Old Thoracotomy Scar Injury Posted: 06-22-04 18:23pm
In january I started getting extreme
pulling sensations in my ribs in the lower
front side, then pain like my lung was
being ripped out of my chest. I had a
thoracotomy 11 years ago and ive been told
that I have scar tissue irretating the
nerve that runs along the rib. I'm being
treated in a pain clinic with intercostal
nerve blocks using steroids and god knows
what else. I've been treated for pluracy
and have had an mri of my thoracic and
cervical spine. Bone spurs were found but
the dr's say they can't see any pinching
of the nerve so they have cleared my
spine. A ct scan just shows scar tissue
and they can't see any nerve entraptment.
When I start doing anything strenueos the
muscle under my arm pit must be hardening
and the scar tissue seems to be pushing on
the nerve. It is overwelming pain that
makes me nauseous and overtakes my upper
trunk and shoulder area. I am basically
disabled on my right side. They will do
injections for another month but I have
not improved after already completing 7
weeks of injections. They tell me to be
patient but i'm wondering if this
treatment is the right thing. The muscle
spasms after the injections are almost
unbearable! Has anybody out there
experienced anything like this and do you
have any advice if this injection therapy
does not work? Also they say they can
burn the nerve out but it will grow back
and i'll have to deal with this again so
the muscle should be repaired. They say
surgery to remove the scar tissue is not
an option. Help! I'm only 47 and need to
get better to support my family. Any info
would be greatly appreciated!
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sandyallen
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Joined: 02 Feb 2004 Posts: 4581
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Posted: 06-22-04 20:21pm
I have learned that anytime you have
surgery you end up with scar tissue so if
they open you up again, you'll have more
scar tissue later on. My surgeon did
two neck surgeries on me, he wanted to do
another neck surgery but decided against
it due to the same reason(scar tissue).
I had a hysterectomy about 1998 and ended
up with scar tissue their too.
My pain management Dr. Told me that
sometimes it can take anywhere from 7to10
nerve blocks, he gave me two nerve blocks,
they did not do anygood so he decided not
to do anymore, I think it is all about
money anymore!
Well I do hope you get to feeling better
soon! I do understand what pain is, I
live with everyday! I sure hope you are
not pulling muscles and end up getting a
hernia lifting stuff!
Sincerely,
sandy
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purple333
Extremely EHEALTHy
Joined: 01 Dec 2003 Posts: 1421 Location: Sydney
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Posted: 08-15-04 03:33am
I realize that $$ may still be an issue
but i'd check out alternative therapies -
homeopathy, naturopathy, accupuncture etc.
Try google.Com & query under say
solutions to scar tissue pain or
thoracotomy scar tissue & go from
there. Some natural supplements might be
worth looking for too - like shark
cartilefe etc is good for arthritis there
may be something that could help you.
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