Hello

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I am a 51 year old, had pneumonia in December last year and the X-ray showed a shadow, the consultant was convinced it was just deep seated infection even when he did a bronchospacy. However, it came back as abnormal. That was mid January. Then came the PET CT scan and lung capacity test followed by surgery on 16th Feb, lobectomy, right lower. I’ve been told the tumour was about 3cm with some abnormal nodules but nothing in the lymph nodes.

I’ve been referred to Oncology but awaiting an appointment.

I’m now 3 weeks post surgery and getting frustrated as I am feeling pretty fit, I can walk 2.13 miles a day (155ft elevation) in 42 minutes. I have good movement in my arm. I really want to be able to start driving again as I am single and independent also I am partner in a business and stuff is happening whilst I’m not there that I’m not happy with so need to be able to get back albeit short hours.

I’m not due for follow up from surgeon for 6-8 weeks according to my discharge!!!! I need to get independent again it is not helping my mental health.

Sorry I seem to be ranting but I feel so useless, lonely, unsure of the next steps and also still blaming myself as an ex-smoker. This is exacerbated as my younger sister was diagnosed with recast cancer in September last year and has been going through 6 months of intense chemo - this wasn’t her fault.

Delly

excavator over 1 year ago

I don't know if there is any specific reason why you cannot drive, were you told why?

I had my right lung removed via open surgery and my surgeon told me before surgery that I should be OK to resume driving a couple of weeks after if I felt up to it provided I was off the prescribed (strong) pain killers which can make you drowsy so not good to drive. He advised to only do very short distances first then build up and continue if it caused no adverse or new pain - and obviously stop if it did.

Unless there is something different for you I would speak to the surgeon's secretary and ask for clarification, I felt it was important to get back to normality as quickly as sensible (including resuming work) and it really does wonders for physical and mental wellbeing.

Don't blame yourself as an ex smoker, what's passed can't be reversed so there's not much point worrying about it.

I wish you all the best for your continued good recovery, it sounds like you're doing all the right things so far..

Made in 1956. Tested to destruction.

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