Hi all this is my first post, I am post op 3 years but having difficulty breathing at night, almost a fight sometimes any help?

I was doing ok for a couple of years but then started getting problems with sleeping and breathing, had lung checks and all ok there, it seems to be a problem of no space to breath, a conflict with stomach and lungs, had consultant checks, xrays etc and all ok, next check in a year, so they happy, but I am still having problems

[sallym]

A difficult question to comment on without a lot more background information. Sounds as if you have had checks with the surgeon etc. But could this be something completely unrelated like low blood pressure or thyroid etc. that could be checked by your GP. Sounds like your surgeon is happy, the first few years are always difficult and an anxious time but it doesn't stop us getting other side effects like allergies, asthma etc.

I found walking and swimming helped me to keep my lungs exercised,started off swinging round the first lamp post and heading home!! There isn't a blue print to this journey but the best of luck sally

[Hidden in reply to sallym]

thanks Sally I appreciate your comments unfortunately I am disabled and unable to walk very much but I might see if I can swim a bit that may help me, Hope you are well on your journey Bryan

[sallym in reply to Hidden]

Thanks, into my twentieth year of this journey,when you think you have found the answer to a problem something comes along and proves you wrong. small price to pay for still being here!!! Hope you find the solution Sally

[Hidden]

I do not have any real suggestion for an answer, but I think I might try a physiotherapist? This may sound odd, but after my treatment I had to be taught to breathe again properly ie my diaphragm and stomach were going in and out at the wrong times and not coordinating with my lungs. I think it is the result of the prolonged period of being sensitive about breathing, being able to take deep breaths, nerve twinges, coughing, nursing your chest, and so on.

There are a couple of information sheets about sleep and relaxation on the website opa.org.uk/regional-shop/lo...

Perhaps your system needs a bit of 'training' with relaxation exercises?

Sleeping problems can be a bit of a cycle - you end up worrying that you cannot get to sleep, and this makes you more tense, so you are not so relaxed and start to worry about all the things that loom very large in the middle of the night but do not seem so bad during the day. Some people say that if you find yourself unable to sleep for a significant period, you are better off getting up, doing something (I go downstairs and have a mini breakfast) and then going back to bed an hour or so later. But it is a very individual thing.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your reply Alan what you say makes sense and I will have a look at your suggestions, you are all so helpful on this site it's very much appreciated to be able to talk to you all Bryan

[patchworker]

Could it be your diaphragm that's the problem? Years ago I had a badly infected gallbladder that affected my diaphragm and I remember lying in a hospital bed fighting to breath. That's just a wild guess, and I can't think why you should have a problem with your diaphragm at night. Could it be postural? I presume, like the rest of us you sleep propped up. I hope you get it sorted out.

[Hidden in reply to patchworker]

Thanks Patchworker you thoughts are appreciated, I do sleep propped up but sometimes I do find myself slipping down and having problems, I may need to get a better system in place. The consultant said that sometimes after the op the lung that has been collapsed can be weaker than the other one and can give problems, this with scar tissue can effect breathing, but I was doing ok for 2 years and then it just started so not sure the cause, but I will take all the suggestions and try and sort it out, thanks again Bryan