interesting/rare complication... :/

[jesscv]

I am almost six weeks post-op and my back is feeling GREAT! In fact, my doctor said I have been way "ahead of the curve," since day one. I am very happy with the results of my back surgery and my back doesn't hurt at all! However... at about three weeks post-op I started to experience shortness of breath, so I went to the doctor who performed a chest x-ray and CT scan -- everything was normal. Anyway, a week later, I began experiencing excruciating knife-stabbing pains in the side of my rib cage that intensified when I lied down or whenever I laughed, cried, yawned, burped, tried to take a deep breath, etc. Because the Percocet and Valium I had been taking wasn't helping at all, I went to the doctor for some relief/answers, and he dismissed my pain as spasms in my intercostal muscles and possible nerve pain, and prescribed me Skelaxon and Lyrica. Neither helped. A week later... the pain kept getting worse and worse. I was getting shorter and shorter of breath that I'd become winded after going up half a flight of stairs! I got to the point where I stuck hunched over in bed because I couldn't breathe and the pain was so bad! At this point, my doc told me physical therapy may help, and while the massages felt good at the time, in the end the pain was NOT going away and I just could NOT take in enough oxygen. I went back to my doctor this past Friday after taking some more x-rays that morning. Turns out I've had a MASSIVE amount of fluid around my lungs for the past couple of weeks -- called pleural effusion -- and that has been causing inflammation. The fluid and inflammation have been causing my shortness of breath/severe pain, supposedly. Anyway, my doctor didn't feel comfortable sending me home that day, and admitted me to the hospital to see a pulmonologist. What's weird is that I remember experiencing "tightness" in my chest a few days after my scoli surgery, and they did a CT scan, which showed I had some fluid. That time, it went away on its own, though, since at three weeks post-op, my lungs were clear. This time, it caw back a lot worse, and they don't know why. Since Friday, I have been poked and prodded and have eight x-rays and two CT scans. Because the CT scan showed soooo much fluid, they decided to do a thoracentesis, which is an invasive procedure to remove fluid or air from the pleural space. The needle part didn't bother me at all, but the fluid removal process hurt like HECK and I honestly felt like I was having a heart attack (not that I'd ever had one, but that's what I would imagine one would be like). It caused my lung to re-expand so quickly, that the pressure/pain was just unbearable. Anyway... by the next day, nearly ALL the fluid returned. I was so upset. So, they put in a chest tube today, which is so painful I wouldn't wish one on my own worst enemy. Docs want the fluid to drain over a few days, so I will be having this thing inserted in me for awhile, which sucks! What is even more frustrating, though, is that most of the docs here refuse to admit that this pleural effusion is surgery related (which I KNOW it is...I've NEVER had lung problems before, and my chest x-rays have always been normal up until the surgery). They are testing my fluid for infections, lupus, even cancer! It is ridiculous. One doc finally came in and said he thinks it is just a rare reaction to the surgery and he believes my pleural cavity is just so inflamed from being "manipulated" so much. Yes, it's rare, but that's me... ;) And I don't "blame" any of my doctors for what has happened. This couldn't have been predicted/prevented. Anyway, I will be in the hospital for at least another week, but if the fluid continues to return even with the chest tube, I will have to have another procedure called pleurodesis, which essentially causes the membranes around the lung to stick together and prevents the buildup and/or reaccumulation of fluid in the space between the membranes.

Please keep me in your thoughts/prayers, everyone! This totally sucks!:mad::confused::eek:

[Doodles]

You poor thing. This sounds awful. Of course it must be related to surgery. I'm 6 weeks out today and could never say my back felt good yet at all, but this complication sounds no fun at all. Certainly thoughts and prayers are with you so you can get back on the mend. Hang in there. Janet

[LindaRacine]

Hi Jess....

How awful. I hope you've seen the worst of it now, and will recover quickly from here out.

Hang in there. It will get better.

Regards,
Linda

[Nancy Joy]

Oh, I hate it when I hear of complications. I had a lymphocele develope after my second surgery and the pain and bloating from fluid is indescribable. Now that they have figured out what is going on, I hope you get lasting relief. I will be praying for you as you go through the ups and downs of figuring out what to do next and that all will be successful. I kept praying for God to give my doctors knowledge as mine was so very rare also. Nanc

[pmsmom]

I'm sorry to hear of this complication, but I'm glad they finally figured out what was going on.

I had been reading some of your blog and seen your photo album. My 16 year old dd is set for surgery on June 1.

You will remain in my thoughts and prayers--do keep us posted!

Marian

[LynnMarie74]

Jess.....wow...total bummer! Im soo sorry to hear about what you're going thru. I would have to say, that if it isnt from your surgery...than it's an aweful BIG coincidence, right? Yikes! Well, please get better soon......take care of yourself, and thanks for posting!



Lynn

[titaniumed]

Oh boy. I was wondering how you were doing Jess.

Sometimes were not home scott free, and we have to stay strong. My surgeon told me that my surgery was going to be 100% problematic, that something would go wrong. I'm sure that he wants all his patients to be prepared, just in case. I told him that I was ready, since my extreme pain through the years were influencing my decision.

Your decision at age 25 is saving all those painful years that I experienced. I always thought of my post surgical surgeries as just another mountain peak to scale, yes its hard, but the reward will be worth it, and yes I can do this.

You can do this, you are a mountain climber. Get over that mountain! The Doctors always strive to do their very best, and they need you strong now. Get well soon!

Ed

[Susie*Bee]

Jess-- sooooo sorry to hear about all this, but it sounds like you've crossed the biggest hurdle-- having the doctors figure out the problem. I'll sure be praying for you and thinking of you. Hopefully it will be pretty quick that the fluid problem is resolved and you can get on with your recovery and your life away from the hospital. In the meantime, hang in there. Sending gentle hugs, Susie

[debbei]

Jess...you poor dear. I'm so glad you pushed to get an answer. I've also been wondering about you. Hopefully that darn fluid will just STAY AWAY. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

[Singer]

!!!!!

Glad you are okay, and best wishes for a rapid recovery from here on ..... !

[doodie]

Jess

I had a partial lung collapse 3rd day after my first surgery....I wasn't up and about at that time so I didn't know I was not getting enough oxygen but even on supplemental oxygen the pulse oximeter was reading in the 80's. So 2 techs and a nurse came into my room and inserted a chest tube right there in my bed. OUCH! They had removed the PCA that morning and I was sure wishing I still had that magic button! Over the next 4 days that tube was draining and I still did my walks around the floor and PT. I'm sorry to say at times the pain was simply unbearable, the last night was the worst. The good news is that when they removed the tube it didn't hurt a bit. They just put steri strips on and taped me up tight. As that spot was healing it was very sore - I just made sure to stretch it out whenever I thought about it. At 5 weeks out the pain there was all but gone. And the incision site is now smooth with no hard scar tissue underneath in case you are wondering about that.

You're where you need to be right now so just do what you can to distract yourself. It does get better! :) I'm pulling for you!

[dalmatica]

Jess,

God bless you. You're in my prayers. Hang in there, it will get better.

[jesscv]

Jess

I had a partial lung collapse 3rd day after my first surgery....I wasn't up and about at that time so I didn't know I was not getting enough oxygen but even on supplemental oxygen the pulse oximeter was reading in the 80's. So 2 techs and a nurse came into my room and inserted a chest tube right there in my bed. OUCH! They had removed the PCA that morning and I was sure wishing I still had that magic button! Over the next 4 days that tube was draining and I still did my walks around the floor and PT. I'm sorry to say at times the pain was simply unbearable, the last night was the worst. The good news is that when they removed the tube it didn't hurt a bit. They just put steri strips on and taped me up tight. As that spot was healing it was very sore - I just made sure to stretch it out whenever I thought about it. At 5 weeks out the pain there was all but gone. And the incision site is now smooth with no hard scar tissue underneath in case you are wondering about that.

You're where you need to be right now so just do what you can to distract yourself. It does get better! :) I'm pulling for you!


Thanks all!

Doodie,
Did you have the anterior approach? One of the doctors said a pleural effusions is relatively common when they cut into you anteriorly, but I just had a posterior fusion...which makes this thing even more weird/rare! It is also weird that is keeps coming back. Why oh why...

[doodie]

Jess,
I did have an anterior procedure done but it was 4 weeks after the first surgery using a cesarean entry due to the fact that they fused only L5 - S1. So I didn't have the big chest incision that people sometimes have. Lung collapse was one of the risks/complications that my Dr. listed when we were discussing surgery....

[loves to skate]

Jess,

I am so sorry for this setback for you. You will be in my prayers.

Sally

[asccbodypro]

Jess,

Good luck. I hope you feel better soon. I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers that you start to feel better soon. As hard as it maybe at this time try to keep a positive outlook.....which I am sure you are but I thought I would throw it out there!

[JenniferG]

So sorry to hear of this setback, Jess. Especially when you were doing so well. I'll be looking out for news of your recovery and hoping for the best, very soon.

[Jimbo]

Stay tough!

[jesscv]

Good news! I've been hooked up to the chest tube for three days, and for the past two days, virtually NO fluid has accumulated. So... they think they will remove the tube today, watch me for the night, and *fingers crossed* -- dismiss me tomorrow! I think docs are finally starting to admit my pleural effusion was surgery related (duh) -- only after about the gazillion unnecessart tests they took all came back negative. Sucks I had to be poked and prodded morning and night for five days for them to come to this realization, but whatever. Like I said, my back feels great at six weeks post-op (off all meds; no pain), so hopefully, when I get to home this time, it will be for GOOD!! Thanks for all the support! If any of you ever go through this (I hope not!), at least find peace knowing that there is an end to it all!:)

[titaniumed]

Fantastic! It can be scary while the body adjusts to surgeries. Soon, it will be over, and a thing of the past......
Ed

[JenniferG]

Yaaay! That's wonderful news Jess! May the remainder of your recovery be bump-free!

[emwonderfull]

Jess~
I'm so happy for you! Off all the meds too! That is great! I wish nothing but smooth sailing for you!

[loves to skate]

Jess,
I'm so glad to hear the good news. I'm amazed you are off the pain meds so soon. That is a real plus.
Sally

[LynnMarie74]

YAHHOOo!!!!!!!!!!!!! Glad everything took a turn for the better...which we all knew it would!!! Stay strong & keep us posted!!1



Lynn

[pmsmom]

Congratulations, Jess! Hope the rest of your recovery goes smoothly!

[titaniumed]

Jess

I was wondering if you are ok????? Did they release you?
Ed

[jesscv]

yes, i was released after a week. the chest tube seemed to do the trick in regards to draining out all the fluid in my lung cavity, but it also caused a pneumothorax to develop (air pocket) in the pleural space. they let me go since the air pocket was so small, in hopes that i'd go away on its own. i have an appt. w/ the pulmonologist tomorrow. my shortness of breath/rib pain is gone, but it still feels sort of weird when i take deep breaths...like they come out really fast and sharp. i don't know...i guess i'll find out more tomorrow! my back feels great, though -- no pain whatsoever and off all meds. woo hoo!

[asccbodypro]

Jess,

I am glad your doing better. I can't believe your off all your pain meds 6 weeks postop. I am just about 4 weeks and can't even imagine myself at 6 weeks being where you are. continue to get well and take care of you:O)

[52skeedoo]

Jess,

I've been off line for a while so I missed all this while it was going on. I'm so glad you are getting better !

I'm also glad that you pursued it until you got someone to finally pay attention and not dismiss your symptoms. My experience is that I have to trust my gut -- at least until it is proven wrong. Even the best health care professionals make mistakes from time to time.
Take care.

Sheri

[nervous]

I am so sorry!!!! Hang in there! You are in my prayers!!