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Nerve pain

Hi-
Anyone have any helpful hints for dealing with nerve pain following a lower left lobectomy? That’s my main problem. Not lack of breath. It’s nerve pain. Also it gets worse at night. I’m on gabapentin but not sure if it works. Any advice would be appreciated😀

  1. I am sorry you are dealing with such nerve pain. I have had one lobectomy and one wedge resection and it does take a while for the nerves to mend. Every now and then an issue may stall the healing. Have you discussed palliative care with your medical care team? I heard they are wonderful with pain management. I am attaching a link below to an article written by our Editorial Team that I hope helps. Please feel free to follow up and let us know how you are doing. Wishing you the best, Alisa, LungCancer Team Patient Leader
    https://lungcancer.net/clinical/early-palliative-care-survival

    1. Thank you Alisa! I'll check it out.

      1. Hi . Mind if I ask how long it has been since your surgery? The good news is that most often nerve pain following a lobectomy (even long-lasting pain) eventually subsides on its own. Of course, completely understand that this information is not terribly helpful in the here and now. I want to share with you this article on chronic pain syndromes following lung surgery: https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-postpneumonectomy-syndrome-2249353. It describes the various issues and potential treatments. In addition, this article has a section on long-term pain: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/lung-cancer/treatment/surgery/possible-problems#:~:text=The%20pain%20is%20from%20damage,it%20may%20continue%20for%20longer. The main emphasis is to speak with your doctor, as you should not have to suffer if there is something that can be done. Hoping you can get some relief soon. Best, Richard (LungCancer.net Team)

        1. Hi Richard!
          It’s been 6 weeks.
          Thanks for the information. I’ll check it out. The pain is lessening but it gets worse every night. My doc recommended lidocaine patch but I didn’t try that yet.
          I know it’s only been 6 weeks but I’m just praying it doesn’t last.


          1. Hi Richard,
            I use salonpas in the roll-on form for damage I have from a mass around a bundle of nerves and is deteriorating a couple ribs under my right arm. It is 4% lidocaine. I highly recommend it as it gives instant relief for me.
            Good luck,
            Joe

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