A Patient's Guide to Lung Surgery

Thoracotomy: Managing Your Pain

As soon as possible, you'll begin to move around to improve your muscle strength and blood flow. Your nurse or a physical therapist will help you as you start to sit up and walk.

Pain medications help make activity more comfortable. These medications may be given to you by a nurse, or a special pump may allow you to give yourself medication as you need it.

If you received an epidural before surgery, it may remain in place for a few days to continue to relieve the pain of your incision.

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