SOB

[Wils70]

I had my upper right lobe removed from my lung on March 5. I was sent home with oxygen. My surgeon told me to wean myself off the oxygen, so I have, but I still have shortness of breath breat and a dry cough. Is there a remedy for this?

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

The best place to start is with pulmonary rehab. They will work with you to maximize your o2 saturation. Remember, 4 lobes are now doing the work of 5. You will fatigue more easily.

Be kind to yourself. It hasn’t been a month yet.

In the meanwhile try putting humidifiers in the areas you spend the most time. Being on oxygen has a tendency to dry the tissue out. I hope someone who has experienced this will check in.

[Wils70 in reply to Denzie]

Thank you for the tip about rehab. I will check into it.

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer in reply to Wils70]

You may have to demand a new Pulmonary Function Test to establish a new baseline. Pulm rehab should be standard of care but it isn’t.

[Feelingblessed2013]

I had the upper left lobe removed in July 2013. It takes time to heal.

Make sure your doctor knows about your cough and SOB. Ask about pulmonary rehab, but also give yourself time.

[judg69]

Hi Wils70, I had upper right lobe removed 6 years ago. You WILL get better. Four suggestions: 1) learn and use pursed lips breathing throughout the day, 2) get up and about and walk every day, going just a tad bit further every couple of days, 3) get and use daily and often a flute type device such as an Aerobika. Your Dr can prescribe. And 4) get a prescription for pulmonary rehab and then use it to the max. All best wishes to you , judg69

[Wils70]

Thank you, Judge 69

You give me hope. It just seems overwhelming right now. I have been walking more every day, and I am using one breathing device that seems very helpful.

I start chemo therapy on Friday because one lymph node had one cancer cell in it, but the doctors are very optimistic that it hasn't spread.

Wils

[judg69 in reply to Wils70]

Wils, stay positive, if I could do it, you can as well! Judg69

[judy6181]

i had an upper left lobectomy a year ago. I think it will gradually get better ( faster if you exercise) but i don't think it gets as good as it was before. i think I can do everything I used to do, but much slower. Something like shoveling the driveway wipes out the rest of the day. /good luck