At home after LVR Operation

[Will57]

Home now since February 14th after my op and I think I underestimated the recovery. I have no pain but obviously getting up in the morning and going to bed in the evening just wipes me out and I'm really really tired all the time. Anyone out there who had the op had any different recovery

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

I'm still waiting to hear about my op, it's lovely to hear that everything went well for you. Have a lovely weekend and take care of yourself 😊 Bernadette xx

[jackdup]

Someone posted awhile ago that they had had lung volume reduction surgery and were concerned how tired they were so it would seem it is not uncommon. Of course that is only two people but it is a fairly major surgery so your body is probably in a bit of shock plus is working overtime to try to heal itself. If it is worrisome you could discuss it with your doctor to make sure the way you feel is part of the normal recovery and to be sure there isn’t a problem of some type.

Let us know how you feel after you have fully recovered and what difference it has made in your breathing.

[Will57 in reply to jackdup]

Thanks. I phoned the surgeon's PA and believe it or not the surgeon returned my call and i explained to him my feelings and that i still had traces of blood in my sputum and he put me at ease and clearly explained that its not uncommon in what I am experiencing but he was also very happy to hear I had no pain. I think I'm / was expecting too much to soon.

[jackdup in reply to Will57]

That is very good news that what you are experts normal and that he was able to put your mind at ease.

[Alfiebax2]

Hi I had LVRS in October 2018 my recovery was good but I felt tired for quite a while . You have to remember it is major surgery and that alone wipes you out . Believe me just be patient you will feel much better soon

Best wishes Babs xx

[jackdup in reply to Alfiebax2]

Just curious how much benefit you got from the surgery once you had completely recovered?

Thank you

[Will57 in reply to jackdup]

I think i still have a little way to go yet but understand more after speaking with the surgeon.

[Alfiebax2 in reply to jackdup]

After my recovery I looked and felt wonderful , considering it was winter time . Not so good this winter . I've been struggling with every bug under the sun since last Christmas . I think this is because we have had a warm albeit wet winter here in the South East. My consultant was pleased with me and didnt want to see me for a year and that is up this coming June . Just be patient ,make sure you eat well stay hydrated and do little things until your strength returns . Slow and steady won the race . I'm 72 by the way and wish I'd had it done years ago . I wish you a good recovery ,soring is round the corner to help us all cheer up after this dreadful wet winter.

Very best wishes Babs xx

[jackdup in reply to Alfiebax2]

Thank you for the information. Just out of curiosity do you use an inhaler that has a steroid in it?

[Alfiebax2 in reply to jackdup]

Yes I used to have two steroid inhalers and I was also on ambulatory oxygen . They have since changed my medication to a 3in 1 steroid inhaler ,Trimbow and im no longer on oxygen . Hope this helps.

Best wishes for a good recovery .

Babs xx

[jackdup in reply to Alfiebax2]

I would discuss the steroid inhaler with your doctor. I have read a few articles lately that they are trying to get people with COPD off of steroid inhalers, unless you also have asthma, as the steroid inhaler can leave you much more susceptible to infections.

[Will57 in reply to Alfiebax2]

I'm on trimbow but not on oxygen. Using nebulizer early morning and evening whilst recovering

[Alfiebax2 in reply to Will57]

Did the hospital recommend you to use a nebuliser ? I certainly didn't I only use my nebuliser when my chest is tight . As I said 6 weeks post op I no longer needed oxygen .

Best wishes for your recovery Babsxx

[Will57 in reply to Alfiebax2]

I've never needed oxygen to date (fingers crossed) but hospital gave me the nebules and it really helps and also encourages you to bring up the phlegm. Happy to you the nebulizer or anything else that helps

[Izb1]

Good to hear you are free from pain Will57 and are recovering well. I think it is quite normal to feel tired after surgery. I had a shoulder op 3 months ago and havent quite shed the tiredness. Give it a little time x

[BusNut]

Glad you’re not in any pain, but you need to give yourself time as others have already said. After all we are only human beings and we mustn’t forget that, bodies need time to heal on the inside, not just the outside.

My OH has an appointment on Monday to see the consultant in London, so fingers crossed we hear more about his op then.

Take care of yourself and take it easy.

[HungryHufflepuff]

It’s good to know you’re doing well. I hope you start to feel less tired soon.

[Oshgosh]

I don’t know about LVRsurgery, it I believe it’s major surgery,so things will take time.i think sometimes we expect too much of ourselves.

Take care.

[Will57]

Its regarded as VATS (video assisted thoracic surgery) 2 tubes are inserted in your side where they remove what's needed and in my case lower left lung. I totally underestimated how major it was.

[Trevor6]

hi Will57, it has been suggested to me I may be suitable for a LVR before you had yours what was the pre op tests etc you had to have/do ?

Many thanks

[Will57 in reply to Trevor6]

It was 4 years ago

[Trevor6]

hi Will57 , I am off to see my Respiratory consultant next week regarding LFR after having my LFT before Xmas , I really do hope I get told something positive, as my day to day living is pretty pathetic, no energy , just at home most of time ,

I would be keen on discussing a LVT surgery as anything would be appreciated .

[Will57 in reply to Trevor6]

I believe that having the operation was one of the best things for me as I was in a very bad way. However it takes time to recover as it is major surgery and I underestimated my recovery. I am now awaiting if I'm eligible for the op on my right lung but sadly have now been diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension after having the proceedure "cardiac catheterization" so awaiting further response.

[Trevor6 in reply to Will57]

Thanks for that, am sorry to hear that about your Cardiac.