Lung Volume Reduction Operation

[BusNut]

My partner is going in on Monday to have a lung volume reduction operation, just wondered whether any of you lovely people on here have had this op or can give any indication what recovery period is like and any hints and tips to help whilst he is in hospital and when he comes out. Thanks in advance x

[Will57]

Hi, I had the op last February at Royal Papworth and I did not encounter much pain just slight discomfort with the drain tubes coming from my side but I did underestimate that the operation is a major one and it takes a long time to recover and was weak for quite a while but very glad to have had it although the pain when they removed the tubes was most uncomfortable albeit short.

I'm 66 and getting better each day.

[BusNut in reply to Will57]

Hi Will57 so good to hear from you and glad that you’re on the road to recovery. Is there anything that you could’ve done with whilst you were in hospital as my partner is having his Op in London and I won’t be able to visit him so trying to cover all eventualities 😉

[Dedalus in reply to Will57]

Has your FEV1 level increased and are you less breathless now?

[Will57 in reply to Dedalus]

I don't really understand FEV and I don't really wish to get in to too much stats and yes I still get breathless but lets be honest the surgery is not to cure you but to extend ones life and I for one am most grateful for that. Before my operation the surgeon explained to me that I had a 6% chance of not surviving and I thanked him for my interpretation for him telling me that I had a 94% chance of surviving. I don't know if this helps but i have a stairlift but only use it going to bed and use the stairs throughout the day and for the first time in 12 years i can sleep on my side

[Dedalus in reply to Will57]

Thanks Will; I thought the whole reason for having this done was to lessen breathlessness? I only ask because I may be referred for this and thought it would help me in that respect.

[Will57 in reply to Dedalus]

My breathing is better

[Dedalus in reply to Will57]

Thank you Will. You have been very helpful.

[Ergendl]

My trumpet playing 82 year old friend had this last year as part of a lumpectomy. He was home after a week, and back playing the trumpet after 4 weeks. Occasional soreness for about 2 months, but nothing major. He does have to walk more slowly now due to reduced lung capacity, but it has not stopped him doing all the things he loves.

[Will57]

How did the surgery go.

[BusNut in reply to Will57]

Hi Will, it went well and to plan but he’s in a lot of pain with the chest drains. He’s had one removed but still very uncomfortable, it’s difficult to gauge as I can’t go and see him but I spoke to his nurse today and she said he is doing okay, theyre just trying to control his pain.

How are you doing?

[Will57]

Tell him to get all the rest he can. I'm doing well at the moment and still keeping up with the weights and small spurts on my exercise bike. I have my post operation lung function test on October 8th should have been earlier but lockdown put paid to that. Then seeing the consultant. Hopefully it doesn't get cancelled again due to more restrictions

[BusNut]

I will tell him that thanks. I’ll keep my fingers crossed that your appointments go ahead and it’s good news. Keep up your exercises 😃