Bending over post lobectomy causes significant shortness of breath?

That’s how I feel, 75 and after second cancer surgery in 3 years in Aug (LUL) my stamina has taken a huge hit. Changing the sheets on my queen size bed wears me out and I get SOB. I was always very active prior to these surgeries. Just getting over a cold and pink eye so my exercise routine has also slacked a bit. It is hard to keep your positivity up!

I have so little to complain about compared to so many. I just need to hire someone to do things that are simple but now taxing - - like cleaning baseboards and scrubbing shower floors. I always had a housekeeper every couple of weeks when I had the big job. But I entered retirement with the attitude there was absolutely no reason to hire out cleaning when I was capable of doing it myself. Only now - and I expect going forward - my physical capability has changed. Bummer.

One slows or stops the activity to allow the O2 level to come back up.
If a person is older than 70, a normal oxygen level could be around 95%. It will drop slightly with exercise. But more, you should talk to your Pulmonologist.

To be fair, that was all before my lung surgery - they were trying to decide how worked up to get about the SVT I’ve had since my teens. I rejected beta blockers because of side effects. I don’t want to get trapped in the scenario of new prescription, then another prescription to address side effects from first one 🙂 but the good thing was I had a great cardio work up.

Pam @pb50, of course you have this covered! 🙂
I’m glad that you passed all of your tests with flying colors, but I’m sure it is frustrating to not feel your best by this time.

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?

Thanks that’s great advice!!

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.

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!

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.