19. Chronic post surgical pain

Lectures for pain specialist trainees preparing for their exams (FFPMANZCA, FFPMRCA), or anyone else that is interested. This lecture focuses on chronic post surgical pain.
Feel free to make comments or ask questions
PS. The elements of pain website has been closed.

[@kirschenator]

Fantastic summary. Thank you

[@pamanderson4690]

I would like to ask the specialist giving this lecture for advice.
When chronic post surgery pain following cholecystectomy becomes unbearable who do you turn to for help?
I live in Adelaide, operated on at Nourlunga hospital ,the surgeon actually said when I complained about çhroic incapacitating pain at the surgical site he didn't explain c.p.s.p syndrome .
His actual words were " well you signed the consent form didn't you"
I was not told I had a 30 per cent chance of permanent pain.
I have since seen a private surgeon who explained it to me.
He said 30 percent will have post operative pain but I would put you at the top one percent because you have been left unable to lead a normal life. Work housework walking dancing all gone.
But the most painful thing of all?
No Doctors actually care.
I am four years post op now.
If the Doctor reads this or someone who knows him brings it to his attention I have a question.
Is death the only cure?
I was told it was probably due to nerve damage.
No surgeon would explore options so I got a razor blade and sliced my abdomen open a cross the pain site.
Unfortunately I nearly bled to death and I use that word unfortunately because if U had died I would be pain free.
Does any doctors read this?I'm planning to suicide in October 30 because it's my birthday and I've had enough.
[e-mail]

[@cw9452]

Im sorry to hear you have been struggling so much. I hope you are still with us. I am not a doctor but a patient. I also have severe chronic post surgical pain. Life is hell

[@cortnihansen5804]

I have chronic postoperative pain after a hip labral tear repair 2 years ago. Im on duloxetine and gabapentin and it has helped. I have see 5 neurologist. I found 1 good one in Kansas university. She mentioned seeing a pain clinic to see if I can get in low dose naltrexone. I’ve been in a dark place also. Don’t give up hope.

[@cw9452]

@@cortnihansen5804 mine is the hip as well! I've tried low dose naltrexone it helped with the allodynia I experienced after surgery. Wish you all the best

[@pamanderson4690]

​@@cw9452yes life is hell😷

[@pamanderson4690]

​@@cortnihansen5804thank you for your words of comfort.Its been a long time since I've been able to cry🙏🩰