rotandroll
New member
I had a lobectomy almost 10 years ago.
What lead to the decision for your lobectomy? A severely infected, chronically collapsed lobe that was reinfecting the rest of my lung.
What part was removed? The lower left lobe.
When and Where did you have it done? 1997, under the care of pulmonologists as well as a really amazing surgical team (the same surgeon who has placed all of my ports). Denver Children's Hospital.
What was the recovery like? It was difficult, painful and took many months. I was hospitalized for four weeks in all. I went in quite sick, though. Healing time is different with everyone.
How do you feel now? I feel fine, regarding the missing lobe. I had pain relating to that site for several years, and it took about two years for touch sensation to return to the surgical area. I have a seven or eight inch scar on the left upper side of my chest, as well as chest tube scars below. I guess a lot of the time this procedure can be done orthoscopically. The numbness actually extended along the lower part of my left breast as well.
Any questions I should ask the dr.? One thing that surprised me is I was not to do any PFT testing for about six months after the surgery. Ask your doctor when would be a safe time to start PFTs again, and also what percentage of lung functions they estimate you will lose because of the lobe(s) that will be remove(d).
Another concern I had issues with regarding a missing lobe is that during the lavage portion of a bronchoscopy there needs to be less amount of
saline flushed into the affected area of the lungs. It's easy to put too much and not take it all out-- I was left with a considerable amount of fluid in my remaining left lobe at one point about seven years ago and still have problems because of it.
Hope this helps.
What lead to the decision for your lobectomy? A severely infected, chronically collapsed lobe that was reinfecting the rest of my lung.
What part was removed? The lower left lobe.
When and Where did you have it done? 1997, under the care of pulmonologists as well as a really amazing surgical team (the same surgeon who has placed all of my ports). Denver Children's Hospital.
What was the recovery like? It was difficult, painful and took many months. I was hospitalized for four weeks in all. I went in quite sick, though. Healing time is different with everyone.
How do you feel now? I feel fine, regarding the missing lobe. I had pain relating to that site for several years, and it took about two years for touch sensation to return to the surgical area. I have a seven or eight inch scar on the left upper side of my chest, as well as chest tube scars below. I guess a lot of the time this procedure can be done orthoscopically. The numbness actually extended along the lower part of my left breast as well.
Any questions I should ask the dr.? One thing that surprised me is I was not to do any PFT testing for about six months after the surgery. Ask your doctor when would be a safe time to start PFTs again, and also what percentage of lung functions they estimate you will lose because of the lobe(s) that will be remove(d).
Another concern I had issues with regarding a missing lobe is that during the lavage portion of a bronchoscopy there needs to be less amount of
saline flushed into the affected area of the lungs. It's easy to put too much and not take it all out-- I was left with a considerable amount of fluid in my remaining left lobe at one point about seven years ago and still have problems because of it.
Hope this helps.