Guest guest Posted June 5, 2009 Report Share Posted June 5, 2009 Joyce, The reality is it is different for every person who has a VATS or even an open lung biopsy for that matter. Some have the surgery, are out of the hospital in a day or two and feel fully recovered in 3 or 4 days. Some take months to recover and some even say they never get all the way back to where they were prior to the surgery. I had an open lung biopsy and though my immediate post-op course was difficult, once I was out of the hospital and then had my stiches removed a week or so later I never had any further problems. Others have very different experiences. I would encourage you to continue resting as much as you need to. Concentrate on eating really well, do some activity, very gently and get lots of rest. You are both dealing with lung disease and trying to recover from surgery. It's alot to ask of your body. Be patient with yourself. Hugs, Beth Moderator Fibrotic NSIP 06/06 Dermatomyositis 11/08 To: Breathe-Support Sent: Friday, June 5, 2009 8:53:30 PMSubject: Recovery after Vats How long does it take to recover to your original state after having the VATS? It has almost been a month now and I am just not up to par. I made scrambled eggs and bacon and waffles for my son and his girlfriend and after they left I collapsed in bed. I was so fatigued. I slept. When I woke up in the afternoon my muscles still were weak. When I pick something up my hand trembles. Things like that. I simply have no stamina. My O2 is ok but I am not the same. Also I am coughing all the time now and I rarely coughed before the vats. Joyce Rudy AZ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 5, 2009 Report Share Posted June 5, 2009 Joyce... you've really had a long haul with this haven't you. Wish there was something I could suggest. MB says it all. Take care. MamaSher; 70, IPF 3-06, OR. NasturtiumsDon't fret about tomorrow, God is already there! Recovery after Vats How long does it take to recover to your original state after having the VATS? It has almost been a month now and I am just not up to par. I made scrambled eggs and bacon and waffles for my son and his girlfriend and after they left I collapsed in bed. I was so fatigued. I slept. When I woke up in the afternoon my muscles still were weak. When I pick something up my hand trembles. Things like that. I simply have no stamina. My O2 is ok but I am not the same. Also I am coughing all the time now and I rarely coughed before the vats. Joyce Rudy AZ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 5, 2009 Report Share Posted June 5, 2009 Joyce It's different for everyone but if you're coughing has increased and other symptoms, its worth talking to the doctors. Were you given an incentive spirometer to use and are you still getting the same levels as when you left the hospital? I never quite got back to where I was before the VATS but I couldn't say whether that was just normal progression of my disease. Others feel fine quickly. Anything involving anesthesia may take a lot of energy out of you and take time to recover from that aspect. This is without even considering that it was your lungs. This is also where pulmonary rehab can be very helpful and I'd suggest you talk to your doctor about it. I'm sure it's available even where you live as its not just for PF patients. > > How long does it take to recover to your original state after having the VATS? It has almost been a month now and I am just not up to par. I made scrambled eggs and bacon and waffles for my son and his girlfriend and after they left I collapsed in bed. I was so fatigued. I slept. When I woke up in the afternoon my muscles still were weak. When I pick something up my hand trembles. Things like that. I simply have no stamina. My O2 is ok but I am not the same. Also I am coughing all the time now and I rarely coughed before the vats. Joyce Rudy AZ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 6, 2009 Report Share Posted June 6, 2009 Joyce Medicare will pay for pulmonary rehab. Your Primary seemed to be very supportive and since he's local you might get him to refer you. It's tremendously helpful but yet many doctors don't even mention it. As to the spirometer, I still use mine. You might try it just to see if you're still hitting the levels you were when you were using it. It's always good exercise too. You talk about forcing yourself to do things. Yes, within limits. Keep an eye on your saturation levels. Don't overdo. But do what you can. Get out and about or walk in your yard. We all get tired and have to limit our daily activity, but understand you've had virtually none for a while now, with the surgery. It's natural you feel weaker. You need to learn that balance that is right for you. But sitting doing nothing isn't good for you anymore than doing way too much. That's where rehab really does help. You should definitely ask about it. It will help you get started back and you'll be amazed. > > > > How long does it take to recover to your original state after having > the VATS? It has almost been a month now and I am just not up to par. I > made scrambled eggs and bacon and waffles for my son and his girlfriend > and after they left I collapsed in bed. I was so fatigued. I slept. When > I woke up in the afternoon my muscles still were weak. When I pick > something up my hand trembles. Things like that. I simply have no > stamina. My O2 is ok but I am not the same. Also I am coughing all the > time now and I rarely coughed before the vats. Joyce Rudy AZ > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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