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Bending over post lobectomy causes significant shortness of breath?
I’m 7 months from lobectomy of left lower lobe. By and large I do pretty well from a pulmonary function perspective. Not as great as the docs led me to expect, since I absolutely do not have 99% of my capacity back, nor do I see evidence the other lines are taking up the slack.
So that’s an “is”. But what I don’t understand is why bending over causes a severe loss of capacity.
I notice it just wiping up a spill or sponging off baseboards. Stuff like that.
Does anyone else experience that?
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I had my upper right lung lobe removed, which was 13 years ago, I too have the same problem
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2 ReactionsDoes anyone use an inhaler for their shortness of breath? (sob) Is there anything at all that improves the sob?
I didn’t know before having a RUL that it was going to be an issue. I live in Florida and it is very humid in the summer. My surgery was 03/2024 and this summer has been miserable. I just wasn’t expecting this. Yes, I am very glad to be alive and lucky to not have metastasis or need any further treatment. It’s frustrating. If I need to learn to live with it that’s what I will do. Any suggestions or ideas?
It’s very frustrating. My left lower lobectomy was May 2023 and I still have SOB when bending over. My situation was complicated because I am on a steroid for a different condition and I have gained 20 pounds. My long course ends tomorrow so I’m hopeful I can shed the weight. But that wont rid me of SOB I’m afraid.
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3 ReactionsI too live in Florida. My lul lobectomy was in February.
I tried to stay inside in the heat and humidity. Have you considered trying pulmonary rehab? You need a referral but it really helps. And no Dr should have said 99% recovery. If you work at it you should be able ylto get about 90% of what you could do before. I don't think that's too bad.
What do your pulmonary function tests say? And heart tests? I had shortness of breath before my VAT wedge resections. I have three reasons for my shortness of breath: interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, radiation pneumonitis and pulmonary hypertension and of course I have reduced lung function. It takes a specialist with specific expertise who will cross reference your tests to diagnose potential causes. Also have you caught anything like Covid?
You mentioned hot humid summers in Florida, I know how they are. If you were not exercising after your sugery (walking, and walking) you may also be deconditioned. They got after me for that!
Thank you for sharing! I went into my cardiologist for testing and everything checked out good. It’s my Lungs…..
Take care!
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2 ReactionsI am 9 months out from an upper right lobe Lobectomy. When I bend over I get a cough or coughing response. It's not as bad as it used to be, but still happens. If I take a deep breath and hold it before bending over, it seems to help.
I am 9 months out from an URL lobectomy. Humidity definitely affects my breathing. I live in a dryer climate and when I go to the coast I feel the difference. Abuterol inhaler helps but doesn't cure it. I avoid going out into hot high humidity.
Welcome to Mayo Connect @km02190. I did not have lung surgery, but I do have lung scaring from tumors that have since resolved. Humidity is tough! I feel like there is no air in the air. I know that makes no sense, but it certainly has an impact on our breathing. It sounds like you've found ways of dealing with the challenges that your surgery has left you. We often learn to adapt, if the issues aren't too challenging.
I'm glad that you joined us, and are doing well 9 months post-surgery. Did you have surgery, but no other treatments? If yes, I'm assuming that your cancer was identified during an early stage?