Thread: One week after lung surgery.

Hi sacc51, sorry to hear of this, and I really hope things get better for you soon.
Do they expect the "small hole" will repair itself ? How long will it take ?
Is there someone there that you can talk to, or maybe get a second opinion about this.

so why were you in ICU for an additional 5 days?
sounds like a significant complication -- was the complication lung related ? or elsewhere.

A reluctance to go back in implies a very high risk of failure if you have further surgery -- and failure probably equates with you dying on the table. Not a good outcome for anybody.

It's not much consolation, but if you're well enough to shower -- as opposed to being given a sponge bath -- it seems to me that the prognosis is good.

You're supposed to stay in ICU until the drain tube is removed, usually two days. My tube is still in after 8 days. Plugging the hole is done often I believe, unfortunately, my doc keeps telling me 48 hours and you'll come good. Doctors don't help their reputation much with rubbish like this, but, they all have each other's back. I can't very well consult another heart, lung specialist while still in hospital. Most, if not all, work with my Doc anyway.

That sux... wait.... ummm...

You know what I mean, keep your head up.

I wish you all the best and good recovery. After my open chest surgery for a non heart related issue I have told every doctor I talk to that they should all have it so they understand the problems but none of them like that idea.

Have I got this right? Your options were surgery or a box.
I'm sympathetic to the discomfort and pain you are going through right now, but having been on the family side of this equation, I can assure you that surgery is a far better option than the alternative.

I wish you a speedy and healthy end to your discomfort.
The mere fact that you are posting about it is, for me. a very positive sign.

Keep fighting the good fight.

Hi Sacc

3 days on from your earlier post.

Are you feeling any better. Has the drain been removed?

best wishes for your recovery

Drain was removed on Saturday and I came home this morning, Monday. Very short of breath and still in pain despite three different pain meds. Getting around is very difficult, just getting out of my chair leaves me wheezing. Don't want to go through this again.

Hi Sacc,

Best wishes. I know what you are going thru. I have had a lung biopsy. High as a kite for a week (not enough tho according to the staff) and in agony, then they wanted me to cough. What the? You must be joking! No sleep from Monday morning til Friday evening. Anyway I did come good.

Cheers

Dean

Originally Posted by sacc51

Drain was removed on Saturday and I came home this morning, Monday. Very short of breath and still in pain despite three different pain meds. Getting around is very difficult, just getting out of my chair leaves me wheezing. Don't want to go through this again.

Well I guess things are looking up, a bit!!

Post surgery pain is horrible. I have a very high tolerance to pain for most things other than burns, which is lucky for me because like you most pain meds dont work for me.

Anyway, chin up. Recovery from surgery rarely happens quickly. 6 months down the track I think you will be glad you opted to stay upright rather than lying horizontal 6 feet below!

Thinking of you Mate, all the best health for the future.
Kryn

Originally Posted by sacc51

Drain was removed on Saturday and I came home this morning, Monday. Very short of breath and still in pain despite three different pain meds. Getting around is very difficult, just getting out of my chair leaves me wheezing. Don't want to go through this again.

great to hear this.

all the best for your recovery

That's good to hear that you are moving about.

I think the common reply is to take two aspirins and see me in the morning.

I can not recall where I read or heard this but the body will heal itself.