Lung Cancer Forum - Spontaneous Pneumothorax (collapsed Lung)

Cancer > Lung Cancer Forum > Spontaneous Pneumothorax (collapsed Lung)

Q: Spontaneous Pneumothorax (collapsed Lung)

asked by: uksykes on September 18th, 2004

New User

18th sept 2004

my son has suffered his lung collapsing for the 3rd time in 2 years. He will be having his chest drain removed later today and then be discharged to convalesce at home.

The hospital recommend that he has an operation on his lung which will:- 1. Staple and seal around the punture points on the lung. 2. Remove the membrane from between the lung and the chest cavity to allow the lung to stick to the chest cavity. This will stop the lung collapsing again should a further puncture occur.

I would like to hear from anyone who has had this operation or knows anyone who has; to discuss whether there are any after effects or problems with this type of operation.

Brian

Replies(9)

lf777

replied on September 28th, 2004

New User

Brian

it sounds like the doctors want to perform a pleurodesis, which is essentially what you described. You can look for info using this term, but in cases of recurrent pneumothorax like you describe sometimes it may be used.

Lf

wpoh6756

replied on January 26th, 2009

New User

hey

hi there. i am now 31, and I had this operation when i was 18 after three spontaneous pneumothoraxes. I have had no problems since, and think the operation saved my life. the only evidence of my illness when i was young now is a few scars on my torso.

cgw6568

replied on June 21st, 2009

New User

I had this operation 2 years ago and have had severe burning in my chest on the left side ever since. This pain just keeps getting worse and I have been to about 6 different doctors and they all say the same thing. Nothing can be done , it's nerve damage from the chest tube. They just want me to take pain meds and I cannot function taking these drugs. Any one ever had a solution? Desperate to find some relief!!! Very bad burning and stabbing sensation and can't stand anything touching my chest, especially a bra. Help if anyone knows of a solution!!

ajk23

replied on July 22nd, 2009

New User

I don't wear a bra but feel the same pain! Tried Liraca and others, nothing works. When you find the solution please let me know!

Joe

cgw6568

replied on July 24th, 2009

New User

Yea I've tried Lyraca and 3 other kinds of drugs and nothing helps. Had a spinal pain blocker inserted in my spine and that didn't work. Have had the nerves burned three times to know relief. The problem is there is no scars or marks and all the doctors act like you are overdramatising this pain. The only relief I get is to strap a heating pad around my chest and that helps a bit but then you can't get up and move around!. This is really nerve wracking. Have a neurosurgeon asking someone at the Mayo Clinic if he knows of anything but doesn't have much hope. Had to quit work because of this.

ajk23

replied on July 24th, 2009

New User

WOW

WOW! You've gone through a lot more than I have so far. I know how you feel about the Dr's thinking your overdramatising the pain. I saw my lung guy yesterday and got the same thing (recommended lydocaine patches AGAIN and capsasin cream). Recently tried ketamine cream and that did nothing either. Currently trying Trileptal, no help yet. What part of the country do you live in?

cgw6568

replied on July 24th, 2009

New User

I am in Texas and wear the Lidocaine patches everyday. They kill you when you take them off but can't bear the burn without them. Although I have been wearing them for a year now and seems like they don't work as good. It could be this unbearable heat we have had this summer. Love to work in the yard but sweating is NOT an option now. It is very frustrating. I tried the Trileptal also and had no results. The cream just makes you feel greasy to me, can't stand it and it didn't seem to do any good.

faybeez

replied on August 18th, 2009

New User

pluradecies

daughter had this op yesterday and it didnt work she is home in severe pain. has more air pockets than before op

cgw6568

replied on August 18th, 2009

New User

I feel for her. Hope you have more luck than I have. I will be praying and thinking of her because I know what she is going thru. Hope things get better.!!!

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