Julie
Hi, I had VATS stapling 1 1/2 years ago (32 years old) for spont pneumos on both lungs. The surgery was done on both lungs the same time. My pneumo trouble started about 5 years prior and it took me that amount of time to have the problem diagnosed. I even had a Dr. tell me at one point that I had GERD and my lungs were fine. The pressure and discomfort from the surgery lasted quite awhile for me and I had problems with panic attacks. Sometimes I was afraid if I fell asleep I would quit breathing. It did get better but seemed to take around 6 months. I still do not feel as if I have good lung capacity but the pneumos have stopped and no more chest tubes, although I am prone to cough and pleurisy now. I am now being checked for some lung trouble that they think may be autoimmune or asthma, but dr's are insisting it is not related to the surgery or prior pneumo history.