Post Op Lobectomy

Hi Diana

After the initial recovery period I felt rather low as well. It was if I was in mourning for something that was gone for ever. It didn’t help that I wasn’t sleeping well, had a permanently upset digestive system and discomfort across my right ribs due to cut nerves. It was all rather disconcerting as I had just expected to feel a sense of relief. My GP was very helpful when I discussed my lack of ability to sleep. She didn’t give me sleeping pills but gave me antidepressants instead (I’d taken Fluoxitine over the years off and on for anxiety). The sleeping began to improve and I began to feel more like me. 

My digestive system has finally settled into a much more normal rhythm but it’s taken at least 9 months. I found eating rather a trial after the procedure as everything tasted peculiar. I just ate little and often with as good a diet as I could manage and gradually that improved as well. I did take short walks at least 4 times daily, gradually extending the time. In between I had plenty of rest and a sleep in the afternoon. As my children pointed out it’s an invasive and serious operation so take it all a bit at a time. 

I hope some others will be along soon to reassure you that you are not alone in feeling ‘discombobulated’. I hope you will be feeling better soon.

Love Daisy

Hi Diana,

You're only 2 weeks out of hospital from major surgery. That's serious physical and mental stress. Not everyone reacts exactly the same to something like that but nobody bounces back like nothing had happened, so yes the way you feel is normal. The good news is that you can expect to start improving as the days and weeks go by.

Please do try to eat, your body needs building materials to heal up. (Eggs are a good protein source, I whip mine up in milk and warm it up for a hot drink when I don't feel like a proper meal.) You're sleeping more because that's when the body repairs itself. If almost all of the aches and pains have already gone you're making good progress.

kind regards
Steve

Hi Diana 

My op was March 7th  I still nap in the afternoons some days. I’m away for a few days and am really enjoying the change of scenery 

Ive also have a LAR for Bowel cancer with an Ileostomy which has been reversed so I’m going to take longer than most. 

You’ll get there. One day at a time. Grazing is a good way to build up your energy 

take care 

Hi

I am 2 weeks post op and have felt very tearful past few days, physically recovery going well, still in quite a bit of pain but can cope, not too breathless. Had one bad day with terrible stomach cramps and constipation but walking every day and managing household bits and bobs.

waking up in morning very anxious, have been told feeling down is to be expected after major cancer surgery so being kind to myself and trying to see my grandchildren who never fail to cheer me up! 
hope you feel better soon!