Post op breathlessness

[Mace123]

Hi all

I am now two weeks post op and doing incredibly well. The surgeon is very pleased with progress and on the whole I am lucky enough to feel really well

My only problem seems to be that I get very breathless when walking about. I have had a chest X-ray which did not reveal any issues. Is it normal at this stage?

[brucemillar]

In a word: Yes.

Well done on getting this far. The breathlessness is very common and (in some cases) remains. I am three years post op and still get this, especially after food. I walk six miles every day and play eighteen holes of golf every week (what a goody two shoes I am). So I now try just to ignore it.

Good luck.

Bruce

[Hidden]

I'm 14 weeks post op and still painful down right hand side which feels like it is pushing on my chest.Get breathless quite easily but keep going and able to go on long walks. It was picked up the other day by my Occupational nurse that i don't breathe deeply especially when i cough mainly because it is slightly painful. I had the Ivor Lewis operation which involved deflated a lung and taking a rib out so presumed all the muscles had been pulled about. Seeing a Physio for help doing excercises and try and help with my breathing .

[kiddy]

Hi yes we suffer as the lung is deflated when operated on if you have had Ivor Lewis. Do 3 deep breaths , 3 times each day my physio said help. It took along time to breathe normally and 20 months post op I still struggle walking up hill or stairs. I can walk on the flat for miles.Build up walking each day.

You are very early days. I was in hospital for 3 1/2 weeks.

Well done

Debbie

[Lab1]

Wow you are doing great. It took me months before I was able to have long walks .and go up stairs. Breathing exercises are helpful. And don’t try to do to much. To quickly. As it’s a very big op. And your body need to get used to the change.

[Pogul]

I'm two years post op and get very breathless. I can't take a deep breath at all not like I could pre op. When I was two weeks post op I could hardly wash up, had to keep sitting down because I couldn't stand long enough to do it. It really does get better, I go for long walks every week-end and can run for a bus! Your body does adjust, hang on in there.