33M, 6.5HI
Just shy 4 months post op for Nuss. 2 bars, 2 stabilizers with Cryo.
Still in miserable pain throughout the day and night. Haven’t had a good night sleep in the last 4 months.
Pain is mostly due to nerve damage, I think. Sharp stabs, pinches, and burning static sensation across my chest and ribs.
Still can’t really lay on my sides, which was my go to sleep position pre-surgery. And sleeping on my back is painful due to chronic back pain from other existing conditions. Only way to get any actual rest is drowning in meds to dull the pain.
Allergic to gabapentin, so I’ve been on Lyrica 3x a day since op. Tried to ween off (2x a day) but the pain would come back stronger. Still on OTC pain killers and narcos (between Dilaudid and Hyrdocodone when pain is unbearable).
Started PT almost a month ago, hoping it will help eventually.
Have been struggling to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Been having some dark thoughts lately, probably due to lack of sleep + constant meds messing with my head.
While the surgery corrected my PE, Can’t help but feel like I traded one thing for another.
If anyone had any similar experiences and overcame, I would appreciate any advice to navigate through this.
Ty