Cough 5 weeks after lung cancer op.

[Canabeans]

Hubby's lung cancer op was 5 weeks ago he had a lower left lobectomy, open sleeve and now he seems more tired and is coughing and has alot of phlegm in his throat is this normal ?

[MELNEL]

Hiya ☺️ I am no Doctor but I would say that after such operation the lung needs to heal and unfortunately it's not as quickly. It takes time as well if he still coughing a lot up.

I would give your GP or consultant a call, and just ask, if it is normal with the coughing, to make sure that he is alright and that you don't have to worry.

Or give one of the Nurses here a call, you find the contact details in About Blf on the home page. Here is the link healthunlocked.com/blf/about

And just scroll down, you will see the contacts.

You might can get something to get the coughing sorted.

Hope your hubby will recover soon from it 😊🌺🌺🌺☺️ best wishes X

You both take and stay safe 🍀🍀🍀

[judg69]

Yes, it is very, very much normal. Make sure he has and is using an Aerobika or other passive resistance lung exerciser and is getting some walking/exercise in . He also may very well benefit by sleeping in a more upright position as to his upper body ( I sleep in my Lay z Boy recliner with my upper body raised up. Best wishes, judg69

[Canabeans in reply to judg69]

He does sleep upright I bouggt a gadget for the bed that has him sleeping upright , he wasnt really given any excercise to do only a gadget that you have to keep the ball in the middle , I was hoping to get some ideas to help with the lung exercises as this is only one thing and doesnt help with the build up of mucus, which there seems to be more of hes booked for an xray on the 29th and a phone call with the surgeon on the 30th I was hoping for a face to face .

[peege]

If you can't get hold of consultant or his/her secretary call BLF helpline on Monday 03000 030555 office hours.Regarding the tiredness im sure its natural after such a big operation, its a major invasion of the body, at least 6 week for external wound to heal, months for the internal wounds to heal.

I hope he can get the aerobics device judg69 mentioned to help withthe phlegm. It great that you're here for your husband. Very best to you both. P

[Becky130777]

Hello I had a bi-lobectomy July 2020 and had the 2 bottom lobes of my right lung removed. I found I had some coughing whilst I was recovering not to much phlegm though. On my scans after they did say there was some fluid at the bottom and i was told is more common when you have lower lobe removed. I was advised by my consultant to walk daily and build that up. Regular walking will probably help to exercise his lungs. I am doing well now. Just find I get a it breathless walking up hills. I found it took 3 -6 months for recovery as it’s a big operation. It’s probably worth ringing your consultant or the thoriac nurse if you have any worries. I rang a few times after. I wish your husband all the best and a speedy recovery

[Dedalus]

I was advised to walk daily after my left lung lower lobe lobectomy. It started off small (because although I didn't have cough I was very breathless) but slowly, slowly I built up the walk and after a few months felt nearly back to normal. Good luck with everything. Your husband will recover more quickly if he exercises, I promise you x

[Alberta56]

I don't know how gentle breathing exercises should be after a major op. The BLf nurses should be able to advise whether the Active Cycle of Breathing is suitable. There are pictures on the web and many of us do it. Gentle walking seems to be recommended for just about every condition. I had a bypass op and 2 or 3 days later they were urging me to walk up and down the corridor. I was hanging on to the hand rail where there was one, moving at snail's pace and trying not to look at the pretty pictures of hearts and arteries adorning the walls. Good luck to your husband; I hope he soon starts to feel better. Bless you for looking after him.

[sassy59]

Some great replies there Canabeans, hope they help in some way.

Being a carer is difficult sometimes especially having to watch a loved one struggle in some way.

Please take care of yourself too. Xxxxx

[Canabeans in reply to sassy59]

Yes it's very difficult and you are expected to be an expert in something you know nothing about which is very scary too xx

[sassy59 in reply to Canabeans]

Completely agree with you. Xxx