So what's it like to have a lower right lobectomy? Here goes...

So sorry to hear that, my lobectomy they didn't let me out unless I passed a stool option was enema if not done I opted for that so they would let me out but suppose all hospitals have got different ways.i wish you quick recovery x

Great post thankyou.. am booked in for pneumonectomy end of Feb if next couple of scans (next week) go ok.. no point lying am terrified about the whole thing but your post has helped.. thanks

Here's what I got to take home with me: the Goodie Bags...

When you go home from a lobectomy you can expect some sort of survival kit to keep you going until the next appointment. What did I get, and what should you expect?

First time out I reckon I got short changed. All I got was a big bottle of Oxycodone, a box of paracetamol and a box of laxative tablets.

Second time out I did way better.

For starters I got the same as last time: Oxycodone and Paracetamol.

On top of that though I got:

More painkilling meds - to be expected, I've been carved up a bit more this time.

A bottle of Lactulose and something to measure it with - much better, now I can fine-tune things rather than try to hover between all-or-nothing

An exercise leaflet and a stretchy band to go with - always useful, mobility is really hard to get back once lost, and even "wimp" stuff is hard to do straight out of surgery

A Spiro-Ball breathing exerciser - oh yes, this is what I really need

Out if that lot, the Leventon Spiro-Ball is by far the star prize that makes the second go-round worthwhile. Could have got it on eBay if only I'd known

kind regards
Steve

Good to hear from you Steve. I thought it was odd we hadn't heard from you since you first got discharged. Sounds like you have been through the mill a bit since then but so pleased that they have got you sorted now. Sounds like you got a nice goodie  bag to come home with. Just take one step at a time and don't over exert yourself - you've experienced what that can do to your body.

You have probably noticed that I have a rescheduled date of 31/1 for my op - go in the afternoon of 30/1. Fingers crossed it goes ahead this time. Will make sure I don't get constipated before I get discharged as I don't want to end up bursting my stitches like you did. Will ask for laxatives to ensure it doesn't happen. I want a goodie bag like you had or there'll be trouble.

Glad to hear you are now on the road to recovery - take care and take it steady.

Trish xx

Thanks Christie - like you I have only told my immediate family the date of my op. Have told them not to visit me until I'm home (hubby only) as I know they'll freak seeing me all tubed up.

At least I've had a rehearsal of what to expect up to the operation from the first  time round - I'm in the same ward so will probably know the nurses as well.

Will update you as soon as I am able, which hopefully won't be too long. 

Trish xx

Steve that did sound dramatic ,the only drama i had was when i had to go back to hospital to have my chest drain out ,i had to walk up and down to x.ray ,do breathing excercises while they checked ,then when they took the chest drain out and tried to pull up the stitches to close the wound they realised there was still a gap along came a very cheerful surgeon who proceded to close the gap with one stitch which they decided i did not need any pain relief for and proceeded to stitch me without it .i must say i was brave ,but i could of punched him afterwards ,so here is hoping you are now recovering better 

Hi Christie,

Thanks, I am recovering now. I've no idea what went on when my drain came out, I was still whimpering right up until they waved the tube in my face and said it was already all out. I don't do pain very well.

Taking things easy now, my next big challenge is to have a shave - I've seen smarter down-and-outs than me right now. Keeping a strict eye on my steps counter, I want to increase it day-by day.

kind regards
Steve

Hi Steve ,you do need to rest as well ,dont rush things ,as you have probably been told already ,you will get there ,just dont beat yourself up if you cant do things straight away ,you and your body have had a shock ,so be kind to yourself for a few days take care

Hi

I'm not liking the sound of the chest drain removal - do they give you pain relief while they do it?  Wish they could knock you out while they do it, but then I am a coward when it comes to pain.

Steve, Christie is right, don't overdo it and rush things. Your body also needs to rest as well and you need to build up your activity gradually. It must be frustrating  to. have to take things steady but you will get there by building your activity up gradually - think about the story of the hare and the tortoise

Best wishes for a continued recovery. 

Trish xx

Hi Trish,

First off, the second tube that got pulled out was way worse than the first one, it was in a different location doing a different job. You'll be getting the first type. Secondly, it was more that it was really weird coming out rather than actually painful. The first tube felt fine in situ. The second tube never felt good, but that was inserted in a rush at A&E.

Bear in mind, also, there will be a fair old dollop of painkiller swilling around your system anyway - I was on a steady dose of Oxycodone (still am - yay!)

kind regards
Steve