Hi there! I’m truly sorry you're on this road but very Happy you found this web group! What I did to prepare was to try to get my lungs and heart in better shape. I have 16 stairs to my bottom floor and I would try to jog up and down them 5 times once a day. I also tried to walk at least 2 miles a day (after a full time work day). I had already started eating better but lots of salmon and fruits and vegetables. I was already at a low weight so I wasn't worried about that. I wanted to breathe as much fresh air as I could get. I was inly 58 (now 59) so I may have faired better than others in their 70’s. But I had VATS on my LUL, and really only a couple of weeks before I could walk my mile without breathing difficulties and could walk up and down my stairs just fine. Pain was not too bad. I was given Robaxin, Lyrica, Hydromorphone and Gabapentin. Stopped the Hydromorphone a few days after getting home. Then the Gabapentine, after a week the Robaxin and after 3 weeks of slowly cutting dosage, I stopped the Lyrica. Only took 800mg Ibuprofen and 500mg Tylenol. Was working from home 2 weeks after surgery and back in the office 6 weeks after surgery. I bought an inside exercise bike around Thanksgiving and I ride it 30 minutes about 3 or more times a week and still walk about 1 1/2 to 3 miles, weather permitting. I’m just starting back at sit ups which I haven't done in about 19 years. No matter what, walking is the BEST thing you can do before AND after. But also realizing that everyone is physically different you don't want to push it afterward because that will set you back big time. Do what is comfortable but do something. I wish you all the best! Always willing to answer questions. There are no stupid questions! Also I bought pre-made meals to make it easy on my husband and I have an adjustable bed which made sleeping so much better and getting out of bed SO much Easier! That will be a painful area, so that is one thing you need to address before you go in, have a good bed or a wedge and lots of pillows. My nerve pain is pretty much gone. But I do not like having to wear a bra now! Sits right on top of the most tender area, but thats my worst complaint. The nerve area now just gets that tickle tingly feeling when its touched. Again, I know that was a long response but I hope it is helpful to you. Think positive!
Cindy