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Just had pneumonectomy on Monday and was released Saturday. Apart from soreness, this chest congestion has been bothersome...any tips for clearing it beyond using my breathing acapella and incentive spirometer? I've been doing both?
THanks,
stephanie
Cancer Surgery Claritin Chronic bronchitis Pain Bronchitis Mucinex
Hi Stephanie,
So sorry you are going through this, but I sure know what your talking about.
After 14 years of having my lung out, they still haven't come up with anything fancy to get the flem up. Cough and use your spirometer. That's about as good as it gets. They do have a machine they use in the hosptials, but I don't think they send them home with people. I can't remember what it's called, but some will chime in here and make mention of it I'm sure.
It's not easy to do the breathing excerises but they do work. I use to do them about every half hour and just did a couple to three at a time.
Also, walking around does help. Just walking around in your home is helpful for starters. It helps to loosen the congestion. I also couldn't lay flat for about 3 months. I slept on a recliner.
When I had my heart surgeries they use to pound on my back and boy did that ever do the trick, but I don't think I would have liked that after my lung surgery being the cut went around my side and to my back area. So lets just skip that thought. (eeks!)
You'll be feeling human before you know it. But please know this is somewhat of a slow go and don't push yourself to hard. Now, go take your spirometer and deep breath in. OY I've done that more then I hate to count. Had to do it after each heart surgery (4) too.
Sending you Get Well Wishes for a Speedy Recovery!
Warm & Gentel Hugs,
Connie
Hi Steph.....Had my left lung removed and the cough was killing me. OMG My doc recommended Claritin over the counter. Was a life saver. Check with your Doc tho but never coughed again. Hope this helps.........Kim
My primary care doctor put me on
Mucinex DM 1200/60 to help keep my chest clear and loose. It works very well for me. (But I haven't had any surgery.)
Hi Stephanie, I know that I had to have my side all wrapped up but hot showers worked for me too, I feel for you I also slept in a recliner for about 3 months. I never thought that I would be able to sleep in the same bed as my wife ever again (yes I whined). It's painful but that junk needs to come out, I know a lot of people have said that they were just fine after having their lung removed, but I was not one of those. It's been a long road my cancer returned last year and I was treated and I am officially cancer free for a little over a year. But I had to start conditioning all over again after chemo and radiation. Go slow, but go and you will get better I promise. You have been through a lot, you are going to go through a lot but that's why this place is here I believe.
Hi Stephanie,
Immediately following my pneumonectomy/bi-lobectomy, I was given breathing treatments at the hospital. After I came home the congestion continued and with the help of my home healthcare nurse, we were able to get my doctor to approve a home model nebulizer (the machine that pumps the meds) and prescribe muco-mist (a prescription solution that is injected into the machine). It helped to open up my chest and made coughs more productive. I had to use a pillow under my rib cage to minimize pain when coughing. Now 3 months post-op, I am using Mucinex Expectorant, drinking lots of water and taking hot showers to help break up the conjestion. It has improved but I'm beginning to think that it's chronic bronchitis caused by the pre-surgery radiation and may never fully go away.
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