Bending over post lobectomy causes significant shortness of breath?

I've had a double lobectomy, starting in 2014 on right side, then on the left side in 2018. My lungs have expanded, but I'm still having shortness of breathe, especially during exercising e.g. pickle-ball, walking up a flight of stairs. My Dr. states it is due to the radiation I had done in 2021. I'm not sure if I will ever get back to not having shortness of breath. Side note to this, I just had a stress test on Friday of last week, and during the test, had shortness of breath. Waiting to hear back from the Dr.

I had wedge resections done to both RUL and LUL and I have always noticed a shortness of breath when I bend over. If I am getting ready to go somewhere, which involves lots of small motions including bending over, I notice especially.
I suspect the lungs are compressed when bending over ...someone posted something once about it...and how a few extra pounds around the middle doesn't help. I have multiple causes for shortness of breath which incude lung cancer and pulmonary fibrosis.

@qrp, I'm sorry to hear of your physical challenges. Believe me, I can relate. Having part of your lung removed is major surgery, and it's not unusual to have long-term side effects. Several things could contribute to your shortness of breath, even beyond the fact that you've lost 20% of your lung capacity! My first question would be, "What is your follow-up treatment?" For example, if you're on Tagrisso for an EGFR mutation, then Tagrisso is also lowering your red blood cell count.

I had the same procedure six years ago. The best thing that I've found to help is deep breathing exercises. Your doctor probably encouraged you to do them after surgery but don't stop. My Spirometer is still on my nightstand, and I try to beat my last maximum at least three times a week. Of course, I don't, but the benefit is in trying.

My surgeon told me that, over time, the other two lobes will expand to fill the void left by the missing upper right lobe. Another doctor told me it can be up to two years before you start noticing. And I do know one woman who returned to running long distances. She doesn't do marathons anymore but still does 5Ks and half marathons.

Best of luck with your continuing recovery. I don't think it ever ends. Recovery is a process, not a place.

10/13/2024
I had a right upper lobectomy 02/2024 and I experience the same thing when I bent down to do anything. And I have shortness of breath after minimal activity. The humidity really has made it tough this summer. My questions are: Does it ever stop? What can I do to lessen it?

Great idea. Thanks!

Hello- This is a common problem. The action of bending squashes and restricts breathing muscles. They won't work as effectively, making you feel more breathless. If you are carrying additional weight, especially around your abdomen, the breathlessness is likely to feel worse.

There are many ways that you can avoid bending over from your waist while standing up.
https://www.actionpf.org/information-support/managing-breathlessness-when-bending
This would be a great time to use YouTube to find out more suggestions.

Yea - not dramatically but lower

Have your pulmonary function test results dropped before and after surgeries?

I had a double lobectomy on my right lung in January 2021. When I bend over, lay down, get in or out of a car or go upstairs. My oxygen drops quickly. The slower I move the better. If I try to hurry at all my breathing gets worse. I hate to say this but I was at my best at 7 months. If you can get into pulmonary rehab do it. I wish you well.

Yea I was not expecting this. and my cocky surgeon certainly didn’t prepare me.