7 days post-op. Back in Hospital. BLOOD CLOTS!

slcmommy4 · February 28, 2008

:cursing:Well, I'm in 7 days post-op and back in the hospital with several blood clots in my lungs. I'm definately surprised because I had had a much more invasive surgery 2 years ago where I couldn't move for 2 weeks and nothing happened, although I did have the leggings that pump your legs every few minutes so I'm sure that helped.

I guess I'll start at the beginning, in hopes that if someone else goes through the same kind of situation that they atleast go get checked out just in case.

When I came out of the surgery I had serious trouble breathing which I know most people do, but looking back what concerns me is that I was the last one out of the surgery center, and there was only one nurse who was basically waiting for me to leave so she could go home. I was way too nauseated to walk around at all before I left. My husband said when he had his they forced him to walk around right away.

Anyway the next day I had to re-admit myself into the ER where I was staying because I could tell I wasn't breathing right and not getting enough oxygen and my chest hurt so bad. The conclusion was that I wasn't taking enough of the Pain KIller.The pain killer basically takes the pain from my lungs so that I am able to take deeper breaths and get my lungs working properly again. Meanwhile I am so nauseated I can barely walk, but I force myself to do it.

I get home after a short stay at my sisters. The pain is pretty much gone and I feel like I'm breathing better, but at night I notice that I can't take those deep breaths you usually need to be able to sleep. Something just didn't feel right. The next couple of nights I was able to sleep a little better but when I would breath in or out at the end of the breath there would be a sharp pain in the middle of my chest toward my back .

In the meantime I feel like a have the stomach flux and can't do anything. After 3 days of this I decided to go into the ER. They discovered the blood clots and Fluid in my lungs. They asked me if I ever threw up or coughed severely that would have done it. I hadn't. They seem to think it happened during the surgery.

Now I'm in the hospital for 2 days and have to be on blood thinner for 6months.

HOnestly if I hadn't had the extreme nausea I wouldn't have even gone into the ER. So I'm glad I did. An interesting thing though is that I tried to call by doctor 5 times. One time before going into the ER the first time, 3 times during the week, and once before I went into the ER again. How ridiculous is it that I couldn't get a hold of anyone. Basically it goes to a machine where it has you push a button for and emergency, then it tells you the doctor on call, and it will try to page him, seconds later it tells you he's unavailable and to leave your number. I left my number twice and didn't even bother the other times. When you are sick and uncomfortable and panicked the last thing you want to do is wait for someone to call you back. I should of been able to atleast get a hold of someone. When I had an abdominaplasty 2years ago it didn't matter whether it was the weekend or the middle of the night I was always able to talk to my doctor directly. Very Frustrating.

I'm still glad I had the surgery, and apparently blood clots are common with the surgery, I'm just glad I have insurance for these hospital visits or I'd be in a lot of trouble.

I'm not sure how much I weigh rightnow but the last I checked I was 192 which is down 18 pounds from a week ago. I just want to get feeling good so I can enjoy it. Thanks to everyone who responded to previous posts. And good luck to everyone.

pearlygirl · February 28, 2008

How awful!! I am so glad you went in and it was caught before you became very ill...people can die from blood clots!! I would also be a little disturbed that your doc never called you back, I'd let them know what is going on for sure. Well, you're in a good place now...get better!!

marieze · February 29, 2008

Well, thank God that you are o.k. and had the good sense to go to the hospital! The fact that the doctor never returned your calls and you had such a serious problem would want me to file some sort of complaint. I'm not punitive by nature, but this is some serious stuff. You might be doing the next person a favor. Seriously, I would think about filing a complaint.

Marie

minpinmom · February 29, 2008

Thankfully you are ok. Your Dr., his office and the nurses responsible for your care should be shot! Ok, maybe that is a bit harsh, but a good taser would do wonders for their attitude.

You don't even seem bitter - I would be posting the Dr.s name, nurses name, hospital, everything and it wouldn't be nice.

Thank God for your nausea, it might have saved your life.

aubrie · March 3, 2008

For 4 days before surgery, while I was in the hospital, several times a day, and for several days after surgery, I had to breath into this little breathing machine to strenghten my lungs and prevent clots. Did you do any of that? I also got the massage things on my legs. they felt wonderful!! I didn't want them to take them off. Were you given heperin shots before, during and after surgery as well? I was. You might want to check all this stuff. Sounds like the nurse getting home was more important than your care. Did you not stay overnight in the hospital???