Recently, an elderly family member of mine underwent lung surgery. They have finally been discharged and are back home, but as the doctors keep reminding us: successful surgery is just step one. Consistent rehabilitation is the real key to getting back to normal.
To make sure we were doing everything right, I researched and compiled all the best advice into this guide. If you or a loved one are recovering from lung surgery (like a lobectomy or nodule resection), I hope this helps you navigate the journey.
Surgery marks the end of the treatment phase, but the body is now in a critical repair window. To speed up recovery and prevent complications like pneumonia or a collapsed lung (atelectasis), you need to focus on two things: Active Breathing Exercises and Smart Lifestyle Care.
Here is your detailed guide to getting back on your feet:
1. The Core of Recovery: Breathing Exercises
Lung surgery inevitably affects lung capacity. You need to commit to a daily routine for at least 1 to 3 months to help the lungs re-expand and prevent permanent loss of function.
Diaphragmatic Breathing (Deep Breathing)
- How to do it: Inhale deeply through your nose, focusing on making your belly expand like a balloon. Exhale slowly through your mouth with “pursed lips” (like you are blowing out a candle or whistling), letting your belly fall naturally.
- Frequency: 3–4 sets per day, 10–15 minutes per set.
- Why: This increases airflow and improves oxygen levels.
Effective Coughing (Clearing the Lungs)
- How to do it: Sit up straight. Take a deep breath, hold it for 2–3 seconds, and then use your stomach muscles to force the air out in a strong cough.
- The “Splinting” Technique: Coughing hurts after surgery. To manage this, press a small pillow or folded towel firmly against your incision site while coughing. This reduces vibration and pain.
- Why: This clears secretions (phlegm) from the airways and is your best defense against pneumonia.
The Incentive Spirometer (The “Ball” Game)
- Most hospitals provide a plastic breathing device (an incentive spirometer). Use this daily! It gives you a visual goal to aim for and helps force those tiny air sacs in your lungs to pop open.
2. Incision Care & Pain Management
Keep the Incision Clean
Once you are home, the incision is usually scabbing over. Keep it dry.
- Showering: You can usually shower if you use a waterproof dressing.
- After care: Pat the area dry immediately after washing—do not let the wound stay wet or soak in a bath.
[IMPORTANT] Watch for signs of infection: Redness, swelling, oozing fluid/pus, or a fever. If you see these, call your doctor immediately.
Managing Pain
Chest wall pain (dull aches, sharp stabs, or numbness) is very common for 1–3 months post-op due to nerve irritation.
- Don’t be a hero: If you are in pain, take your prescribed pain medication. If you hurt too much, you won’t breathe deeply, which can actually lead to a collapsed lung.
- Relief: Heat packs or gentle massage on the muscles around the wound (not on the wound itself) can help relieve stiffness.
3. Movement & Mobility
Early Phase: Just Walk
Start walking as soon as you get home. Start slow and gradually increase your pace.
- The Rule of Thumb: You should aim for an intensity where you are sweating slightly and breathing a bit heavier, but you can still hold a conversation without gasping.
Upper Body Mobility (Preventing “Frozen Shoulder”)
After surgery, patients often protect their chest by keeping their arm still. This can lead to “Frozen Shoulder” (inability to lift the arm).
- The Wall Crawl: Stand facing a wall. Use your fingers to “walk” your hand up the wall as high as you can.
- The Comb: Practice reaching your hand over your head to touch the opposite ear (like you are combing your hair).
- Frequency: Do these 2–3 times a day.
No Heavy Lifting
For 3–6 months, avoid lifting anything heavy (usually anything over 3–5kg / 10lbs). Avoid holding your breath and straining (like when pushing a heavy object), as this puts pressure on the healing chest cavity.
4. Diet & Lifestyle Habits
Nutrition
- Healing Foods: Focus on a high-protein diet (fish, lean meat, eggs, dairy, beans) to fuel tissue repair.
- Fiber is your friend: Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Pain meds can cause constipation, and straining to use the bathroom is bad for your healing chest. Keep things moving!
- Strict Prohibitions: NO SMOKING. This includes secondhand smoke. Smoking will severely hamper your airway recovery. Also, avoid alcohol and spicy foods, as they can trigger coughing fits.
Sleeping Position
Generally, sleeping in a semi-upright position (propped up with pillows) or on your non-operated side is best to help the lungs expand.
A Critical Note for Pneumonectomy Patients: If you had an entire lung removed (left or right), follow your surgeon’s instructions strictly. Usually, you are restricted to lying flat or semi-upright. You are often forbidden from lying completely on your “healthy” side to prevent the heart from shifting and compressing your only remaining lung.
5. When to Seek Emergency Care (Red Flags)
Go to the hospital immediately if you experience:
- A persistent fever over 38.5°C (101.3°F).
- The wound is red, swollen, or leaking a large amount of fluid.
- Shortness of breath that doesn’t get better with rest.
- Coughing up blood (or a significant increase in blood in your phlegm).
The Bottom Line
If I could summarize recovery in one word, it would be “Movement.”
Deep breathing, coughing to clear phlegm, walking, and moving your arms are non-negotiable. Don’t let the fear of pain keep you bedridden—staying still is actually the biggest risk to your recovery.