lobectomy tips or info

sissylu1 said:

suggestions
Do you know if you are having the VATS procedure? I ask because that can make a significant difference in how you recover..I had mine the old fashioned way so here are my thoughts; do the breathing exercises as soon as possilbe, stay ahead of the pain so don't be shy about asking for pain meds when you need it..I had a chest epidural for the first 5 days I was in the hospital and then switched over to oral meds that did not work effectivly for me for the first few days, do not let them discharge you from the hospital until you have effectivly managed your pain for 24 hours on oral medications..I too had trouble sleeping so ask for meds if you need it..sleeping in the hospital bed was easier because you could manually adjust the bed, when I got home I had a ton of pillows (I don't have a recliner) that I used to prop me up at night..my insurance paid for home help if needed-I had nurses come by my house once a week to check my surgery site and to assess me, had there been an issue (none with me) the nurses would have been able to remedy it faster than me calling my doctor, having to go in, etc...they called in any scripts I needed. Bottom line, don't try to be a martyr-take all the help you need and the medication that you need in order to feel comfortable and let the healing process begin..Good Luck and I will keep you in my prayers.

PBJ Austin said:

lobectomy
I had the UR lobectomy in Sept 2009 and it was not VATS.

I want to start by saying forget your belief you should not bother people with your pain. It is the hospital staff's job to keep you out of pain and don't feel bad for throwing a tantrum if they neglect you. Be the impatient patient, as my Mom called me. Make sure you have your epidural until they remove the tubes and don't be shy about complaining if you are hurting.

I did not have PT but I did stay home from work for a total of 5 weeks. When you first get home you will feel tired just from taking a shower or walking across the house. But you should still stay as active as possible, without overdoing it of course. Do not lift anything over 10 pounds and be careful pulling things, such as opening a heavy door. Bending over might be painful. Laying down was impossible for me, I slept sitting up for at least 2 months. A recliner is a good idea or get one of those chair pillow things for your bed.

I know this sounds awful but healing will come. I am now very active and I can take the stairs to my 8th floor office.

All the best to you, you and all on this board are in my thoughts and prayers.

sissylu1 said:

suggestions continue
My chest tube was in for 5 days and I too was very worried about how painful it was going to be upon being removed..they will tell you to breath in and out, in and out, in and out and then they will remove it very very quickly-I was surprised as how much it did NOT hurt.
I did not have PT, OT or Resp therapy when I came home, it was offered but I was doing my breathing exercises with the spirameter and moving around my house as much as I could...but again, I really appreciated the home help nurses just for reassurance that I was healing properly and doing what I should be doing...they came once a week for the first month I was home and then I felt pretty confident not checking in with them.
I understand what you are saying about the diagnosis of lung cancer, when people hear that you have it the first question is sometimes "did you smoke?"....those of us who smoked did not deserve to get cancer no more than anyone who is even 5 lbs overweight deserves to get heart disease or diabetes.
I agree with other posts here, do not be shy when you are in the hospital about getting what you need when you need it and for me that included some special food cause I am a picky eater. The person who was off 5 weeks was in better shape than I was..I do think it depends on what you do for a living-I communte almost 40 miles to work and back-I am a community social worker so when I do finally get to work I am out and about most days..I was off 2 months and then went back to work part time for the first 2 weeks...take it easy and listen to your body...again, I will be praying for you especially hard on the 5th that all goes well for you.

lekkerone said:

And continue some more.
I had a lobectomy in Dec....lower left lobe. I am blessed with wonderful friends who made my journey easier than it might have been. I actually didn't know I could have the surgery until the day before. I did get in lots of groceries and clean my apartment, change sheets etc.
I had the VATS for which I am eternally grateful. Had two chest tubes and they were taken out two days apart. I was nervous about that but neither hurt at all. Use the breathing device as often as you can as it is very important to get your lungs working as well as possible. When you are going to the bathroom, make sure you have everything you need so you don't have to make an extra trip. It seems like a long walk the first few days.

When I went home a friend stayed with me the first night and was there when I had my first bath......just to be sure. I was able to sleep in my bed right away but one thing I did learn is that when you are going to get up, do it slowly. Sit up and then take lots of nice slow breaths. At first it took me about three moves to get from bed to bathroom to kitchen. I was able to make my own breakfast and lunch right away and friends brought my dinner to me for the first few days. Don't sit too long but walk around your home. Your lungs need to work. Use that spirometer as often as you can.
I didn't have any kind of therapy but walked the halls of my apartment as soon as I could. In January I started using a treadmill which is very helpful.

If we have missed anything, please ask. No question is too small or unimportant. Diane