What should I do if there is still stabbing pain one month after surgery for a lung nodule?

One month after surgery for pulmonary nodules, persistent stabbing pain may still occur. This can be managed through proper wound care, adjusting breathing techniques, alleviating local inflammation, regulating psychological state, and planning activities appropriately. Most cases can improve with scientific interventions. If the stabbing pain persists beyond two weeks, worsens, or is accompanied by difficulty breathing or abnormal secretions, prompt medical evaluation is recommended.

1. Proper Wound Care: Keep the chest incision site clean and dry. Avoid friction or pressure on the area. Wear loose, breathable cotton clothing to minimize external irritation and promote wound healing, thereby reducing pain.

2. Adjust Breathing Techniques: Practice diaphragmatic breathing—inhale slowly through the nose while expanding the abdomen, then exhale slowly through the mouth while contracting the abdomen. Avoid thoracic (chest) breathing, which may excessively stretch the surgical site, thus reducing pain during deep breaths or coughing.

3. Alleviate Local Inflammation: Apply warm compresses to the chest as directed by a physician, 15–20 minutes per session, 2–3 times daily, to improve local blood circulation and reduce pain caused by inflammatory responses. Do not use medications without medical advice.

4. Regulate Psychological State: Use relaxation methods such as listening to soothing music or talking with family members to divert attention from the pain. Reducing anxiety helps prevent psychological factors from amplifying physical discomfort.

5. Plan Activities Reasonably: During the first month after surgery, focus on gentle activities such as slow walking or tai chi. Avoid movements that strain the chest wall, such as bending over or lifting heavy objects. Limit activity intensity to levels that do not worsen the pain.

In daily life, consume adequate high-quality protein and vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables to enhance the body’s healing capacity. Ensure sufficient sleep to support recovery, and avoid smoking, alcohol, and spicy or irritating foods to reduce stimulation to the respiratory tract and surgical wound.