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Bending over post lobectomy causes significant shortness of breath?

Posted by pb50 @pb50, Dec 27, 2023

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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vic83 | @vic83 | Jan 18 2:00pm
In reply to @dave777 "I”m a 65 YO, 4 yrs post RUL lobectomy, 13 lymph nodes etc and chemo from..." + (show)
@dave777

I”m a 65 YO, 4 yrs post RUL lobectomy, 13 lymph nodes etc and chemo from stage 2B undiagnosed lung cancer and never smoker.
After first year of recovery I noticed loss of breath from bending over even for short periods of time but much more pronounced with longer periods while bending.
Yes it’s extremely annoying however I’m happy to be here.
Also experiencing shortness of breath when in longer type conversations and with limited physical activity but I guess those are the side effects of missing parts like this with aging.
I’m lucky to be in excellent physical condition with very good blood pressure and heart rate, but it is what it is.
Very interesting to read other survivor stories and how the individual challenges we face really aren’t that different.
All best!

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I have same problem. I had two VAT resections and radiation. Since the first resection, I have had issues bending over. When I am moving around at home and bending to pick up things I get winded fast. I think it is compression of diaphragm, I also have pulmonary fibrosis and my pulmonary function tests indicated moderate loss of function. Losi g belly fat would probably help.

REPLY
finnea | @finnea | Feb 11 6:43am

I have recently been diagnosed with Adnocarcinoma of the upper right lung. I went to my PCP back in October 2024 because I was experiencing shortness of breath when I bent down to do anything. Not happy to hear that this will continue after surgery.

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1 reply
denzie | @denzie | Feb 11 9:26am
In reply to @finnea "I have recently been diagnosed with Adnocarcinoma of the upper right lung. I went to my..." + (show)
@finnea

I have recently been diagnosed with Adnocarcinoma of the upper right lung. I went to my PCP back in October 2024 because I was experiencing shortness of breath when I bent down to do anything. Not happy to hear that this will continue after surgery.

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When you've finished treatment ask about pulmonary rehab. It will give you strategies to prevent that shortness of breath.

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dave777 | @dave777 | Feb 16 10:30am

Yes it is very frustrating on top of a lobectomy itself and then having further issue of breathing difficulty while bending.
Surgeons always tell us the better shape we are going into a major surgery will only help with post recovery, however, from what I have learned is that it is perhaps more common with RUL removal.
In my case, as an athletic fit guy who is lean, it’s not helped at all, in fact it’s gotten worse over the last 3 years. But heh I’m still here. Getting use to it and more kneeling helps.
That said weight loss will never hurt as well.
Also, consider purchasing a spirometer to improve lung capacity. With daily use, it helps considerably (Voldyne 5000) from Amazon, but stay on it.
Virtually no different than what the professionals help you with.
That together with an exercise bike in front of the hockey game and you can feel the results.
All best!

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