Mums upcoming lobectomy

Oooh, best wishes to your Mum.  The thought of this major surgery can be daunting.  I remember it well, but actually I couldn't wait to have the mass in my lung removed - all of it, asap!  The best comfort tip I can remember is someone telling me how comfortable a reclliner chair was after her surgery.  I didn't have one, but I organized to have a LOT of pillows that I could pile up on my bed so that I could sleep and rest half sitting up.  I still like at least 6 pillows behind me, and a couple under my arms and one under my knees.  After surgery it's really, really helpful to be fairly upright, it helps you to breathe, and just feels wonderful.  After this surgery you need to cough occasionally, and it helps to splint your abdomen with a nice thick towel before coughing.  Oh yes, and be sure to take laxatives if she is taking codeine (I like Senna, but best be guided by medical advice).   Best wishes to your Mum.    

Hi C_W

Post lobectomy tips?

1. Refuse to go home before the drain is taken out.
Sometimes they try to send you home early. Not a big deal in itself, but there's enough to deal with without the extra hassle of a pipe oozing out of your side.

2. Laxatives.
The pain killers will lock up your guts so you'll need something to loosen them up. I found Lactulose tasted OK and a liquid is easier to fine-tune the dose.

3. Stock up on Paracetamol
Shops won't let you buy enough all in one go, so start buying now. You'll need them as you wean off the Oxycodone.

4. Don't stock up on wound dressings.
You will need them, but you won't know what size to get until after. The wound will leak slightly for a week or so, nothing serious but it can get a little bit messy.

5. Go home with a goodie bag.
You'll need pain killers, wound dressings, sterile swabs, hand sanitiser - don't get short-changed. I stole a gown to use as a nightie to save bedding from stains. If possible ask for a spirometer (or buy one www.medistock.co.uk/.../lung-breathing-exerciser-manual-incentive-spirometer-coach-2-adult-patients-and-clinicians-single-unit).

6. Get a pulse oximeter
Not for pulse, that'll be irrelevant. Blood oxygen level is the important bit here, you'll want confirmation that the lungs are healing and working properly. (And back to hospital pronto if it reads badly.)

kind regards,
Steve

Hi I had a upper right lobotomy 2 years ago, try not to be too nervous, i also had mine done in Southampton, and the nurses and doctors were amazing there. They completely put me at ease, and after the operation.  Yes you are a bit sore obviously, and a bit breathless to begin with, but after 3 days it all calms down a bit, but they monitor you constantly,  and if your in pain or discomfort they will sort you out straight away.

Hope this helps a bit

Hi, I had an upper right lobectomy 2.5 years ago now. I asking a visitor to bring me some fruity flavoured sweets as the taste in my mouth was not pleasant for a while. I also had some fruit bought I for me whilst in hospital. I was in for 7 days with the drip in for 5 days. I had atrial fibrillation for a couple of days after and I wasn’t allowed out until after the had been controlled.

I don’t know your Mum’s age but do encourage her to get out of bed and walk about as soon as possible. It helps the recovery. My hospital up here in the NE provided all the drugs I needed to go home and encouraged me to move onto paracetamol as quickly as I could. 

For coming home I bought an inexpensive triangular pillow to help prop me up whilst I was asleep. My GP encouraged me to manage my own medication so I was taking paracetamol during the day but taking liquid morphine a night for about a week and a half. 

Your mum may also enjoy some pamper treats as well. My 3 daughters bought me small bottles of skin cream, dry shampoo and other little goodies. I took my iPad into hospital for TV and for books both audio and reading. 

I hope all goes well for your Mum. 

love Daisy

Thank you everyone for your support and advice. My mum had the surgery today so now the healing begins! 

Hi c w ,I hope everything goes so well for your mum ,I had a lobectomy 2 years ago ,and i found that a few things helped with recovery ,I took my kindle with me so i had something to take my mind off things and helped me to relax ,though i do know not everyone likes to read ,maybe a puzzle book or whatever your mum likes ,also take some vaseline or lipsel for her lips as they will become dry ,make sure her nightwear is loose and comfortable as she may have a chest pump ,and plenty of pillows ,the hospital will of course give her some at the hospital but for when she comes home she will need them ,and she will feel more comfortable 

Just wondering how your Mum is getting on. I hope it went well and she is beginning to recover and feel better

Love Daisy