Has anyone else had a lung needle biopsy? I had one on Tuesday and it wasn’t supposed to hurt just be uncomfortable. Well, the samples were taken successfully but it was more painful than I’d expected. The radiologist was surprised as well.
Anyway following a chest X-ray I had to stay in hospital for 2 nights as I have a pneumothorax. That is some air trapped between the lungs and the lung wall. They couldn’t aspirate (pull the air out with a needle) so I was put on oxygen overnight and continuing until I came out about an hour ago. They say it should re absorb over time. I have to go straight to A&E should I have any breathing problems. They didn’t want to use a chest drain either.
It’s a bit daunting to know I could have difficulty breathing. Just wanted to share and see if anybody else had this sort of experience.
Thanks xx
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Kanafapot
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HI Kanafapot That's so unlucky that this happened to you . We were told that it might happen to my husband, and he'd then stay in hospital with oxygen but we were also told it does recover.
I'm glad to read you're home now and wish you a speedy recovery.
Sorry to hear you had a painful experience and for some people the procedure can lead to a collapsed lung, this does resolve in time, it can take from a few days and/or up to two weeks.
As a precaution, they would always advise that any sudden change in breathing to go back to A and E, however if you have started recovering already, hopefully you will remain well.
This is some information on pneumothorax from Asthma and Lung UK (formerly known as the British Lung Foundation) blf.org.uk/support-for-you/...
If there is anything else you would like to discuss you can email ask the nurse at lungcancerhelp@roycastle.org or call our free phone nurse led helpline number on 0800 358 7200 Monday to Thursday 0900-1700 and Friday 0900-1600
Yes, I had a collapsed lung but it righted itself and the prospect of “difficulty breathing” is a bit scary but it didn’t happen. I was surprised too to find it painful to move around for about 5 days but I guess it happens. I ended up having a lobectomh (open thoracotomy ) a couple of weeks later. No chemo. I’m still here five years later so fingers crossed - due a scan in the next couple of weeks - I think the final one bit think I may pay for an annual one - IF all is ok next week. Fingers crossed again!
Thank you for your reply. I was in for 2 nights and fortunately I have no discomfort anymore. The advice for problems as you say was A&E. I have another question as I’ve already been told they will remove the top portion of my right lung. How long were you in hospital for the operation/the recovery and how long until you felt mostly back to normal? Currently I have no idea of time scales and it would help me to have an idea. Obviously everyone is different but a broad outline could be useful
I had upper right lobectomy managed to do it with key hole (VATS) was in 3 days that was 2 years ago no further treatment numbing is finally nearly fully gone. The exercises they give you are key not doing too much also. I still get breathless if I move too quick or walk too far but I also have arthritis I was waiting to drive but on my post op sheet at 8 weeks it says light gardening or short walk ....went in garden pulled a weed and fell over breaking my wrist lol driving waited a bit longer ....I had days in hospital on their heavy drugs but found at home paracetamol during the day heavy one at night but as you say we are all different again best wishes and let us know how you go
Hi I was in for a week. As it was open surgery (and not VATS) my recovery was quite slow , it was September but I felt great by December . But that is just me I think snd Ive never healed particularly quickly from anything! It didn’t take all that time obviously . Being honest , the first month was quite tough for me but I walked a lot each day after about three weeks and decided to take strong pain relief etc. The best thing is to look back each week snd look at how much better you feel week by week because you will indeed feel better each week! So be kind to yourself and patient. If you can get someone to stock your freezer with easy evening meals for the first few weeks . I had a lower lobe removed. I would absolutely do it all again , no question! It’s very very good indeed you can have surgery - I didn’t appreciate that until I was told that I think only about 10% of people can have it. A year later I had a further surgery done by VATS which turned out to be a total false alarm ! The recovery from that was much much faster. You will do well I’m sure. Plan to take it easy , and focus on yourself and walking each day . I started once a day snd built up to twice a day . Probably was doing 3 -4 miles minimum daily from November, . I then realised I was tiring myself too much so peeled back and took it easier. Respond to what your body is telling you and spoil yourself if you can. This is the time to focus on you and recovery People told me I never looked better by Christmas and looking at photos from then it is true! I am very happy for you to ask questions as you go - someone on here gave me a lot of support and it helped. You may also find somebody here who is having surgery at the same time, that was so helpful too - we used to compare notes ! It’s a scary time for you now I know but this forum is fantastic. I still look at it occasionally hence seeing your post xxx
I also had a couple of brain scans 2-3 during this journey. Please don’t be scared of that if/when it is suggested - it just means your team are being very thorough and checking everything which is great. Just sharing that as it scared me a little at the time - now I’d be practically begging them to do one! Xxxlots of love
Thank you. I won’t know anything until at least next Thursday but as I said they’ve already mentioned operating. I was lucky to be picked up by the Lung Health Check pilot, just started where I live. Apparently I’m the first here to receive treatment.
I’m just trying to go with the flow and not keep thinking about it all. I’ll know soon enough.
Thank you for your fast reply, it’s so helpful. I’ve already received a huge amount of support from people here. It’s good to chat to others who have far more experience than me without me having to chat to my family. I just don’t need them to be looking things up as it’s difficult enough for them already. I know we’re all appearing to be cheerful. My children have each other and their friends and my husband has his family. I set up a messenger group for my children and oldest grandchildren, so we all know the same information. I keep them up to date on everything that’s happen and of course we talk when needed. I just don’t want it to take over all our lives to the exclusion of everything else.
Isn’t the weather beautiful right now. I had a real tidy up in the garden today. I hope your day went well x
I just wanted to update all you very lovely supportive friends. My next appointment is this Thursday at 12.00 when all will be revealed. I really appreciate all the information and positivity.
I had a great surprise on Monday following the confirmation of my Thursday appointment. The Lead GP at my general practice called to offer their support as well. He was interested in my experience to date and I told him how supportive I’ve found all of you, recommending that others in my position would find you all very helpful and kind. He also said should I need any additional support to call the surgery. I asked if I might have anti-depressants and/or help to sleep, should I need them. The answer was yes, so that was helpful, just in case.
For me, sharing my experiences and feelings with others here is so cathartic so I hope it’s not being a bother to any of you.
Thank you all again and I’m sending all of you love. With thanks Fran xx 💐
Best of luck for your appointment. I had open surgery and my right lower lobe removed in July 2020. I was back at work part time from the November. Although I’m a real worrier, I have a fantastic family who have looked after me. I also had a biopsy like you’ve had and mine was a little painful too. I still have a little cough but it’s also due to my weight being on the large side!!!! Keep going, you’ve got this xxx
Yes happened to me too I had 2 days of oxygen then home mine soon got back to normal I think they felt sorry for me I kept saying my tumor was upper left side and they were doing it wrong lol just shows how you dont listen much after they use the word cancer....took me a while to realise they were right must have looked a complete fool Hope all turns out well for you let us know how you continue
Thank you to both Debs and Gillbo. I’m waiting at the hospital now for my appointment in 5 minutes or thereabouts. Stomach is in knots right now and I’m so looking forward to knowing what’s going to happen. Thank goodness for our wonderful NHS. 😃
I had good news today. I’ll either be having VATS or RATS and may or may not need anything further. They aim for me to be out of hospital within 3 days but would like it to be sooner. They also did the walking test today to check my lung function and stats. It stood at 97%. The nurse said it was very good.
It’s all such a relief and my hubby was beaming underneath his mask. I was relieved to know there was no evidence of anything in my brain. This was really worrying me. The consultant and nurse also asked if I’d be willing to take part in some sort of group, specifically for referrals from the Lung Health Check people.
I wish everyone on here could receive such positive news but you have all been so helpful to me and I hope I will be able to do the same for others. This site is amazing.
That’s great news! it sounds like you’re on a similar journey to mine, I had a VATS lobectomy Jan 2020 and was in hospital for 4 days, with no further treatment needed. I didn’t find the surgery/recovery painful -but take advantage of the pain relief offered - and allow yourself time to recover, I was back walking the dogs (slowly) after a month 😊. This is such a great site for support, it’s so useful to hear of others experiences.
That’s very useful information for me, for later on. I’ll do everything I can to heal well and not over do the action (if any). Taking on any medical advice seems absolutely key to a successful recovery. It’s so good to talk to others who have experienced the different treatments.
That’s good news indeed. Thank goodness for those new trial checks.. Good luck with the VATS/RATS too. - sounds like you’ve got a really good informative team x
I have an excellent team. We have two dedicated cancer nurses that we can call with queries. I’m just sitting and waiting for the surgeon appointment now. If I don’t hear by tomorrow I’ll call the nurse and she will check it out for me. The waiting is a bit challenging but I’m hoping to have the op. in 4-6 weeks time.
I’m sure the surgeon will tell me what procedure I shall be having. I’ve been warned that he can appear rather abrupt but nevertheless he is a very good surgeon.
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