Lobectomy recovery time

I am wondering if anyone can give me a rough estimate, I know everyone is different, had surgery in early January, no chemo or radiation!

[HeinrikMD]

Hi,

For patients who are advised to have chemotherapy after surgery, the usual timing of delivery is within the first 60 days from surgery. This 8 week period covers estimated recovery time.

[rerun08]

I had a lobectomy of my right upper lobe back in Nov 14 2007. Began lifting weights again last week of December. Started back at work Jan 14. I still have soreness within my ribs but not enought to prevent me for working.

[DeanDoyle]

Thanks for your responses

[ninnygirl]

had lobectomy on left lung dec 2007 my breathing isnt very good when walking still getting sharp pains any one else have this

[firemedic330]

Glad to know others have questions too - I had lobectomy in May & still have quite a bit of pain - am using the treadmill, stationary bike & "light" weight training - and still need pain pills too often!  No one can seem to tell me how long to expect this pain after surgery.  My docs didn't even give me a rehab plan - they told me to check w/ occupational health & see what they say...

[HeinrikMD]

Hi,

Recovery is variable, and so are expectations of people undergoing surgery. There are groups of people who do quite well and have very minimal residual pain or limitations, but there are others who may have permanent aches and pains.

[firemedic330]

Thanks for the info Dr H - so I guess 12 weeks post op & still w/ pain & some shortness of breath is normal.  I'll keep my workout routine & my goal for back in firehouse is Labor Day.  ;-)

[HeinrikMD]

Hi,

Exercise may improve your capacity and makes chances of reaching the optimum more likely. Some people tend to avoid exercise due to the pain, this would be more detrimental as it may further restrict lung capacity in the future.

[firemedic330]

Hi All,
Spoke to my surgron's PA the other day - having new pains this week - different than prior times - my surgery was 05/02/08.  I added the rowing machine last week to my exercises.  Doc says new pains can be from healing in new places -or- from new exercises.  Not only did they fillet me like a trout, I also had a rib cut.  But I was told to try & work thru the pain & that my doctor is comfortable with me still needing narcotic pain relievers 3 months post-op.  They said they can't give a "average" healing time because there are so many versions & reasons for thoracotomy & so many levels of fitness & activity before and after the surgery.  I'm still shooting to be back in the firehouse by labor day, but my doctor says that may not be realistic.  Just thought I'd share the info with you all, if it helps..

[firemedic330]

For anyone still following this thread...
Update on  my progress - have been totally off Rx meds since early August, and I also got clearance last week to return to work - no restrictions! - firefighting & rescue.  
If I can do this after major surgery & losing 1/2 a lung ANYone can do it!
I won't say I don't have pain - that would be a lie - but I can function, and am determined to rise above it.  
I'm sure the the exercises are a major part of my return, and I will have to continue to do them.  But it's worth it!
Best of luck to anyone else fighting this battle!  Stay strong.

[penney999]

So Happy to hear you are doing better.  I had a lobectomy 11/06  at age 47 - no chemo or radiation.   I took Rx medication for 4 months , the same as you, I was worried - then one day I didn't need the meds any more.    It took me 1 year to feel 100% normal, no pain.  I do sometimes get  muscle spasms (I think that is what is it ) in the area of the surgery.  Take care and keep updating.  

[jaskel]

I had a upper left lobectomy, chemo and radiation in 2009. I have improved 100%, however when I walk my dog and he pulls on his leash my breathing becomes labored and I have tightness in my chest. This  also happens when I attempt to carry any weight greater than 10lbs while I am walking. I can no longer run or walk at a fast pace. Is this normal? Will it get better? I continue to take pain medications. I am  57 yo female.

[firemedic330]

Do you do cardio work out?  Your capacity will get better over time.  Start slow and work up.

[Nan955]

I had a lower left lung lobectomy in September 2011. I was on pain meds, thinking I needed them, until Thanksgiving.  I weaned for a couple days, began having withdrawals, and just quit them altogether.  That was two more weeks of badness but I'm off them and clean.  You should look into getting off the pain meds, especially if they are an opiate (like hydrocodone).  They completely fog your brain and bring an all-around depression.  You might not realize it while on them.  I felt so much better once I got that out of my system.  Still have some tightness and "nervy" discomfort around chest, but nothing that requires meds.  I've heard anywhere from 3 months to a year on pain recovery.  Good luck!