Lobectomy surgery preparation

@amalita
I wore a lightweight, stretchy camisole, no bra, pull-on yoga pants or shorts, and lightweight bathrobe for weeks after surgery. I had an incision in my armpit that was tender. A sports bra may also help.

My other two incisions were on my back, and the bandages came off easily in the shower when it came time to remove them at home by myself.

I opted for Tramadol (Ultram) and Tylenol for pain while I was in the hospital because Codeine makes me very nauseated. The PA told me the pain after surgery is primarily nerve pain from where they insert the instruments between the ribs. The hospital offered me a specialized heating pad or an ice pack the night after surgery. I chose the heating pad. It was very comforting and I slept well that night. I used a heating pad at night at home for the first week.

Music therapy is also helpful for healing and pain control. I have Spotify on my phone, and I've created a few playlists to listen to with nature sounds and beautiful, peaceful, relaxing music.

I was up walking with assistance the same day after surgery with assistance. The chest tube removal was quick. I was discharged the at noon the day after surgery.

Ask your Thoracic Surgery team to give you gentle stretching exercises to do at home after surgery.

Best wishes for a successful surgery and recovery.

@janet23 than you so much for your post! ❤️

The only advice I was given was not to wear a bra. 😂 it was three weeks after surgery that I was finally able to get one on and feel comfortable. Assuming you meant robotic surgery, your incisions would be tiny. I had one stitch on my back where the drain was. They pulled that out when I went home. I was in the hospital for two nights. We are indeed fortunate to be able to have robotic surgery. The recovery is pretty easy compared to getting filleted.

@whahoo thank you!