Bending over post lobectomy causes significant shortness of breath?

10/13/2024
I had a right upper lobectomy 02/2024 and I experience the same thing when I bent down to do anything. And I have shortness of breath after minimal activity. The humidity really has made it tough this summer. My questions are: Does it ever stop? What can I do to lessen it?

@qrp, I'm sorry to hear of your physical challenges. Believe me, I can relate. Having part of your lung removed is major surgery, and it's not unusual to have long-term side effects. Several things could contribute to your shortness of breath, even beyond the fact that you've lost 20% of your lung capacity! My first question would be, "What is your follow-up treatment?" For example, if you're on Tagrisso for an EGFR mutation, then Tagrisso is also lowering your red blood cell count.

I had the same procedure six years ago. The best thing that I've found to help is deep breathing exercises. Your doctor probably encouraged you to do them after surgery but don't stop. My Spirometer is still on my nightstand, and I try to beat my last maximum at least three times a week. Of course, I don't, but the benefit is in trying.

My surgeon told me that, over time, the other two lobes will expand to fill the void left by the missing upper right lobe. Another doctor told me it can be up to two years before you start noticing. And I do know one woman who returned to running long distances. She doesn't do marathons anymore but still does 5Ks and half marathons.

Best of luck with your continuing recovery. I don't think it ever ends. Recovery is a process, not a place.

I had wedge resections done to both RUL and LUL and I have always noticed a shortness of breath when I bend over. If I am getting ready to go somewhere, which involves lots of small motions including bending over, I notice especially.
I suspect the lungs are compressed when bending over ...someone posted something once about it...and how a few extra pounds around the middle doesn't help. I have multiple causes for shortness of breath which incude lung cancer and pulmonary fibrosis.

I've had a double lobectomy, starting in 2014 on right side, then on the left side in 2018. My lungs have expanded, but I'm still having shortness of breathe, especially during exercising e.g. pickle-ball, walking up a flight of stairs. My Dr. states it is due to the radiation I had done in 2021. I'm not sure if I will ever get back to not having shortness of breath. Side note to this, I just had a stress test on Friday of last week, and during the test, had shortness of breath. Waiting to hear back from the Dr.

I look at myself after my surgeries as the new normal, a UL lobectomy and later a wedge section in LL. I feel blessed to be alive and grateful that we have these options today. I’m in my early 70’s and changing physically as well as mentally just from aging, some changes are frustrating and others are more tolerable, I try very hard to accept who I am today, mindset can be very helpful at the worst of times. I am very happy to be alive and living in a time where so much is available to help me and others to keep surviving.

Thank you for your response. I did not require any treatment after the lobectomy. (Bilateral mastectomies 1996 & 2005) The lobectomy space has filled in with expansion of the remaining lung.

Welcome to Mayo Connect @qrp. Sorry to hear that you've had to face multiple cancers. Both of which certainly take a toll on your body. Has your doctor had any suggestions moving forward? Any suggestion of therapies that may be helpful to try?

No therapies or suggestions recommended.

Vic83 hit one of the reasons right on the head. When you bend over you are compressing the lung's ability to expand further and the diaphragm can't fully expand or contract.

This is something I learned in pulmonary rehab. I don't understand why rehab is not standard of care. It is in heart disease.

Insist on a pulmonary function test (PFT) to establish a new baseline. Your insurance should pay for both the test and the rehab.

Thinking of you!

I had 2 VATS on LUNGS in 2020…..LL and UR, 3 weeks apart. Unfortunately, I have had shortness of breath since surgeries which has worsened thru the past 4 years!
I had NO radiation to Lungs but was on Targresso which became very toxic to me by 2022.

I am now on daily Nebulizer treatments (inflammation), Oxygen during the day this year, and liquid Morphine to help with breathing and tricking my brain that I am not suffocating.

I honestly think that the surgeries caused my breathing issues! The Oximeter reading is always normal BUT I can’t breath…..

Please feel free to comment or ask questions. YOU are not alone! 😉