MyLungCancerTeam

Is it normal to have back pain almost 6 weeks after a lobectomy?

Yes, experiencing back pain around 6 weeks after lobectomy can be normal. Your chest will likely be stiff and swollen for roughly six weeks after surgery, and some discomfort during this time is expected.

With open-chest lung surgery, there's a higher risk Show Full Answer

Is it normal to have back pain almost 6 weeks after a lobectomy?

Yes, experiencing back pain around 6 weeks after lobectomy can be normal. Your chest will likely be stiff and swollen for roughly six weeks after surgery, and some discomfort during this time is expected.

With open-chest lung surgery, there's a higher risk of nerve pain and long-term pain that may continue for several months or longer. Some people experience pain that lasts well beyond the initial recovery period.

Other MyLungCancerTeam members have shared similar experiences. One member mentioned having "a lot of pain in my midsection around my ribs where the surgery took place." Another noted, "It has been five years since surgery. I still feel discomfort with my rib cage."

However, if you're experiencing ongoing discomfort after six weeks, it's important to contact your doctor. They can evaluate whether your pain is part of normal healing or if it needs additional treatment.

Be sure to let your oncology care team know about your pain. Share details like where you feel it, how severe it is (on a scale of 0-10), what type of pain it is, and when it happens. This information helps them provide better treatment and pain management options.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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