Emphysema operation

[Emphysema2019]

Hi I'm new to this forum today, I'm 40 years old and been smoking for over 20 years but given up smoking since being diagnosed with COPD, just recently (2 weeks ago) had emphysema operation and drainage. COPD discovered after having pneumonia, been discharged from hospital with oral antibiotics, inhalers, and pain killers, after being discharged not had any great advise or guidance, also suffered with 1 week's dioreaha after antibiotics finished but now under control however getting a poking/stitch sensation happening on both sides mainly on the left where I had the emphysema operation is this anything to be concerned about? or is this the healing process? GP appointments are difficult also our GP surgery come across as not being greatly knowledgeable about this condition and get reffered to MAU (medical assessment unit) who have advised to visit if I get flu/cough/sputum/ symtems otherwise had x-ray which revealed small bit of fluid build up on left side and been told body will absorb in due course? I'm extremely concerned about my condition have a young family and want to be fit and healthy to support them any advise will be greatly appreciated. Look forward to any responses. Thanks

[HungryHufflepuff]

Hello and welcome. I can’t answer your question but just wanted to wish you well and I hope things start to improve for you soon.

Any surgery leaves you with aches and pains and odd sensations that you wouldn’t necessarily expect. Your body’s just gone through a lot. I’m not saying it’s nothing to worry about, I can’t make that judgment, but your body has a lot of trauma that’s just happened to it. But, someone will be along soon who can actually be of help and answer your questions 👍

[Emphysema2019 in reply to HungryHufflepuff]

Thanks for your kind comments, hoping that someone will come along soon, Appreciated 👍

[skischool]

Welcome,looks like you have been through the wars lately,when you say emphysema operation and judging by the scars you have either had LVRS lung volume reduction surgery where they basically chop out bits of diseased lung or maybe even a lobectomy where they actually remove the diseased lobe and i imagine the drain was inserted to remove fluid build up due to either a collapsed lung or the build up of fluids due to the surgery involved though your drain area appears to be rather lower down than normal.

excuse my flaffing around and guessing but not knowing your operation details i am clutching at straws,

Regardless you can expect a slow but gradual recovery involving some pain,normally controlled with basic painkillers or something a little stronger,you will need to start some gentle physio and exercise under guidance from physiotherapists who should visit you initially to give guidance and support and expect this recovery to take at least two months or even longer but you should start to see overall improvements within a couple of weeks.

Please try to stay as active as possible but take care as those wounds need to heal.

best wishes and good luck.

Ski's and Scruffy

[CLARAmay in reply to skischool]

Loverly reply I agree totally, battle on soldier, you can do it take care

[Emphysema2019 in reply to skischool]

Thanks Ski for your informative response, to help you get a clearer understanding I've had video assisted thoroscopy and debridement insertion of 2 chest drains size 28 & 32, both drains removed after 2nd & 3rd of surgery, discharged from hospitol after 4 days of surgery with advise from micro-biologist allowing oral antibiotics ( co-amoxiclav and clindamycin) to be given for 10days, hospitol physio monitored and satisfied with independant mobilization allowing for discharge, from my understanding operation consisted of bacterial consolidation cleaned/removed and drains to help with any further fluid build up to be drained. I hope this helps with clearer understanding of what has been done helping you advise, I am feeling better in my self as everyday goes by however these poking/stitch sensation are consistent and not sure if this the healing process or is this a sign of fluid build up again prior to emphysema operation I did have 400ml of cloudy fluid drained via chest drain and was given IV Tazocin.

Once again thank you for taking the time to contact and inform and everyone else who have responded for all the support and courage helping me feel a bit positive however if I can ask you to maybe further advise/respond to the diagnosis provided with any further info that you may have or know about.

I do also have a follow up appointment with the consultant in 4 weeks and not been made aware of who his secretary is to make contact leaving me feel I'm in the dark and alone to deal with my condition. Look forward to your response. Thanks very much really appreciate your time.

[skischool in reply to Emphysema2019]

i am sorry but i am not familiar with the procedure that you have had and wouldn't have the knowledge and/or expertise to give you any guidance on it.

However you appear to be in good hands and with sufficient back up so the bog standard take it easy,don't overdo things but keep active advice seems to best i can offer at the moment.please keep us all informed as to how you progress as somebody in the future may have a similar procedure and any info is always appreciated by us all.

Good luck and recover well

Ski's and Scruff's

[sassy59]

Welcome to this great forum. Wishing you a really good recovery and take one day at a time. Good luck to you. Xxxxx

[Spacecat1]

Any concerns ring your consultant secretary tell he/her your worries/concerns ask if you could pop in to speak to consultant. My consultant has always been helpful. Or even a conversation on the phone might put your mind at rest.

[Jollj]

Good morning, hope you are on the mend, you have done the right thing by joining this fantastic forum, you have already had one excellent reply,I'm sure there will be more,there are regular contributors on here with mountains of knowledge and experience who are always willing to help.

Take care and don't be afraid to ask you will always get sound advice on here.

[SquirrelsHolt]

Hi and welcome!😁 I'm afraid although I have COPD ive not had any surgery so I'm unable to be of much help but I wish you a steady recovery. It will take time but you'll get there.

[Hacienda]

Hi Hun , Welcome to The Forum. I Totally agree with Ski's. I believe there are a few Members on here who have had this reduction done,(I had Valves). Click on the Top right hand side where you will see the List, on it will be your Type of Op. All the Best with your Recovery and getting back to a Good life with your young family. Hugs. Carolina xxxxx

[Lemon7]

I am a fairly new member and just want to wish you well. Eat a healthy diet to build yourself back up after surgery. After that find out as much as possible from health professionals, British lung foundation nurses etc to gain knowledge about what you can do to help yourself , and also from the lovely people on this site with experience if living with this condition. All good wishes to you for a speedy recovery.

[Oshgosh]

Ask if you can be referred to the respiratory nurse at your gps surgery. Also ask if you can be referred to Pulmonary rehabilitation when you are recovered.

It’d exercise and education.it really helped me,I have nsip.

Now have been referred to the gym - 12 weeks free,then reduced membership.

Won’t make my lungs better,but helps with overall fitness,takes my mind off my illness.

Sorry I don’t have any specific knowledge of your recovery,but your body needs time to heal and recover. Good diet helps.well done for giving up smoking.look after yourself

[Emphysema2019]

Thanks to everyone for your support and encouragement, really appreciate all your thoughts. 👍🙏

[Nicholatracy]

Hi, welcome to the forum. I don’t know anything about having an emphysema operation but I know someone will be along to offer guidance and advice. Stay strong 🐞

[Gingeros]

Hello and welcome to the forum, Hope you have a speedy recovery. Best wishes Ros.xx