Fluid in lungs

[Seychelles60]

I had a triple by pass 2 months ago. I had no heart pains before this only that my cholesterol was high and my doc suggested an angiogram which showed that I had a90% blockage in three of my arteries and the by pass was suggested.

I thought I was recovering well, walking a couple of miles a day but at my six week review I was told I had some fluid left in my left lung. Nothing to worry about I was told, just keep doing the exercises and it will go. Last week I woke with chest pains, starting just under my ribs and going round my back. I was also breathless. I was sent by my GP to the local Acute Medical Unit who diagnosed that the fluid in my lungs had now become infected. I am now on antibiotics but still breathless when I bend to tie up my shoelaces or even when I get up from a chair. I can still walk a couple of miles a day however.

Anyone else suffered from fluid in the lungs and have you any ideas of how long it could hang around for And any tips on how to hurry it along please.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hello and welcome to the forum! Unfortunately these things happen post op. I developed an electrolyte imbalance and gained 9kg in fluid (retention). Did you carry out your breathing exercises religiously after surgery. The lungs are deflated and take a hammering! The exercises are needed to get everything back to normal. If not doing so resume the breathing exercises as it will help clear the fluid as well. Good luck!

[Seychelles60 in reply to MichaelJH]

Thanks MichaelJH. I have been doing my breathing exercises and plenty of walking. Hope it clears up soon!

[Snowdrops_17]

After my heart attack and stent I was examined in the morning by a heart consultant and was told I had some fluids in my lungs. That is quite normal but was given an injection of "Furosemide" 2 days in a row and told to drink a lot of water.

I am surprised that this wasn't picked up a lot sooner after your by pass operation.

Just ask your GP please if the fluid on your lungs isn't shifting. You might need the same medication as I had Sychelles.

He might prescribes you a course of Furosemide to take. Sorry for late reply here, was at work again today. Do hope you feel better soon 👍😊

[Seychelles60 in reply to Snowdrops_17]

Thanks for the reply and the info. I may well speak to my GP about this.

[Snowdrops_17 in reply to Seychelles60]

As Michael suggested do your breathing exercises Sychelles. Really do hope the fluid and infection will subside. Must admit I did notice after my Surgery my breathing wasn't 100%.

But glad the consultant picked up on this. I shall have a look in my heart manual given from cardiac nurse, if there's more information.

[seasider18]

I had fluid in my lung after my aortic valve was replaced and they put a needle into my chest to drain it. I was walking around with a container it was draining into. Presumably if they are not doing that it is not needed.