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Post lobectomy and surgical emphysema

Lynda020
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I had my top right lobe removed due to lung cancer that was found purely  by accident. I had my op on 12 th January 2016 and thought it went fairly well. I was sent home 6 days later but was rushed back in the next day due to of swelling of my nec k and face. They discovered I'd got surgical emphasyma. I had a leak from the wound in my lung and it was leaking air under my skin. I don't know if anyone else has suffered this but it was very scary as I was so swollen I couldn't see for 3 day. I was in hospita for another 9 days before it had gone down enough to let me home. I wondered if anyone else had suffered this and if so how long does it take to get over it properly. I am having trouble sleeping too due to pain. Also I ant do anything for mare than a couple of minutes before I am out of breath, how long does that last and will I every be able todo normal things again. Thank you in advance xxx

  • Hi Lynda020

    What a difficult time you are having.  I have nursed patients with surgical emphysema, but it is some years ago now.  I wasn’t sure from your post when you were next due to see the doctors and if you are still having any physiotherapy.  If you are not seeing anyone soon it would be good to get in touch with your medical team or your GP to let them know you are still having problems.  If your breathlessness does not get any better or gets worse, contact the doctor without delay.

    There could be a number of different reasons for your breathlessness which may need checking out.  Firstly it takes a little time after a lung operation to get back your lung function.  If you still have a small leak from your lung this may also be contributing to the breathlessness.  However If your skin swelling has subsided this is less likely to be the reason. 

    There is a small risk that your lung may have partially  collapsed following the surgical emphysema which is why I think you should tell your doctor about it if breathlessness and pain is still a problem to you.  They may need to do a chest X ray to make sure everything is OK.

    Without knowing whether one of these problems has developed its hard to estimate how long it might take to recover.  But if it is taking time you may need more chest physiotherapy to help you so again it would be good to ask about this if you are not already receiving it.

    I hope that helps. Take care

    Martin

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    Hi Lynda

    I realise a few years have passed since your op but I have only read it today.  Apart from the difference to my operation, which was the right lower lobe for a (non smoking)lobectomy followed by the scary condition surgical emphysema, reading about your experience it could have been my own words.

    My operation was just over a year ago in Guy's Hospital in London.  You will of course know exactly how I felt waking up and not being able to see.  This condition was not explained to me for at least two days and the three days admission turned into 15 and as you say it was really very scary.  I had a vacuum device fitted to reduced the crepitus and swelling.  I almost wished my cancer hadn't been discovered. That of course sounds really ungrateful.  Like you it was discovered by accident with no symptoms but just an X-ray for an unrelated condition.

    it is 13 months since my operation and my shortness of breath is, if anything, worse as time passes.  I have had an X-ray in the last 2 weeks and it was reported as okay.

    Have you improved, I do hope so, and if so how long has it taken?

    Sincere regards

    Vera 

  • in reply to vera-jay

    Hello Vera

    Whilst I understand you are hoping to hear back from Lynda as it has been so long since she posted you may not get a reply from her.

    I am very sorry to hear about your situation and all you went through last year and some of the side effects you have been left with.

    I do hope you have let your doctors know the struggles you are having so they can try and find some solutions to ease your breathing and improve things for you.

    Best wishes

    Naomi

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