Recovery time and fatigue

Hello PsyDi,

I'm very sorry to hear that you're still struggling something like 9 months after surgery, especially as no additional treatment was required. My recovery from a compete right pneumonectomy at age 58 was around 6 months and I had chemo after surgery.

Did you see a physio before you were discharged to give advice on exercises etc. to do? 

When you say medics, is this your hospital team or your GP? All I can think of at the moment is that I'd definitely involve your hospital medics if you haven't already done this. Then also see your GP to see if they can suggest something for you.

Let's see if anyone else comes along who has had a similarly longer recovery period. 

Thank you for replying.

When I spoke to the Consultant after my 6 month scan, he was surprised I'd gone back to work and said most people don't after their surgery.

He said everyone is different and recovery can be 18 months to 2 years. 

I had my treatment at Wythenshawe RAPID and after discharge they refer you into the Greater Manchester Cancer Network who repeat your prehab assessment and write you a programme for 3 months rehab at the gym.

• They reassess you after 3 months and then discharge you. I've since joined the gym to try and keep progressing.

My GP has been arranging blood tests and I'm going to ask if the community physio can review my program as I'm not sure the upper body exercises aren't part of the problem.

It's really helpful to hear that your recovery has been quicker after much tougher treatment. Thank you xx

Also I've just realised I'd knocked 10 years off my age there in error (or wishful thinking ).

I'm 62 - so maybe its my age

I had VATs in January 2025, had a few complications so had 2 weeks in hospital, took me months to get back to anything like what I was before the op. I did end up with AF and COPD which has not helped. But even now, going to the gym etc. takes it out of me. I'm 65.

It takes time to get back to anything resembling normal, I found it harder than after my bladder removal and kidney removal ops. So don't worry about how long others have taken, your body will heal at its own pace. I was back at work 6 weeks after the op, but then I do sit at a desk...

Hi I had my lower lobectomy in January and completely feel the same up at 4 am wanting to get on then by 2 fading. I keep thinking it’s me but have to remind myself it’s major surgery and like a rollercoaster. 
sorry I forgot to say I’m 56 and last April had ct for lung cancer…. It showed a spot on left lung BUT I had an aortic root aneurysm which could burst at any time. My life stopped awaiting surgery which was open heart on 29 July 2025. So nearly a year. I’m now a dinosaur haha.

So worked hard getting back strength from that and pain both physical and emotional.

in October last year went for my follow up ct to check all ok, lucky for me the ct man who did my scan in April recognised my name and took a closer look at said spot, it had grown quickly…. So writhing 6 weeks had lobectomy, back to square one all round. 
it’s been hard and I try, I cry, but I’m ok. Mine was 1c so no treatment needed, so very lucky but now told mild-moderate emphysema,bronchitasis and small hernia not doing this by halves.

so lucky to be able to read others stories it helps. I wish you well and don’t be hard on yourself it’s so hard all round.