Postcardiotomy Syndrome (PCS)
Hello, all. It's been a while since I've been able to catch up on reading some posts. Thanks to Rita and Ed for your encouragement regarding my mother (who has been suffering from pneumonia and pleural effusions after her bypass surgery almost 6 weeks ago). I have new info that I thought I'd share. Overall, she feels a little better -- no pain when taking deep breaths, and the actual "surgery" pain is virtually nonexistent. (Hooray for that!) Unfortunately, she continues a cycle of normal temperatures and low- grade fevers (never going above 100.5 degrees). Her surgeon's nurse practitioners decided not to "tap" the fluid in the pleural effusions, and to just give it time to be absorbed naturally. She has another appointment on December 11 to see if it has lessened. BUT, this fever/flu-ish thing has been a concern. Today, her doctor told her (over the phone) that he believes she has Postcardiotomy Syndrome (PCS). I've been searching for info about it all evening. I've been able to find very little, but what I do find is very consistent with her symptoms. She's been advised to continue taking a larger dose of ibuprofen, three times per day, to help with the inflammation. I'm curious to know if any of you have had experience with PCS (it can also go by several other names) after bypass surgery. I know Dressler's Syndrome has been discussed at length on this list. Does Dressler's occur only when there has been a heart attack? Mom had bypass surgery, but never had a heart attack. (My head is spinning...) Thanks in advance for any info you may be able to provide! Take care. Jen