secondchance and Alice
Hey all, Sorry I'm slow in responding today, we have a new puppy and life is a bit hectic here! (It's like having a toddler around again!). To "secondchance" I want to say that everything you are experiencing is "normal" (whatever that is), in that many people offer the same complaints in the first few weeks after surgery. My nurse concerns are this: Because you are experiencing discomfort you should be on some type of pain medication, even if it is just Extra Strength Tylenol to take the edge off. When you were sent home were you given any instructions as to over the counter pain medications? If they gave you a home instructions brochure, check there. Also, if you are having such discomfort with coughing I am concerned that perhaps you weren't instructed properly on guarding your chest as you cough. You should hug a pillow or stuffed animal snuggly to your chest as you cough. This will help immensely. Your fatigue is to be expected. I instruct patients to plan FOUR rest periods during the day - not just sitting in front of the TV, but lights off, TV off, feet up and falling asleep for 1/2-1 hour. Doing this for the first 2-3 weeks can work wonders. Your body is working so hard to heal, and giving it rest will facilitate that process. You also need to be walking FOUR times each day! Not just to the bathroom and back, but up on your feet for 5-10 minutes at least. Give both these things a try and see how you feel in a few days. Call your doctor's office and ask to speak to the nurse repsonible for educating patients post-op. Talk to him/her about your discomforts and concerns and perhaps they have other ideas. Most of all, hang in there and give yourself time to heal. Sounds like you were relatively active/healthy pre-op, and you can be that way again after a few weeks/months. Patience is essential! By the way, home in 4 days is normal...believe it or not, I've sent Bypassers home in TWO days (I totally disagree with the surgeons that this is ok, but it has been done). And to Alice regarding your husband: that is absolutely unacceptable to me that a doctor would shrug his shoulders and brush you off as though there is nothing to be done. Get a second opinion as soon as you can! Even if you have to stick with the VA system, ask to see a Pulmonologist - a lung specialist, to see if his shortness of breath is lung related. See as many other doctors as you have to see to get good answers and someone who will help your husband fight. Ann....off to keep Cooper the wonder puppy out of trouble! Ann McCrea, RN If I told you I was walking 60 miles to raise money for Breast Cancer Research and Prevention, Would you support me? AVON Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk August 9-11, 2002 Seattle Help me raise the required $1900 to walk, Donate online: www.BeThePeople.com Walker #2179 TEAM: Hog Heaven Hoofers Join me, Sponsor me, or hold me in Prayer!