Pain after robotic assisted lobectomy: How long does it last?

It's been 7 days since my robotic lung surgery, removing my right lower lobe. I'm doing well but curious as to how long I'll feel as though I am getting a hot knife in my gut whenever I try to use my abs or move even slightly the wrong way? I can't lay flat because I can't sit back up, even being in a recliner is difficult. I wish I could sleep standing up!

Welcome @kkckkjm. I'm tagging fellow members @cindyjk @vic83 @pat3017a and @stanleykent who also had robotic lung surgery to make sure they see your question about recovery and finding a comfortable position to sleep.

It's been a few days since you posted about your experience. Have things improved somewhat?

6+ months ago, I had VAT surgery on right lung but only wedge resection not removal of lobe. At 7 days I stopped all pain medication. I could also drive then. I kind of kept my right arm attached to my chest instinctively and favored that side for a couple of weeks. Each week I felt a little closer to normal but caught Covid a month from surgery which slowed my recovery down. (Despite my self-isolation I caught Covid!).
The three incisions all healed nicely. The nerve pain and sore rib lasted two months. However, three months from surgery I started to get a slight soreness when taking a deep breath. The rib is a little sore and may be the cause. It has increased but nothing showing up on my last two CT scans to explain it. Not a big problem, just wonder why.

My surgery was 4 years ago and I have trouble remembering yesterday. 🙂
I recall sleeping on my other side and when I did sleep on my back having to roll to get up. I have a waterbed and a friend loaned me a mattress topper to use for awhile. The height was perfect, It was high so I just could flop right in. It will get better, but oh, it is not fun in the beginning! Best wishes!!
Hugs and healing,
Cindy

Hello, things have improved slightly. I was prescribed gabapentin yesterday and am hoping this will help with the spasms and discomfort.

I'll be 70 soon and I had VAT upper right lobectomy in 2019 and VAT wedge resection on lower left in November 2021. I'd think VAT recovery is similar to Robotic surgery but that would be a doctor question. For me, the lobectomy was more painful. I think most of the pain getting up was related to the incisions It was very painful and for awhile, couldn't get out of bed. It was slow recovery but day by day there was improvement. By 6 to 8 weeks I felt pretty normal or I should say "new normal" A mild cough lasted a few months but gradually improved. Even though it was 2019, I still have a bit of discomfort or tightness on the right side when I take in a deep breath and the skin is still a bit "tingly" near one of the incisions.
Through the recovery time and after I had shortness of breath. Going up the stairs would get me winded. Later in 2020 Cardiology and lung function testing indicated I was out of shape. I had blamed it on the surgery but I should have exercised more. I took it too easy through that Minnesota winter and then 2020 covid isolation started and did not exercise.
I hope you are improving. Let us know how you're doing. Thanks

You sound like me. I had VAT surgery right upper wedge end Dec 2021 -
I too had a slight cough which has gone away. I still have soreness if I take a deep breath. Glad to know it is not unusual. Minnesota winter also kept me from exercising, and I was afraid to go to the Mall for fear of Covid. I had already tested positive one month after surgery despite isolation. I wear a mask at Mall, and it is hard breathing with a mask. My oxygen level drops with exercise, and I need to keep it above 88 and N95 mask makes it harder. But SOB is better with exercise WE MUST EXERCISE!!!!!

Vic- It helps to slow your breathing down when wearing a mask even if it is against what you reflexively want to do (breathing faster). Try it.

Thanks for the tip Merry!
I change to a lighter mask for Cardio Rehab. Everyone has to wear a mask there. Interesting enough, I have now reached a wall (speed +grade) in my cardio rehab exercise where my oxygen level falls below 88 (the minimum Mayo Pulmonologist said to keep). And breathing techniques do not help then. I do think exercise has given me a little more capacity.

Of course, And you are very welcome. I'm sure that exercise has helped, Vic. Were any suggestions given to you on how to keep your numbers above 88?