Lung pain after surgery

[nharalamos]

This week, I have been experiencing a pain I never had before. When I wake up in the morning after having been sleeping on my back, my lungs hurt (actually, only the left side). It doesn't hurt to breathe in but it hurts to talk and exhale. I talked to my Dr. and he said that this is normal since there's more room in my chest area.

Anybody experience this? Can anyone offer any suggestions on how to make getting out of bed easier? I usually have to take medication and wait for it to kick in before I move. I'm just not sure how long this will last - it's pretty uncomfortable for me.

Thanks,
Nickie

Fused from T5 to L4/L5 on September 22, 2006
Age 31

[LindaRacine]

Hi Nickie...

I don't remember ever hearing anyone describe the sort of pain you're reporting. If it continues, perhaps you should see your primary care physician.

Regards,
Linda

[JoAnn5]

Nickie, i remember my lung hurting on my right side... which is the side the surgery was done... even though mine was endoscopic, thru five small incisions in between the ribs, they still had to deflate that lung and manipulate it a bit... so it was irritated and let me know about it... Also, my muscles would tighten and ache, if i stayed in one position too long. It hurt so much when i used the incentive spirometer, that i'd almost cry.... For a while after i returned home, my lung and the muscles on that side would cause me a lot of pain.

I think it will get better soon, but as Linda said, it wouldn't hurt to let your primary care Dr. know about it.

Hope you soon feel better!! JoAnn

[bbest]

I would follow up with another doctor.

[nharalamos]

Just got back from the Drs. office. The lung pain and all other muscle spasms that I have been feeling are all normal! He said everything looks great! I would write more now, but I just took a valium and it generally makes me sleepy...

I'll give more of an update later!
Thanks all for your support.
Nickie