Persistent Post-Op Pain?? Newbie Needs Help! - Cancer: Skin Message Board

Jenner06 · 06-01-2006, 12:47 AM

I was diagnosed w/mm of the right calf in April, and subsequently underwent WLE w/a 2cm margin. Although the incision ended up being almost 8 inches long, my surgeon did a wonderful job. However, it has now been a month and I am still having pain in my leg. Especially when I try to lie down and rest and/or try to sleep, I get this intense/sharp throbbing pain in my leg that doesn't go away. OTC pain relievers, ice & heat, elevation, warm baths, etc. only soothe the pain for a very short time, then I'm right back where I started (uncomfortable and exhausted).

The surgeon did explain to me that it would be normal for me to have pain for awhile, and that how fast you heal depends on your body. I'm just curious if anyone else has had a similar expierence? Surely I can't be the only one right? I'm just so exhuasted, tired of being in pain, and I don't know what to do to make it better. I have reached the point where I dread nighttime, becuase I know I'll be sitting here awake and in pain.

I'm only just beginning my journey w/mm, and I cant afford to crash and burn this early in the game.....So any feedback will be greatly appreciated!

~Kaelie · 06-07-2006, 06:56 AM

Hi.

Newbie here myself, but similar situation (sorta).

I do have some very important advice for you. BE PERSISTANT with your doctors. If your surgeon says it will go away soon, find another doctor. You need to be able to rest to heal properly. Post-op pain should be done in 6 weeks.

I have been living in constant pain for over a year now after the surgeon damaged a nerve (or two or three). The surgeon would not say that she did anything wrong and just kept telling me what a lovely looking scar it was (14" long) and said that the pop-can-sized lump was just fluid that would go away eventually. I'm still waiting on "eventually" and taking massive doses of pain pills to be able to function. And I hate every minute of it.

GO TO ANOTHER DOCTOR.

~Kaelie

Ga Lady · 06-10-2006, 02:50 PM

I had a WLE last July, I had pain off n on for months. But mine wasn't unbearable. I never took the pain medications that were prescribed. Just Tylenol or Advil. The problem I had was the "nerve" stings...My operation was on the back of my arm. So from time to time I will feel a stinging sensation. It's the nerves trying to regenerate themselves. Also I would get "achiness" from time to time almost like arthristis. I asked my Dr about htis and he said it was VERY Normal. Good luck~ But always remember if you are in doubt...go get the Dr to check i tout~

tbrooks · 06-11-2006, 05:31 AM

Going to another dr. is not going to make the pain go away. You dr. is right. Everyone heals differently. My surgery took place on my forhead as well as from the top of the front of my ear down to my collar bone. It has been 16 months and the numbness is still there but the initial pain took a few months to go away. You will be fine. Ask your dr. for some stronger pain pills.

tbrooks

Jenner06 · 06-11-2006, 06:16 AM

I did talk to the nurse @ my surgeons office, and they called in some pain pills for me to take at night (which seems to be when I have alot trouble w/it). The nurse also reminded me that the WLE was fairly deep so there could be some nerve damage, or the nerves could be just healing. I guess it's just hard to adjust to constantly being uncomfortable all the time, and being in pain the rest of the time. I'm not going to complain too much though, because it could've been alot worse. I'm especially grateful that I had a great surgeon.

Ga Lady: I don't know how you managed without taking any pain medication...man I can eat a ton of advil, etc. and it does nothing for the pain. Or if it does help it's so minimal that I can't even tell the difference. That's great that you dont have to take prescription pain meds though. Hopefully I'll reach that point soon. I do know what you mean about the "achiness" feeling though, and I sure do hate it.

Anyways, thanks everybody for the feedback.