Breathless

[Calboy]

Hi all my mum had the Ivor Lewis op on Thursday and on Friday she was doing really well.... But today she seems really breathless she is obviously still in intensive care but some nurses seem concerned and some don't ... She was sitting on a chair today for 4 hours so maybe took it out of her a little .... Just wondering if this is normal ... She literally looked so well yesterday ...

[Kate1503]

Hi Calboy!

Your mum is still in ICU so will be being continuously monitored and all her observations carefully watched. Breathlessness is a not uncommon side effect of this op due to the nature of the operation (this should have been explained to you). If you are not happy, need further clarification or have any concerns at all, ask to speak to one of the surgical team. I did on several occasions and even went in outside visiting hours one day to speak to the consultant who did my husband's op.

It is your mum and you are naturally a worried son. I know hospital staff are stretched and there are a lot of patients to look after- but your concern is your mum and you should be kept in the loop. This forum is wonderful for support and the exchange of ideas and experiences, but it is no substitute for professional medical opinion, especially so early after your mum's operation.

Do ask to speak to one of the doctors and let us know how your mum is getting on. Best wishes, Kate

[glennon in reply to Kate1503]

My wife complained of breathlessness. Turned out she had a massive chest infection/Sepsis and had to be rushed back to theater to be washed out . Still not fully recovered two year later. Suggest they check for chest infection. Good wishes for a speedy recovery.

[Calboy in reply to Kate1503]

Hi Kate ... Spoke to some one and after the X-ray come back they found air on her lungs.. Apparently this is common from this op and should sort it's self out... Also probably doesn't help that she can't clear her lungs properly as she had her ribs broke during the operation so coughing is hard at the moment . I see today when I go up but hopefully sorts it's self out X X

[Hidden in reply to Calboy]

Interesting, i have a heart condition and have breathing probs,, they have looked at this, and they will go ahead with the op, but im dreading how ill be after the op,

[Kate1503]

Thanks Calboy! That's not unusual and coughing is painful for a while after this surgery. My husband was given deep breathing exercises to do after a few days and continues with them now. It's early days for your mum at the moment, but I'm pleased it's nothing too serious. The breathlessness may continue for some time (my husband still has it when he climbs stairs or bends over for too long) but that's do with all the rearranging that's gone on inside. The best advice I can give you is to always ask and flag up any concerns you may have - both now and in the future. I have found all the medical team to be very understanding and helpful and never mind my questions - however banal they may seem (at least that's what they tell me!!).

Your mum is lucky to have such a loving, caring son. All the best, Kate

[Calboy in reply to Kate1503]

Thanks Kate I will keep a close eye on her especially when she is on the ward .... Thank u for your replys all the best xxx

[kiddy]

Hi yes it is hard to breath deeply after op. Physios normally come round to give you exercises to do. I used to get extra funny breaths. Also needed to hold a cushion against my scar when coughing/sneezing. Yes they break or go in between ribs for op and the pain stays for many weeks/months. Also chest drain is uncomfortable.The stomach is pulled up to the chest so everything has been moved around. She will be closely monitored so try not to worry.

Best wishes

Debbie

[gutlesswonder]

Coughing is the key to getting the formerly collapsed right lung up and running properly but that is excruciatingly painful for at least the first month post op.

Take a towel and fold it length-ways to about 4 or 5 inches wide - like a giant cummerbund.

Put that around your Mum's waist at midriff level just below the rib cage then hold both ends firmly from behind. Get her to cough against this girdle of support.

First check with the ward Sister or Physio that they are happy with this technique.

[Calboy in reply to gutlesswonder]

My mum is in a induced coma at the moment as she needed another operation to put a stent in as there was a leak from the join but when she on the mend I will do this

[gutlesswonder in reply to Calboy]

I am very sorry to hear that, we are all rooting for you both.