Training after pneumonectomy (lung removal)

Lung removal

A pneumonectomy also referred to as a lung removal is a surgical procedure used to remove one of the lines of the lung containing cancerous cells. When two lobes are removed it iscalled a bilobectomy the same training principles will apply. However, whether you have undergone a pneumonectomy or a bilobectomy it is recommended that you consult your doctor before beginning any training program. Lung removal are most common for lung cancer patients on occasion are also used with patients that have suffered severe chest wounds.

Typical recovery time for pneumonectomy is about six months. It is normal for exercise to be limited by shortness of breath. Exercise training combined with breathing exercise training can help shorten your recovery period and improve your lung capacity and reduce shortness of breath.

After a pneumonectomy or lung removal you should get clearance from your doctor before you begin an exercise program. Because you may experience severe shortness of breath you should select a program that is gentle and progress slowly over time. Walking and using a stationary bike are both great options. It is recommended to work with a physical therapist, pulmonary rehabilitation therapist or cancer exercise specialist in a safe environment until your specialist/therapist has given you the OK to continue your exercise program on your own.

While some people may find this frustrating it is well worth the effort as improving your fitness level will improve your overall quality of life, allow you to breathe easier, and even has the potential to help you live a fuller life.

“Breathing exercises aim to correct breathing errors, reestablish a proper breathing pattern, increase diaphragm activity, elevate the amount of alveolar ventilation, reduce energy consumption when breathing and relieve the shortness of breath experienced by patients with lung cancer.

Several studies have shown that a number of patients with lung cancer fear the possibility of suffocation when they feel breathless during physical activities such as climbing stairs (10,11). In order to combat this shortness of breath, breathing exercises are used as an alternative treatment to bolster post-operative pulmonary function by teaching patients to utilize more of their lungs”-US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health.

One option for breathing exercises is to use the Expand-A-Lung. When using the Expand-A-Lung after a lung removal you should start your training on the lowest possible resistance setting. The Expand-A-Lung works by providing inspiratory and expiratory resistance which strengthens your diaphragm and intercostal muscles. This helps improve your lung capacity and can greatly reduce shortness of breath. Before using the Expand-A-Lung or any breathing resistance exerciser after a lung lobectomy you should consult with your doctor and ask them for their recommendation for exercise instructions based on your individual patient care needs.

To work on breathing exercises without a breathing exercise device you can simply focus on elongating your inhales, and elongating your exhales. It is still recommended that you consult with your doctor to get their specific suggestions for your individual patient needs.

While recovery from a pneumonectomy or lung lobectomy can be a long and difficult process both physically and emotionally taking the initiative to focus on recovery by developing a training program to include physical and breathing exercises can help you make big strides with your recovery.