Pain after robotic assisted lobectomy: How long does it last?

Thank you for sharing your experience. I had RAT surgery, removed lower right lobe. Cancer was contained in the lobe. I wonder why the fluid buildup occurred? I hope getting fluid removal doesn't become a regular need! Fluid was found at my 4 week post -op xray. The xray 4 days after surgery showed no fluid - that's when the chest drain was removed. So much to learn, everyone's experiences are quite helpful!

I'm curious as to what systems you had or how did they know you had fluid build up and believe that call it pleural effusion?
I had some fluid on the 6 months lobectomy follow up CT.........but it went away on its own and one year follow up did not see any.
I had VATS wedge resection surgery last November and my 6 week surgery follow up xray did not show any fluid. My 6 month CT did show pleural effusion). Some fluid is possible but mine was a a bit more than expected and had thoracentesis in April. Testing showed mine may be related to the lymphoma that I also have. I had a late June follow up and had some recent deep breath pain and found the fluid returned and had another thoracentesis on Friday and am waiting on test results. Am expecting it is lymphoma caused and not surgery related.
Thoractesis is a pretty quick and easy procedure. Not much pain. You can see a procedure on youtube. Am guessing they will test the fluid.
Let us know how it goes.

Another question related to symptoms after a lobectomy. Its been 4 weeks and I need to get a build up of fluid removed from my treated lung via thoracentesis. Has anyone else had that experience?

Hello and thank-you for your interest. I have turned a corner on my pain management and feel much better. I do walk each day and do my arm exercises. As a swimmer, I am anxious to get back in the pool. I feel very fortunate to have had wonderful support.

Hello and welcome. I'm sorry that you are still uncomfortable but I think that you will be uncomfortable for the next few to several weeks at least. I had my right lower lobe removed by open chest surgery- "the old fashion way" because robotic surgery wasn't in use then for this kind of surgery. All surgeries that take place inside the chest wall interrupt the lung's topography. Most chest surgeries hurt afterward. It's been 10 days so give yourself a break, rest, move slowly, take slow deep breaths, and baby yourself.

Are you having any problems like coughing up blood or seepage that is very worrying?

hahaha

I am being monitored while on the treadmill, so it is interesting to have so many data points for my oxygen levels besides the usual blood pressure heart rate. Sitting around at night I have high 90s, sitting immediately after exercise I have 94, but at a certain exercise intensity, my oxygen drops below 88. They have a good oximeter that tells them when they are getting a good reading. I have tried usual good breathing technique but that does not bring it up. So they lower intensity. It has happened twice now, so next time I will slow speed and increase grade to see what happens. But I didn't feel any differently at the time. And I don't plan on doing any heavy work ever!

Of course, And you are very welcome. I'm sure that exercise has helped, Vic. Were any suggestions given to you on how to keep your numbers above 88?

Thanks for the tip Merry!
I change to a lighter mask for Cardio Rehab. Everyone has to wear a mask there. Interesting enough, I have now reached a wall (speed +grade) in my cardio rehab exercise where my oxygen level falls below 88 (the minimum Mayo Pulmonologist said to keep). And breathing techniques do not help then. I do think exercise has given me a little more capacity.

Vic- It helps to slow your breathing down when wearing a mask even if it is against what you reflexively want to do (breathing faster). Try it.