Just had the Ivor Lewis Surgery - Question

dsmasters
dsmasters Member Posts: 22
edited March 2014 in Esophageal Cancer #1
I had the surgery on 6/7 and just got out this past Wednesday. I am doing pretty well but have this pain in my ribs up under my right armpit that at times is a 5-6 on the pain scale. I left a message for the nurse at my surgeon's office about it and am awaiting a return call.

My question is - is this a broken or cracked rib?

It is not that having this knowledge is going to change the pain level but I am just wondering.

Comments

  • Donna70
    Donna70 Member Posts: 852 Member
    #2
    the pain is normal
    hi,
    The pain is normal after your ribs have been messed with so to speak and you should have been given some good pain meds to deal with this. If I am correct they entered on your right side thru your ribs which means one is probably broken and they were moved to get into your thoracic cavity so this pain is usually there for the long haul. Not to be a downer but a realist, you need to get some good pain med for that. Did you have chest tubes too on the same side it all hurts, keep up your breathing exercises also very important. take care and if you have other questions I will be glad to answer them. Prayers always, what is your first name?
    Donna70
  • Tina Blondek
    Tina Blondek Member Posts: 1,500 Member
    #3
    Congratulations!
    Hi dsmasters Congratulations on having a successful surgery! From what I have learned along the way with this ec journey is, that rib pain is normal. The dr should have already prescribed a pain reliever for you, if not they need to. Best of luck in your recovery. Take it easy.
    Tina
  • paul61
    paul61 Member Posts: 1,391 Member
    #4
    Pain on the right side under the armpit is normal
    Hello,

    I had Ivor Lewis surgery about six months ago and still have some numbness and pain in the area you are describing. So given how recent your surgery I would say it is normal. I assume they gave you some take home pain medications?

    If they are not working I would suggest you contact your surgeon and discuss.

    But all in all given the trauma to that side of your body (moving the ribs around, collapsing the right lung, and the incision in your back) I would say some amount of pain is normal.

    Paul Adams
    AKA "paul61"
    McCormick, South Carolina
  • MOE58
    MOE58 Member Posts: 589 Member
    #5
    THIS IS VERY NORMAL
    Don't give up this is very normal and will be this way for 6-8 months. Remember you went through major surgery they have to break a rib, to get to your esophogus to get the cancer. You won't be able to lay on that side either for awhile, it will also be numb for a long while. You have just began and Donna70 is guiding you the right way. It will be a year since Jeff's surgery next month so if you have any questions let me or donna know we been there done that.

    Lori/MOE
  • dsmasters
    dsmasters Member Posts: 22
    #6
    Thanks
    I was prescribed vicodin. In the hospital they were giving me 10mls every 4 hours. When I got my prescription I took the same 10mls but it was only lasting about 2 1/2 to 3 hours. I talked with my mom (former nurse) and she had me check the bottle for dosage. Sure enough it said to take 15mls every 4 hours. I have been doing that for the last day and a half along with a heating pad and the pain has become managable.

    I have noticed that the incision side is pretty swollen compared to the other side so this makes sense. I did have chest tubes on both sides but they are much lower compared to the pain.

    Thanks for all the replies, my first name is Dan BTW.

    Next question - any idea how long I will need to do the every 4 hour thing?
  • MOE58
    MOE58 Member Posts: 589 Member
    #7
    dsmasters said:

    Thanks
    I was prescribed vicodin. In the hospital they were giving me 10mls every 4 hours. When I got my prescription I took the same 10mls but it was only lasting about 2 1/2 to 3 hours. I talked with my mom (former nurse) and she had me check the bottle for dosage. Sure enough it said to take 15mls every 4 hours. I have been doing that for the last day and a half along with a heating pad and the pain has become managable.

    I have noticed that the incision side is pretty swollen compared to the other side so this makes sense. I did have chest tubes on both sides but they are much lower compared to the pain.

    Thanks for all the replies, my first name is Dan BTW.

    Next question - any idea how long I will need to do the every 4 hour thing?

    KEEP ON THE PAIN MEDS
    Dan,

    If I read your post right you are just about 2 weeks out of surgery, you will have to stay on the pain meds for a good 1-2 months you have just went through major surgery and it all takes time, you will see that each week is a little easier, and you will gradually go longer and longer without pain meds. You are doing a great job, just take it nice and easy, and don't overdue you are just 2 weeks post op, This is a long recovery but a good recovery.

    If I can help further let me know

    Moe/lori

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