I wonder if anyone has had a similar experience...

[hlthe2b]

3. There are a lot of pain interventions that are not always used but can be very effective

with the pleural pain from thoracocentesis (that you had) or worse, thoracotomy (open surgery to and through the chest wall).

This can include regional nerve blocks (very effective) and last for hours or up to a day-- depending on the method. NSAIDs, narcotic meds, gabapentin-- centrally acting non-narcotic meI'dication and several other non-narcotic medications are increasingly used, a TENS unit (allows for self-administration of electrical current small doses to stimulate the nerves and counter pain), massage therapy, and acupuncture can be effective, especially a combination of several modalities.

If pain is causing you this much distress, I'd urge you to contact your physician and ask for a referral, if necessary to a pain specialist.

I am sorry for what you are going through, but it can be made less painful. Best wishes!