Pain below ribs following SP & aspiration

New Member Joined: 08 Feb 2010 Posts: 3

Hi.....newbie to the site. Found it when looking for info after having an SP 3 weeks ago. For reference I am a 37 year old male, non smoker, weigh 74kg and in good health before the SP.

I have tried to look for more info relating to my particular issue but can't seem to find anything so thought I would post it up to see if anyone has a similar experience, or can give me some advice.

My right lung partially collapsed 3 weeks ago so the hospital performed a successful aspiration by removing approx. 500ml of air. They said they were happy with the procedure and gave me another x-ray a week after to confirm all was still ok.

The ongoing problem I am having since the collapse and aspiration is related to the area under my ribs on my right side running down almost to my abdomen (but mainly on my side). I can only describe it as a constant stitch with the occassional shooting pain or like someone sticking their fingers under my ribs! It's not massively painful (more a nuisance) but is causing me some discomfort especially when sitting down.

My GP has said it could be some blood or fluid caused by the collapse which has run down to the bottom of the lung and gathered there. Fortunately I have had no similar symptoms to the collapse since the day it happened. I went back to my GP yesterday who said my lung still sounds clear but if the pain continues he will send me for another x-ray next week.

Has anyone experienced similar after effects from an SP? Or can anyone give me some advice as to what might be causing it or how long it will take to clear up?

Thanks.

New Member Joined: 08 Feb 2010 Posts: 3

So it seems no one has had similar pain? It's now around six weeks since the SP and so far no further issues. Although I am still getting discomfort under my right ribs (like a stitch or folding pain), occasionally under my left ribs and tingling down my right hand side almost to my hip. The tingling is not all the time, mostly when sitting or lying down but rarely whilst standing.

Really would appreciate some advice on this? I am back at the doctors for a check up next week so maybe he can find out what this discomfort is.

Thanks.

Posted: Sun Mar 07, 2010 10:09 pm Post subject:

Sorry, I can't really be of help. I do have pains at the bottom of my ribs like that, but that's only been since the surgery...That tingling might be from a nerve that got roughed up during your procedure. Also, a CT scan would be able to see far more than just an x-ray IF you can talk your doctor into it.

Have you tried any of the Facebook groups?

Feel better,
Mackie
_________________
41F, VATS w/mechanical pleurodesis and parietal/visceral pleurectomy-Sept. '08

Posted: Mon Mar 08, 2010 12:04 am Post subject:

Duff,

We all have pains close to what you are talking about. Read though the posts here form the guys. It might help you get some clues as to whats going on with your problems.
Most just post here for help and to kind of tell there stories. After that they just move on with there lives. Some of us come back and try to help others but the best information is in the posts. The guys here have lots of posts from lots of people. It does take time to read them all but you would be surprised in all the information compiled here.
Just remember. Fear is a big problem. If you think you are feeling bad. A X-ray is your best friend.

Posted: Mon Mar 08, 2010 4:29 pm Post subject:

New Member Joined: 08 Feb 2010 Posts: 3

Thanks for the re-assurance all.

I have just come back from a trip to Chamonix snowboarding which was approx. 7 weeks after the incident. Despite being as nervous as a shitting dog everything was fine including the flights. The snow was perfect as well so I soon forgot all about the dodgy lung!

If anyone is reading this and is worrried about doing active things and flying soon after a pneumothorax, don't be. And don't let it stop you doing the stuff you love (providing the docs are ok with it of course!)

Regards.

New Member Joined: 08 Apr 2010 Posts: 1

Hi, newbie here

I can relate to the tingling on the chest, my right lung completely collapsed about a month ago now and i had to have a vats pleurectomy and bullectomy, since the operation, i have that tingling feeling all over the right hand side of my chest whether i am sitting standing or lying down, and my chest feels tight, i also have what i can only describe as constant stitch, which my Dr says this is normal for a few weeks after, but the pain sumtymes is too much too bear, im always thinking now that my lung will collapse again at any time, so im jus taking one day at a time.