The [not so] Lucky 1%
- by DoggieMama
- 2022-09-08 16:43:53
- Complications
- 668 views
- 7 comments
Before the procedure to put in my ICD, my doc went through the risks -- bleeding, infection, etc. She said there was about a 1% chance they would poke a lung. I fell into the 1% range.
I have been in the hospital since Tuesday with a chest tube suctioning the air from around my collapsed lung, breathing oxygen to inflate the lung again. It's starting to look as though they can remove the chest tube tomorrow and send me home.
I do not recommend this part of the procedure. 😃 Very painful.
7 Comments
Ouch!
by Julros - 2022-09-09 00:33:51
As a nurse who did hospital nursing for 20 years, chest tubes seemed to be one of the most painful devices to tolerate. I took care of patients after open heart surgery where their breastbone was sawn in half and they all said the chest tube was the worst part.
I hope the rest of your recovery goes smoother and you get good results from your new device.
Further Complications
by DoggieMama - 2022-09-10 00:50:02
I'm still in the hospital. The chest tube isn't bringing the lung back to life as it should. One doc thinks the tube is in the lung rather than the chest cavity. He moved the tube a little today. If that doesn't help by morning, he will pull the whole tube and put in a new one.
Fun times! NOT!!!
Hugs
by Lavender - 2022-09-10 10:26:11
You remind me of me. I'm always the "perils of penelope" gal. If it CAN go wrong-it will for me. I just expect SNAFU and then move on.
What you're going through is so challenging! I'm hoping that the device is working well and there's a bit of comfort in that.
UGH! And HUGS!!😵💫🌺🌹
UPDATE: Finally Home!
by DoggieMama - 2022-09-12 02:10:34
I finally got to come home today. I got here around 4 PM. What an ordeal that was!
When the pulmonary doctor pulled out the chest tube, it hurt really bad for half a second, then all the pain from the last three days was gone instantly. That chest tube is extremely painful. When they first put it in, I thought they would put it in, suction out some air, and then remove it. Nope! It stayed in there for three days.
So, I was released on day six of my overnight stay. LOL. I wouldn't wish that off on anyone, but if the doctors and other people learned anything from my experience, it might be worth it. If only one percent of people have this experience, the next 99 people who go across that table can feel fairly safe.
Welcome home👏🏼
by Lavender - 2022-09-12 18:53:40
Whew. What an unexpected detour! Glad you're much more comfortable. I love your generosity of thought in hoping that experience they learn from your case may help others. 👍🏼
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I am 100% pacemaker dependant and have been all my life. I try not to think about how a little metal box keeps me alive - it would drive me crazy. So I lead a very active life.
You’re a real trooper
by Lavender - 2022-09-08 16:59:30
Telling your painful story and yet ending with a smile...you are extraordinary and have endured an extraordinary glitch. I'm so sorry you're going through this. Amazing that you will be home tomorrow. May you have a restful night-as much as that is possible in a hospital setting.