Lung reduction surgery

02-06-2007, 08:58 AM

I have emphysema scattered throughout my lungs, and in 2001 I had Lung reduction surgery. It was done in the hopes of reducing the constant pain in my chest, because my lungs were very enlarged. The surgery did help my breathing but did nothing for the pain. It feels like someone is pushing a spear right though by chest to by spine.
I have been on pain killers (Gabapentin & Oxycontin) since then, which helps some, but does not eliminate it. My Doctors indicate that there is no chest pain associated with Emphysema. My pain is constant and without medication I would not be able to funtion at all. Before I started taking the medication I was frequently curled up in a ball, unable to do anything. Now I can do very limited activity.
Has anyone else experienced this pain with emphysema, and if so have you been able to find out the cause or be treated?
Any suggestions would be appreciated.

02-06-2007, 10:06 AM

I think all of us with severe COPD have enlarged lungs, but since there are no nerves in the lungs, there should be no pain. Have you had a ct-scan or MRI to rule out spinal problems? I have degenerative disc disease and sometimes the pain seems to emanate from the stomach even though it's a spine problem.

I hope you get some good answers here. Have you considered a pain management specialist?

p.s. I was surprised you had lung volume reduction surgery, since I've been told I'm not eligible because, like you, my lung disease is scattered rather than in the upper portion of the lungs.

02-12-2007, 01:29 PM

[B]hello hapatia just wanted you to know how everthing is going in rehab. the first week i could not walk 50 feet... now into week 4 i feel so much stronger i gained 4lbs and today i went to walmart super store and i walked looked in all deptments and did,nt used the go cart. and still feel fine. i also do,nt use as much albuterol. and sleeping better.~~~now i feel there is hope . maybe just maybe i can get off o2. and get my life back and do some of the things that has been on hold for the last 3 years. i can

now.

02-12-2007, 03:15 PM

What great news, piddypat! I've been watching to hear how you are doing and you must be doing everything right. It would be awesome if you could get off 02. Even though I can walk 5 mi. a day, I still need the 02 cranked to 5, so have just accepted the fact that it allows me to do what I do. And I love walking Wal-mart too...Patty

Lung reduction surgery

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