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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pigeonhead | @pigeonhead | Dec 11, 2024

In reply to @lls8000 "Welcome to Mayo Connect @pigeonhead. Did you have lung surgery? How long ago?" + (show)

11/20 of this year...bilateral breast cancer 2005... both caught early; I am so lucky for that...but feel a little like there's a target on my back! LoL

pb50 | @pb50 | Dec 10, 2024

I did. In May of 23. Left lower lobectomy. Stage 1, N0. Fortunate but we had been watching it slooooowly grow for five years.

Lisa, Volunteer Mentor | @lls8000 | Dec 10, 2024

In reply to @pigeonhead "Stairs and bending over definitely get me panting and out of breath, much worse than other..." + (show)

Welcome to Mayo Connect @pigeonhead. Did you have lung surgery? How long ago?

pb50 | @pb50 | Dec 10, 2024

Good to know it's not just me !

pigeonhead | @pigeonhead | Dec 10, 2024

Stairs and bending over definitely get me panting and out of breath, much worse than other exertions.

Lisa, Volunteer Mentor | @lls8000 | Nov 18, 2024

In reply to @km02190 "I am 9 months out from an URL lobectomy. Humidity definitely affects my breathing. I live..." + (show)

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?

km02190 | @km02190 | Nov 17, 2024

In reply to @qrp "Does anyone use an inhaler for their shortness of breath? (sob) Is there anything at all..." + (show)

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.

km02190 | @km02190 | Nov 17, 2024

I 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.

jannam | @jannam | Oct 26, 2024

In reply to @denzie "Demand that you have your heart evaluated. For three years I begged my pulmonologist for supplemental..." + (show)

Thank you for sharing! I went into my cardiologist for testing and everything checked out good. It’s my Lungs…..

Take care!

vic83 | @vic83 | Oct 26, 2024

In reply to @qrp "Does anyone use an inhaler for their shortness of breath? (sob) Is there anything at all..." + (show)

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!