Hi 6 weeks ago i had my right lung removed all 3 lobes were full of cancer.The operation was a success ive still hot chemo to face first appt with oncologist next week to discuss chemo.However my recovery feels very slow my breathlessness is still bad and im so tired i cant sleep as cant get comfy .if i lay on scar side its painful if i lay on good lung dide the fliid pushes with some weight against my good lung.ive lost so much eeight proor to op im struggling to gain weight.i am getting bad nerve pain that isnt telieved my meds .can anybody advise is yhis normal to be feeling this way .i feel so run down im getting weepy and fed up.cant do simple things like hoovering im wiped out .prior to diagnois i walked my dog for long walks now im scared to attempt a short walk with him at the moment .i have a v pillow and hotwater bottle
Feeling fed up and need advice please if poss
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Bilbo2014
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Hello. I am so sorry you are feeling this way. It is understandable. I cant give any advice as i’m not in your position, but i do have copd and quite a few problems with exacerbations etc. I do wish you well, it is early days for you still i think? I’m sure as time goes on you will get stronger and things will be better. Take care, recovery can’t be rushed. Theres always someone on this friendly site to ‘talk’ to.
Hi I am glad the op was successful and hope that everything from here on in is just as good. I feel for you - I have not had your problem but had shoulder surgery a few years ago and I kind of understand the helplessness you are ferl8ng. I had to keep my arm immobile for a long time and it was very frustrating. 6 weeks is not a long time and your body will still be getting used to the new situation. It will get better!!! Please stick with the program and try(as hard as it is) to think positive and keep going.
Try to build up taking it one day at a time going that little bit further each day. You will soon be back to somewhere close to where you were I am sure. Do as much as is comfortable each time and don't worry that it is not far enough.
I cannot advise on the pain but if you feel it getting too much then you need to speak with your doctor or the specialist. Maybe they can suggest something.
Sorry cannot be more help but remember we are all here if you need to talk
I am about to have my top left lobe removed hopefully with a VATS Lobectomy (keyhole surgery). I take it that your Op was a Thoracotomy (open surgery) in which case 6-8 weeks recovery time is normal. If things do not improve then you may have to return to hospital to the pain clinic as an outpatient, you will need to be referred by your GP for this. Have you tried sleeping upright in a chair yet? Sorry I can't help any more as I have not had my Op yet.
Hi yes it was open surgery im just bit fed up today and want to get back to normal .thankuou for your reply and good luck with your op .im on nerve tablets gabatron and morphine 6 x day not sure if they can increase any more.im sleeping in the sitting postion with a ski slope of pillows and a v pillow but still cant get comfy .probably cus im so boney now .
Hoping our future will be more promising very soon
Hi Bilbo, recovery will come , but as Andy stated, it is essential that you work at it, doing just a little bit more/ going just a little bit further each and every day. As 2greys mentioned, do give sleeping upright in a chair a try. I had an open surgery lobectomy 6 years ago, and have slept in my recliner ever since. In my own situation I found that continual usage throughout the day of a flutter type resistance device to be of tremendous benefit to my recovery. They are easy to use and can be used while watching tv or reading a book. I used , and still use, the Aerobika device, but there are a number of somewhat similar devices available. I suggest you ask your Doctor for a script. Keep at it, you will get there! Best Wishes, judg69
Bilbo,my dear wife Cecilia had an upper lobectomy left lung to eradicate non small cell cancer successfully,the same type of open surgery as yourself,she suffered the same pain and discomfort and breathlessness but slowly recovered and within 6-8 weeks she was fully mobile and walking approx 1/2 mile all be it slightly breathless and with a moderate degree of pain relieved only by standard painkillers,she never required chemo,i just wanted you to know that there is light at the end of the tunnel and wish you well in your rehabilitation,,,,,,,,,,best wishes Skis and Scruffy cat xx
Wishing you a good recovery Bilbo, , this huge operation will take awhile to get back to your Normal Self. I feel for you. I am waiting Double Lung Transplant. Be Strong, Be Positive, Just takes things a bit Slower, give yourself time for Recovery. Very Best Wishes. Carolina xxxx
Sorry it's all so hard - there seems to be a lot of experienced advice here - hope things will go better soon and that you get the care you need. You've had a major intervention, take good care of yourself.
Hello Bilbo, I'm so pleased that your operation was successful, that's great news. With all the good advice you have had from other friends, there's nothing more I can add. I understand your feelings of depression but hang in there those feelings will pass. I hope you get well soon Bilbo, take care of yourself and let us know how you get on please. ✋️😊
Try to find the patience to give your recovery a bit more time, Bilbo. although it must be so very frustrating for you. My husband was told to expect a lobectomy a while ago. Fortunately test results pointed to something different, and he was spared.
However, we’d had all the leaflets to help us prepare, and I remember hoping he would have a VATs op, like 2greys, because recovery would be so much quicker.
I think two months rest was mentioned for the open surgery, so I got a decent bedroom telly installed, so he could be saved from boredom maybe. It’s me who watches it now, well propped up but I’ve only asthma exacerbations to worry about.
All the best for a good recovery. We’re always here for a chat, a moan or a rant !! You’ll always be very welcome ☀️🌷💕
Hello, these symptoms are to be expected after such a big operation. In general it normally takes at least three months or more to regain strength after minor surgery. You will need to take things slowly , one step a day don't expect big leaps at first.The Chemo might help to make your breathing better. Once your main treatment is in progress you may find it easier to rebuild your stamina, each person recovers at different paces. It is natural to feel weepy when you have a major health issue that limits your normal activity, some places have dog walkers who can help, and maybe you could go along if you had someone with you. Think Macmillan have one of these schemes in some areas, worth asking about. They can be contacted on line. Take care, keep as well as you can and I'm sure given more time you will start to feel much better. The forum members will be here if you need to chat or need advice , every best wish for a good recovery.
Be pleased the op is done and 6 weeks is not a long time. Try to think happy and maybe a hot water bottle would help you settle for a nap. Take good care of you .jane
I think you're expecting too much of yourself too soon. Be a bit kinder to yourself after what you've been through. Brighter days are ahead if you're patient and get somebody else to do that blooming hoovering ! Take care, love, Sheila x
Wishing you a steady recovery, as others have said it will take time - and you will need to continue to be strong and give your body time. I know it's easier said than done, but you will be fine!
A few suggestions which I find helpful during difficult situations:
- If you like reading, I'd highly recommend - "You can heal your life, by Louise Hay" or "Magic by Rhonde Byrne" - both can be purchased from amazon for around £5 each. (Let me know if you require any further recommendations...)
- Listening to positive affirmations, and/or music on youtube to try and relax your mind.
- Or even writing if you feel you have the energy or an interest to write about certain things etc.
Hi Bilbo, so glad your op was a success, and as everybody has said just take it easy. Your bound to be feeling down after such a big op, but just think of the summertime and how you will feel then, try to stay postitive and look after yourself. Xx
I am so sori this is happening to you, I would have thought after 6wks you would b feeling abit better but are you able to ask if you can be referred to Rehab for breathing execises and physio program.... I really feel for you.... 😟😟
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