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Post op complications

Kenzie123 profile image
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Hi, it's been 7 weeks since I had a left upper lobectomy. After operation I felt fine, managed to get out and about, still some pain but manageable. Then 2 weeks ago I was readmitted with fluid on my lung and infection somewhere. In for a week with IV antibiotics then oral antibiotics. Unable to eat in hospital as so nauseated. In for a week then sent home on further antibiotics

It's now been 2 weeks since I have eaten anything substantial, an apple, slice of toast etc and don't feel any better. Also crying all the time, can't have a conversation without crying it's horrible. I just don't know what to do now, at my wits end. Also I have lost 10lb along the way. Has anyone else been like this, thanks x

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Kenzie123 profile image
Kenzie123
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RoyCastleHelpline profile image
RoyCastleHelplinePartnerAsk the NurseRoy Castle

Dear Kenzie123

Sorry to hear you have been unwell since your lobectomy, the infection has obviously been a set back for you. It could be the antibiotics that have made you feel quite sick, I take it the doctors know you are feeling this way, and perhaps contact your GP to be reviewed for an anti sickness medication.

There is a great booklet on eating when you have cancer, including sections on nausea and weight loss. If you go to The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation website and in the search box enter 'Eating well when you have cancer'.

You may find nourishing drinks beneficial that are high in energy, they can be milky or fruity and bought from the supermarket. There are also prescribed supplement drinks from your GP.

It may be worthwhile calling your lung cancer specialist nurse and ask to speak to the dietician.

Cancer Research UK provide some useful information on coping with the nausea:

cancerresearchuk.org/about-...

It is normal to feel emotional, weepy and low mood after any treatment, you may feel isolated and not in control of your emotions. You are not alone and it really helps to talk, even if that means crying also, people are only too happy to be of some use at these times and can be a great support.

If you feel you would like help with this you can ask your GP or your lung cancer specialist nurse to speak to a counsellor.

The Maggie's centres are a great place to pop in for a chat and you can find your nearest one on this link:

maggiescentres.org/our-cent...

If you wish to discuss anything you can call us on our Freephone nurse led helpline on 0800 358 7200

Hope you feel better soon.

Kind regards

The Roy Castle Support Team

Denzie profile image
Denzie

In addition to the wonderful suggestions from the Roy Castle Foundation you might want to consider anti depressants. You don’t have to be on them for a long time. A Few months or a year may be all you need. Also, if they cannot get the nausea under control I had very good results with taking lorazepam for a couple days. Always take these meds under a physicians supervision. We are the patients these meds were created to help.

Elt79 profile image
Elt79

I have Royal Marsden book and it has lots of recipes which helped me when first diagnosed. Hope you feel better soon. 💕

Stephen1950 profile image
Stephen1950

How absolutely miserable for you.Nothing worse than not being able to eat. I was prescribed Aymes shakes which come in four flavours and found that I could tolerate them though even the thought of most other food makes me gag. Worth a go, I think.

I have a couple of difference anti-nausea drugs, which seem to work quite well.

Loramay profile image
Loramay

I felt the same after my lobectory in February 10 days after I went down with what I thought was a stomach bug but I wasn't as lucky as you. They didn't link it to the lobectory but to my leg ulcer and I was in hospital for 3 weeks before they released me only for me to be back in worse than ever 3 days later. This time I had a consultant that linked it but it still took 7 more weeks to get me turning the corner and on the mend but by now I have a much steeper hill to climb to get better and I am now also under the mental health team as I sometimes can't see me doing it or if it's going to be worth it. But at least you have come on here early with the right advice, I wish I had maybe I wouldn't be in the position I am in now. So good luck

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