Breathlessness after pneumothorax and lobectomy/ segmentectomy

[MissyD1]

Hi all

My mum had a vats lower right lobectomy and upper left segmentectomy for Adenocarcinoma about 8 weeks ago. Following the surgery she suffered a pneumothorax and infection due to a drain not being fitted correctly. After a week in hospital she was discharged and unfortunately suffered a further pneumothorax 3 days later. She then spent 4 weeks in hospital and underwent suction and blood pleurodesis to re-inflate her lung. She had another infection when she was discharged and prescribed antibiotics however after a week at home she experienced severe pain across her back and in her chest and was re-admitted to hospital. A chest X-ray and ct of her lungs did not reveal anything remarkable except for some fluid around her lungs (which was present when she was previously discharged but considered to be within normal limits) and the doctors said her crp blood test was still elevated (37 I think) and so she has been discharged home yesterday with a further course of antibiotics. The doctors put the pain down to musculoskeletal pain.

Has anyone else experienced complications like these after lung surgery? My question is really about breathlessness as I have noticed she is still quite breathless even just walking short distances at home, she also seems really tired. Is it normal to be quite short of breath on light exertion? Would the infection be adding to the breathlessness? I know that if there was anything suspicious on her X-ray etc the doctors would have told her but after everything that has happened I feel that I am worrying about every little thing 😩

Thanks in advance x

[JeanE41]

I'm so sorry your mother has had such a difficult journey with this miserable disease. Although I have not had the complications your mother experienced, I still get short of breath and my breathing is affected by pollutants or allergens in the air. My surgery was in 2015, so this is probably my new "normal". It does get better and a lot depends on her age and how healthy she was before her surgeries. I was a "healthy" 73 when I had the surgery.

I hope this helps and that your mother's symptoms improve soon, though this may be a slow process.

Jean

[MissyD1 in reply to JeanE41]

Thank you JeanE41. It helps to hear from someone who has been on a similar journey. My mum is 63 and was also in good health before her diagnosis. I guess she needs to take things 1 day at a time.

Best wishes to you x

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

Your instinct is good. That infection would contribute to the fatigue. Also 3.? lobes are trying to do the work of 5.

It would be wise to talk to the pulmonologist about a new baseline Pulmonary Function Test (PFT). There's a very good possibility she will qualify for Pulmonary rehab which will help her strengthen the muscles that support breathing and teach her to breast more efficiently (really). Pulmonary rehab is not usually offered but should be.

[MissyD1 in reply to Denzie]

Thank you Denzie. We will definitely enquire about the pulmonary rehab, she did this before her surgery to try and improve her lung function. I think she would definitely benefit from this again.

[FtB_Peggy]

I agree, pulmonary rehab is great...as is palliative care. Pat yourself on the back for being a great advocate for your mom.