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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pb50 | @pb50 | Dec 28, 2023

In reply to @pb50 "Thanks that’s great advice!!" + (show)

But if my O2 levels decline when I exert at all, what is the action? Said differently, what would I do to create a different result?

pb50 | @pb50 | Dec 28, 2023

In reply to @vic83 "I check my oxygen level with my home oximeter when I am on the sofa and..." + (show)

Thanks that’s great advice!!

vic83 | @vic83 | Dec 28, 2023

In reply to @pb50 "No. My pft included standing and sitting only I have an O2 device. I will check..." + (show)

I check my oxygen level with my home oximeter when I am on the sofa and everything is fine. I took my oximeter with me for my last test and it showed the same results as PFT. But home oximeters are not as good as the ones they use in pulmonary testing so using them when moving is a little more iffy. I use mine when on a treadmill and I am able to keep my hand still on the bar. I do go down to 88 (even lower if I increase the speed).
I had a cardiac stent and did cardio rehab. They had sturdy professional oximeters, and they showed my oxygen dropping while on the treadmill. And my pulmonary tests confirm that my oxygen levels drop with exertion. The issue is why oxygen level drops as it can be lungs, heart or both.
Ask your doctor to order oxygen titration test to have it documented.

pb50 | @pb50 | Dec 28, 2023

In reply to @vic83 "My CT scans are specifically tracking my nodules but also report everything else picked up. Did..." + (show)

No. My pft included standing and sitting only

I have an O2 device. I will check that when I’m so out of breath.

Thanks!

pb50 | @pb50 | Dec 28, 2023

In reply to @lls8000 "Hi Pam @pb50, Sometimes we get so focused on the cancer, that other concerns might get..." + (show)

Yes. From stem to stern. 🙂
Echocardiogram - heart of 45yo
Chemical Stress test - check -
EKG - a branch bundle block variant and episodic/paroxysmal SVT. no effusion in recent Pulmonary CT.

Lisa, Volunteer Mentor | @lls8000 | Dec 28, 2023

Hi Pam @pb50, Sometimes we get so focused on the cancer, that other concerns might get neglected. Has your heart been checked possibly unrelated to the cancer?

vic83 | @vic83 | Dec 28, 2023

In reply to @pb50 "Pulmonary function seems acceptable, but to be fair it doesn’t evaluate under any stress conditions. CT..." + (show)

My CT scans are specifically tracking my nodules but also report everything else picked up.
Did your pulmonary function test include stepping up and down a step? That is where mine shows drop in oxygen levels. There is also an oxygen titration test that shows if oxygen needs are being met.
Exercise does help increase capacity.

pb50 | @pb50 | Dec 28, 2023

In reply to @vic83 "Me too. When I am getting ready to go out and maybe picking up a few..." + (show)

Pulmonary function seems acceptable, but to be fair it doesn’t evaluate under any stress conditions. CT didn’t comment on anything remarkable , though it was really screening for repeat lesions. But presumably everything anatomical made sense.

vic83 | @vic83 | Dec 27, 2023

Me too. When I am getting ready to go out and maybe picking up a few things I also have increased shortness of breath. I think bending is compressing the diaphragm, lower lungs. That is what my Pulmonologist said too.
Have you done a pulmonary function test since your lobectomy?
Do your CT scan reports indicate any other issues with your lungs?