cough after robotic lung segmentation

[TutuMa]

Hi Everyone! 26 day lung cancer survivor! Had robotic left lung trisegmentectomy got all the cancer, no spread to lymph nodes. Hallelujah ! Nerve pain is real but finally in control. Feeling good. Walking, walking, walking. Developed an annoying tickle in the throat cough about 2 weeks ago. Dr’s say maybe allergies but I’ve read that a cough sometimes happens after lung segmentectomy. Anyone else experience this? Annoying!

[kri312]

YES!!!! I had a right UL wedge and RLL lobectomy (5 years ago today)! My cough lasted until the end of June - just a nagging dry cough. I tried some prescritpion cough suppressants however found that just sipping water all day long was the best medinie. One day it just stopped - good luck to you in your continued recovery and stop to smell the roses more often!

[TutuMa in reply to kri312]

Congratulations on your 5 years! So glad to hear your cough went away. I am finding little ways to stop to smell the roses every day, so blessed!

[WalkingHorse]

Hey there! I had a very similar outcome from my RATS URL lobectomy in 2021. My pulmonologist put me on Trelegy Ellipta for about 6 months for my cough and it worked great! Within a month it was totally gone. I kept up the daily dose for five more months and since then haven't used it or anything else at all. Back to swimming a mile 3 x week and feeling more and more like myself every day. Wishing you speedy healing and continued good health!

[TutuMa in reply to WalkingHorse]

Awesome to hear you’re doing great! I’m from Hawaii and miss the ocean & swimming. I’ll have to look into finding a pool nearby. Thanks for the tip on the meds, I’ll talk to my pulmonologist.

[JanetteR57]

Yes, it's relatively common. I had upper left lobectomy through open surgery in Dec 2010 and was back swimming and working by end of March 2011. Developed a cough - but also had a history of hay fever/allergies although hadn't had that in years so was sent for allergy testing. Nothing new there - I found inhaling over steam, sucking boiled sweets ('halls soothers were my favourite), drinking hot drinks (cold set it off again) and slept propped up.

It did go - keeping active is very important to redevelop the lungs. I've had some serious chest infections between 2015 and 2019 and cough was worse than with the lung cancer so used the same approach. I've just seen respiratory consultant (pulmonologist) as had 3 chest infections since December despite being well throughout the pandemic.... and recently put on blood pressure tablets which he says cause a dry cough. Worth getting meds checked out by pharmacist to see if any are adding to your current cough.

Good luck with the recovery....

[TutuMa in reply to JanetteR57]

some really good tips JanetteR57 Thanks for replying! I’m waiting for callback with pulmonologist.

[JanetteR57 in reply to TutuMa]

This may also help.... physiotherapyforbpd.org.uk/...

[TutuMa in reply to JanetteR57]

thanks 🌺

[Susie215]

I too have dry cough since right upper lobe lobectomy since my surgery in February. I am going to get appointment with pulmonologist. I am wishing I would have done pulmonary rehab. Did you do pulmonary rehab?

[TutuMa in reply to Susie215]

Hi Susie215. I did not do pulmonary rehab. I walked as much as I could. Now besides walking, I’m like that teenage girl dancing in my room to utube videos. Anything to keep moving and so far it’s helped to increase that lung function and stamina and it’s fun! Definitely see your pulmonologist, they can still order pulmonary rehab if appropriate. Remember you know your body best and are it’s best advocate. Best wishes for your continued recovery!

[Susie215 in reply to TutuMa]

thank you. I know I need I need to start moving more. It’s been 3 months since surgery and I have been lazy

[TutuMa in reply to Susie215]

I get you. I have days when I’m a slug, snuggle in and binge watch Netflix .

[TutuMa]

I want to thank those who responded to my post regarding the cough. Now that I know it is not uncommon I don’t worry or focus on it. It’s not a big deal!!!