interesting/rare complication... :/

[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!!