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Anonymous
Anonymous asked in HealthGeneral Health CareInjuries · 1 decade ago

Lung pain after surgery for collapsed lung (spontaneous pnuemothorax)?

I was in the hospital for a week with a collapsed lung (spontaneous pnuemothorax), and they were able to re-inflate my lung by using a chest tube, however, my lung went down again a day later while I was still in the hospital, so they decided to use surgery to correct the problem. During the surgery I was put to sleep, and the doctors did some stapling on my lung I believe and also used talcom powder to make my lung stick to my chest. Idk what type of procedure exactly it was. I am 17, tall and slender (one cause of my collapsed lung I had). But now, when I breathe in heavy it hurts in the right of my chest, where they fixed the lung. I was wondering if it will just be like that for a while, or if my lung could be collapsing again. It's been about 3 weeks since my surgery, and I went to the doctor about a week ago to get a check up on it. He told me my lung looked fine under the x-ray and I should never have anymore problems with it, to come back in a month, and that I can start skateboarding again next week. The pain is only there when I take pretty deep breathes, and is sharp. I know when it collapsed, the pain was constant, so that is why I believe it's just me being sore from the surgery. If you need any more information please let me know. I can not afford to go to the doctor about it right now, so please don't answer with "Go to your doctor" or "Get it checked out by a professional". From my surgery and days in the hospital I'm sure you can understand why I can not. Thanks, any help is HIGHLY appreciated.

Update:

Kateg, thank you. Yes, I believe you are right. And I have made plans to go back next month. I can't risk my lungs like you said. I just scored a skate sponsorship for 2 years with a world wide company and hope to go pro in a few years, so I will take your advice.

Rosina, I take Percocets for the pain. I don't like to take them at school though because since you are a doctor I'm sure you know they are very very strong and I am what the teens call at my school "high", when really... I'm just miserable. Thank you though, I will ask my doctor about them.

2 Answers

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  • Isabel
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    Hon, you will be sore for awhile and that could simply be it. It sounds more like you want reassurance so you have it. But, if it continues, I'll be honest, if it gets worse, you really will need to see the doctor - your lungs are too important to guess on what somebody says here.

  • ?
    Lv 4
    5 years ago

    Collapsed Lung After Surgery

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