Post Surgery Pain (RATS on left lobe) - sleep and mental health struggles

Hello Cbod8c1ed,

Welcome to the lung cancer forum, although I'm very sorry that you had the need to join.

I too had lung surgery, mine was VATS (video assisted) and my entire right lung had to be removed due to the position of the tumour within the lung. I suffered most of the issues that you are currently experiencing including:

* being uncomfortable and on pain meds, it did take quite a while despite exercises but did slowly improve. Before being discharged from hospital I was given exercises and, although uncomfortable at first, I think these did help. I also tried to run before I could walk and suffered because of this at times.

* Sleeping also difficult and I had to sleep upright by propping myself up with pillows. You can also buy a V-shaped which might be more suitable for upright sleep and perhaps worth a try if you haven't done so already?

* I was also a very bad patient and disliked the same things as you.

I can assure you that you definitely will start to feel better, but you've had major surgery and it will take a bit longer yet. The good news is that, having had surgery you have the best possible chance of long term cancer free survival - my surgery was done in 2014 and I've been lung cancer free since.

As far as mental health issues I'd encourage you to have a look at Macmillan's support services in this area and attach a link below showing what's offered and how to make contact.

I wish you speedy recovery in the meantime.

Derek.

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/treatment/coping-with-treatment/cancer-and-mental-health-support

 one , you really should aim for tryin to find a way of siting up for sleep, 2, yes your family dont ,or soon forget that YOU have had major surgery ,so try only do what you can, ignore any remarks if possible, eventually it will ease off as your body gets used to it. i went out on a very shaky bus soon after my op but my body didnt like it at all, as i said as re your family its like mine oh its only cancer ,your ok now ,,, not really, just do what you can and keep positivexx

Hi sorry to hear your in pain,I had VATS to remove left lower lung on the 7th January so a month tomorrow.the pain has been bad at times especially as incision on my boob and have really been struggling. BUT saying that I have been doing too much. 
I totally understand as I sleep on my left side but can’t so do the right and wake after 2 hours, then on back and again wake again. I started of our sofa and that’s where I’m sleeping tonight as the upright back supports me more.

here if you need a chat

Hayley