How long does pain last after lung lobe removal surgery?

Recovery from lung lobe removal surgery typically takes several months, and experiencing significant pain at four weeks is not uncommon for this major procedure. Many patients find that discussing pain management options with their surgical team or seeking a second opinion can help address ongoing discomfort and sleep disruption during the healing process.

I had my entire left side of my respiratory system removed 5 years ago . It’s been pretty rough. I also have a grade 3 diastolic dysfunction from radiation therapy to my heart. I struggle to breathe a lot .. Any physical exertion I have to stop and breathe till I feel stable enough to Carry on .

Recovery is a life time in my case. The pain with lung surgeries are pretty tough . Hang in there Antonette F.

I should be on pain meds but with a heart condition I’d rather not take anything . I don’t want to worsen my heart.

Thank you for posting this. I had a lobectomy and many lymph nodes removed about seven weeks ago and I’ve had a horrible time bouncing back and I’m usually pretty active and get through surgeries pretty well. This one was brutal but I will say I noticed I was doing things at six weeks that I could not have done before I was actually able to take the dogs for a short walk and things like that. Still if I have an active morning than the rest of the day is shot I’m exhausted but if anybody else out there had the surgery and is months out, I would love to hear how long it took you to recover.

My second prescribed muscle relaxer and gabapentin and I would take one each before I went to bed and I would sleep much better that way. I would just take Tylenol during the day.

@Kristine C - I have a friend who had the same surgery late last November. We went out to dinner the week after Christmas and she wasn't even out of breath walking to the restaurant. She's 5 years younger than I and not overweight (unlike me). Her recovery surprised her. You and I are probably the norm.