to help but your husband has to ask first. I am still taking liquids because I have trouble swallowing pills but there is adult strength Tylenol out there. It is a big surgery and it takes a lot longer than other surgeries to recover from. My drs said it was the most complicated surgery they do. take care and hope each day gets better for your hubby.
    Donna70
  • Donna70
    Donna70 Member Posts: 852 Member
    #4
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    Donna70 said:

    rib pain
    Hi,
    Lori is right it lasts a long time. I am three months out and mine is not bad just once in awhile but I am on chemo also and have to take pain meds for the problems that is causing. I have stated on another site that my friend had the same incision thru the ribs and still has pain a year later, just once in awhile but if she strains or pulls too much on that side it hurts for a couple of days. My drs suggested taking liquid Tylenol and that seemed to help but your husband has to ask first. I am still taking liquids because I have trouble swallowing pills but there is adult strength Tylenol out there. It is a big surgery and it takes a lot longer than other surgeries to recover from. My drs said it was the most complicated surgery they do. take care and hope each day gets better for your hubby.
    Donna70

    PS rib pain
    Hi,
    I forgot to mention what helped me esp when I stopped sleeping in the recliner and went back to elevated wedge and pillows in my bed, put a pillow around the side that the rib hurts on, my friend told me that and have not had as much pain after sleeping. Hope this helps.
    take care and good luck!!
    Donna70
  • K_ann1015
    K_ann1015 Member Posts: 500
    #5
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    advil, I don't think that will cut it!
    JMU
    I am NO medical expert, but like Donna, my dad had surgery early December 09. He was lucky to have it mostly laproscopically, so his pain may not be as bad as your husbands. But my dad was on Oxycodone for at least 2 months (2X at least/day) for pain and he has a high pain tolerance... He tried the advil, but says it doesn't seem to do anything. The doctors said he needs to control the pain in order to recover, be able to eat, exercise, move about and enjoy life. They were not concerned that he would get "addicted" at all. They said that if he did not have pain and continued this kinf=d of meds--then they would be concerned..

    This may sound silly, but also helped my dad---has your hubby tired a heating pad? It really helped my dad at different times. I think it may be because of all the tiny muscles between the ribs (look at this: (cut & paste) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intercostal_muscle )

    This surgery causes a lot of trauma and the muscles react like they do with other surgeries---with a "spasm" which causes more pain---and a pain-spasm-pain cycle. The heat can help break that cycle. It can't hurt unless used when there is nerve damage or heat is too high. Put a towel between heating pad & skin and check frequently--don't sleep with it.

    I don't know if it will help--but may be worth a try!
    Kim

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