Discussions
Discussions
Why lung surgery if already receiving treatment?
I've heard doctors say that some patients need surgery to remove part of a lung even though the patient is already on treatment. Why is that?
Replies
Damage from an NTM infection may be isolated or most severe in one area of your lung. Surgically removing that lobe or area combined with other treatments like antibiotics may be the best course. Not all patients are candidates for surgery, but even though surgery doesn't usually replace the need for antibiotics, it may improve the chance the infection is eventually eradicated. You might be considered a candidate for surgery if the infection is more localized in one area of the lung, and if standard antibiotic therapy has failed or isn't well tolerated
I had my right lung removed and I am still on a 2 drug regimen. The disease is still present in my left lung so I will probably be on the antibiotics for the rest of my life. The lung removal, while massively scary and invasive, has definitely given me a fighting chance. Before they removed it, I was having many episodes of coughing up blood. I had several cauterizations and it still wasn't helping. I was fighting infection-based anemia and severe weight-loss. Now, six years later, I am thriving. I have severely reduced lung capacity but my quality of life was substantially increased by the pneumonectomy.
Comments
Donna,,
Hello! So glad that the MD feels that you are doing ok and will be ok.
Yes, some days will be harder than others; we all have different coping skills .
Is there a support group in your area? I found our NYC support group extremely beneficial. Great , lasting friendships were formed ; unbelievable support and empowering education was rendered. We understood, had insight into what one another was experiencing , to a certain degree.
I recall a friend sending me a card while I was not well and experiencing great challenges, with the quote,
" This too shall pass", over a picture of a rainbow.
I looked at the card, quote, thought of the words of the song everyday which helped me cope. Something small to one person maybe the inspiration needed for another.
Hopefully, other on line information on gaining weight will help you. I will write more on this topic later.
Comments
Merry,
Thank you for the morning chuckle!!!! Yes, the quote applies well w parenting😀😀. I use the quote mostly when I am flared/ not feeling well. However, I will use it more mindfully w my teenage daughter.:)
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