Post Op Pain and Lung issues

[LunaA 1]

I had the sleeve surgery on Monday April 8th. I was kept in ICU for 3 extra days due to heart rate dropping and oxygen dropping. I haven't had a bowel movement since last Saturday even with laxatives. And immediately after surgery I couldn't breathe and was on oxygen. When I left the hospital it was at 91%. My chest hurts bad and I'm using my spirometer and my nebulizer treatments. The surgeon moved my post op appt to Monday but don't seem to concerned. But the cough makes the pain worse and I can't lay down because I can't breathe. Any tips or help please?

[catwoman7 11,233]

I can't speak to somee of the other things you mentioned, but as far as BM's go, it's pretty common for it to take a week for your first one post-surgery. Not much in there...

[Arabesque 7,522]

May be best to go to your nearest hospital emergency centre ASAP.

Surprised they released you from hospital with a blood oxygen level of 91%. (Anything below 92% is a concern.) And to add to that you had existing breathing issues.

They’ll help with the Constipation too (though it is common).

[SleeveToBypass2023 2,680]

I know here, if your oxygen is 90 or better, they send you home. I don't agree with it, but they don't seem concerned about it.

Chest pain could possibly be gas pain from the gas they used during the surgery to inflate your stomach. When I had my first surgery, the pain was in my chest and shoulders. Freaked me out. My revision, all the pain was in my abdominal area.

Constipation right out of surgery is also very normal. But the rest? I would go back to the hospital if it gets worse, or if you're feeling uneasy about it.

Edited April 14, 2024 by SleeveToBypass2023

[learn2cook 611]

As an asthmatic I feel for you. I had the same problem after surgery and it might be a reaction to anesthesia. I went to my ER after calling my asthma doctor. I was awake all night (as I would have been at home). I was exposed to freezing indoor temperatures (because it reduces virus spreading). There were a battery of tests that were very painful to determine if I didn’t have a lung embolism. Then they gave me a shot in the arm of steroids to help my lungs breathe. My original surgeon had gone out of the US and wasn’t a specialist in asthma anyway. Everyone was afraid it was an blood clot or embolism. No one wanted to give steroids because it hinders healing. If you’re a regular asthmatic, you may want to keep your all nighters with the nebulizer until Monday when the good doctors are back in office. Or, if you know you are in the weeds bad, just to to the ER. If you’re not asthmatic, go to the ER, because breathing is serious! Let us know how this turns out, prayers.

[ShoppGirl 5,067]

I’m thinking I would go to the er too. I know it’s not fun but better safe than sorry. Hopefully they run some test and tell you your fine but they will probably also give you some fluids (if you need them) and help with your Constipation which will get you feeling better sooner anyways. Plus, peace of mind is valuable.

Edited April 14, 2024 by ShoppGirl

[Melissa89 11]

Sounds like you may have one or two collapsed lungs from the anaesthetic and surgery. They thought I had a stomach leak and did an emergency CT scan and saw the collapsed lung.

It’s not uncommon when operating on the abdomen whilst being intubated. I had sharp pains when breathing in. But oxygen of 91 is dangerous. You should be in a hospital setting until it stabilises and starts resolving. Feel better

Edited April 16, 2024 by Melissa89