Post lobectomy at home

Hi Mark,

So it's an upper left lobectomy and you'll likely be on your tod for most of the time. That should be doable but it'll be really tough, especially at first. You'll be surprised at how out of breath you'll get - you'll think what happened to the rest of the lungs and aren't they supposed to be doing something? Your whole ribcage area is going to be knocked out of whack for several days. Do as much as you can manage - you need to move around to help with recovering, it won't just happen by itself. Take the painkillers, they're to allow you to breathe - you won't breathe properly if it hurts too much, but it eases up in time.

As for extra support, best to have it and not need it rather than need it and not have it - I'd imagine Adult Social Services might be able to arrange something, also call the Royal Infirmary and ask what they provide for after-care. Do both today, these people need a few days notice before they get their act together.

kind regards
Steve

Thanks Steve,

It’s us on our own by the looks of it. If it’s doable but a struggle we will just have to get on with it. I have too many people left to annoy to let it beat me. 

I’ve left so many voicemails and been told too many times some one will be in contact any they never are. The referral that doesn’t happen.

Hi Mark,

I was by myself too - it worked out well for me, I could do things at my own snails pace without getting in anyone's way. There's no point me saying to take it slow and easy - that will be your maximum top speed at first.

The hospital should give you a phone number to call in emergency. The worst that can happen to you is if you strain and cause an air leak before you've healed - that's dial 999 territory. Other than that you should be fine. I monitored my temperature after I got home to give me early warning of any infection.

kind regards
Steve

Snails pace 

I like that and it’s a brilliant way to go.
I tried to push self which did not help. 
Now I’ve learned to listen. Slow and steady wins the race

Take it very slowly and power naps really help 

Best wishes 

Hey Artsie, Steve,

one day to go.

thanks for your advice.

I’m probably the hare which from what you guys say won’t be a good thing. I’d end up as Jugged Hare knowing me. Lately I have started to notice I have been tiring a lot quicker. 30 minutes in town and I’m knackered. Time to begin the slow down.

the other half burns water so I am going to sit and give directions for cooking at least in the beginning. It’s so bad I had to chain the cooker to the wall to stop it throwing itself out of the window.

the house has been set with a chair on the 1/2 landing and one at the top landing together with a chair in the kitchen and bathroom as well as wee tables set up in various places. Cupboards are full and meal deliveries have now been sorted 

I had a call from a lovely lady from macmillan local this morning. Just a nice chat about it all and now I have direct numbers for contact if I need help with stuff.

she said the time from my discovery to surgery has been very fast and will leave some services struggling to get anything in place quickly. May be I could volunteer and try and help put something together for people in similar situations in the future.

its the unknown which is the unsettling part.

Mark

Hi Mark 

Thanks for the update  it sounds as if you’ve got everything in order ready for a good recovery. 
I think my mantra when I first out of hospital was 

1 Stop to catch my breath and slow my heart rate down 

I soon learned that taking slower steps upstairs I could actually get there quicker 

2 Power Nap  that’s a must 

Best Wishes with you recovery  

Hi Ann,

that’s me home trying to keep it slow and easy. Naps are coming quite quickly and are very welcome.

the op went okay. Vats thank goodness. Only a couple of post op complications, hypocalcaemia and post op emphysema with swollen ankles thrown in.

sent home with paracetamol for pain relief and 2types of laxatives.

let’s hope I can keep it all slow and gentle for the next part.

mark

Hi Mark

Thanks for your update.

Now that you’re home you can relax and heal

Lots of power naps and remember slow and slower I tried to push it and paid for it. 

Im delighted that your ops done and you’re home 

Take care 

Hi Mark,

Glad to read you're back home okay and on the mend.

If the post-op emphysema has left your skin looking like crepe paper don't worry, that effect goes away after a few days. Overall, though, I'm 4 months along and almost feel no different to before the op, you should be the same. Time flies when you're enjoying yourself

kind regards
Steve

Hi Steve,

Thanks, that’s good to know. It does feel a bit weird.

I feel quite good now a week after the op generally. Following advice from here to take the slow lane and Power Nap with wild abandon.

post op, my appetite was back in HDU ward 30 minutes after waking up. Scotch egg salad, biscuits, a jelly, sandwich lots of tea.

painwise I used the PCA lightly according to the surgeons. I did have another drug drip fed automatically until the Sunday.

Getting home in Fife from hospital in Edinburgh was a pain. Lothian patients transport don’t really like going to Fife plus I would have had to wait upto 48hrs possibly to get a lift home.

Not wanting to bed block waiting for a free ride home I called a taxi. £50 later I was in my chair with a cup of tea enjoying the evening sun.

mark