Post segmentectomy an update.

[zzchristianzz]

Hi everyone,

I was lucky enough to stumble upon this forum a few days before my surgery on may 1st. I received a lot of support for which i am very apprciative, sharing your stories and experience gave me courage and peace of mind to face this medical procedure. I am happy to say that the surgery went very smoothly, particularly the general anesthesia part that i felt so uncomfortable about prior to the surgery......there was absolutly nothing to worry about, it was simply a breeze.

Surgery was scheduled at 12:30 pm and i was allready walking on my own that same evening. I was sent home the next day at noon, walked 8 km ( 10,000 steps) 4 days later and 20 km bike ride on the 12th day! Pain is almost gone and very much manageable. The segmentectomy was done on my upper right lobe so when i cough i feel a small bulge on my upper chest, also since the last week this dry coughing does not seems to go away as well as a funny tickling feeling deep in my throat when i take deep breath. My sleeping pattern was also affected since surgery, i am waking up 5 or 6 times every night, but such a small price to pay for all the benefits received so far.

Thank you once again for your support

Christian

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Hello zzchristianzz,

Good to hear that your surgery has gone well and that you are making a good recovery. Facing surgery or treatment of any kind can cause anxiety, its really the fear of the unknown, I am pleased to hear that you found useful and reassuring advice on our forum. Disturbance is sleep patterns can be common after surgery, for most people this is only temporary and hopefully should settle down soon.

All the very best

The Roy Castle Support Team

[JanetteR57]

so glad it all went well and thanks for posting positive experience news too. Regarding the sleep and cough, those will settle down in a few weeks.

Sleeping propped up with cushions or if in a recliner bed, more upright can reduce anything settling down into the lungs reducing the coughing from being triggered whilst sleeping and reducing the amount of times you wake up during the night.

If you were given a breathing incentive spirometer, try using that to regulate your breathing or download some breathing exercises from Roy Castle lung cancer foundation or asthma+lung UK websites as sometimes we can adapt our breathing subconsciously after surgery. keep up the activity - walking will help redevelop the remaining lungs and also help mental health too.

onwards and upwards with your recovery.

[sassassas]

Glad to hear it went so well Christian. Hope your progress carries on like this x