Hello all! Finally feel up to sitting in front of my computer for a few minutes and I thought I�d let you know where I am in the recovery process. Had the surgery two weeks ago and doctors tell me it will probably be three more weeks before I get most of my strength back. Can�t drive for eight weeks. Too soon to know what I can expect from the surgery but doctors are very optimistic.
Best news I received when I was discharged is no restriction on drinking wine.
Before the LVRS, the only time I used O2 was when I exercised on my treadmill and bike. Didn�t use a portable unit but the SOB during the past six months was getting worse. My doctor confirmed that SOB was exacerbated by a hormone treatment I must take for a prostate condition. Hope this isn�t too much information.
Fact remains I did have emphysema and had only 23% lung capacity.
My surgery was through the sternum. Took out 60% of the upper left lung and 40% of the upper right lung. Had a problem with air remaining in my chest causing facial puffiness but that was easily fixed with inserting two more chest tubes.
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November 16th
Dr. Furakawa doesn�t do VATS, sternum only. Feeling pretty good today. I had a therapist visit twice since I�ve been home. Most therapy is for breathing with some stretching. It�s not the same as the pulmonary therapy we know with treadmills and bikes. Purpose is to get your chest and lungs expanded to work better.
I didn�t have any pain after or since the surgery. Occasional discomfort with a chest tube but nothing I couldn�t handle.
Toughest part of this is the prolonged recovery time. One simply cannot expect life to return to �normal� overnight. Patience � Patience � Patience!
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