2 weeks post op today

[scuba_898]

well I am two weeks post op today. recovery hasn't been what i expected it would be like. on Oct 19, Dr. Chen with emory university in atlanta performed a valve sparring operation and replaced both my aortic root and ascending aorta. I was released from the hospital on the following saturday, knowing that there was fluid between my chest wall and lungs. this past friday i had my first follow-up to see how i was and how that fluid was doing. the fluid had not gone away as the PA had liked (my surgeon is out of the country at the moment) so he suggested a thorocentesis or to draw off the fluid by sticking a catheter in my back. well that didn't go to well either. the were only able to draw off 50cc of fluid because it was starting to solidify. that whole procedure was very painful and resulted in me having pains breathing with every breath so i got treated with another stay in the hospital. Luckily i was released the next day. I go to see my cardiologist on friday, hopefully he will optimistic about what if any remaining fluid i have in between my lungs and chest wall. I have been using my spirometer and have been walking each day. I don't know if i am doing enough or need to do more. One other thing too is my pulse dropped yesterday with no explanation, it had been 70 to 80 bpm then yesterday it dropped to 48-50 for three readings, thats another thing i looking forward to discussing with my cardio. In all though i think i am having a pretty good recovery.

 

[Danny]

Sorry to hear about the 2nd hospital stay, Other than that, it sounds like your coming along fine. I hope your appointment with the cardio goes well, and you continue a smooth recovery! Take care.

 

[skeptic49]

Sorry to read about the fluid build up problem. Hope you can get that resolved. Best wishes for a smooth recovery.

Jim

 

[Bina]

Sit tight until you see your cardio.....small walks, small meals, rest often.

 

[Lynlw]

Sorry to hear you are going thru this. When they first saw you had fluid, did they have to take anything like Motrin to hopefully keep it from getting worse? Are you taking anything now?

 

[Star54]

Sorry to hear that you are going through this. I had a similar situation (without the draining), and I am still being treated with motrin and colchicine. Hope all goes well for you, listen to your body and do not over-do it.

 

[halleyg]

Good to hear from you, sorry about the fluid and additional hospital time but glad you're OK and feeling optimistic. Don't push yourself too much. Hoping for no more bumps along your recovery.

 

[hall]

Hope the cardio gets you on the mend. Best of luck to you.

 

[Cris N]

Sorry to hear you encountered a little bump. As you probably know by now fluid is a fairly common problem after OHS. Keep at the walking and especially the spirometer. And get after your doctor if it comes back.