mikehatestc
10-03-04, 06:45 PM
I was wondering if anyone here has had or know's someone that has had the thoracotomy proceedure? I myself have had a left and a right thoracotomy and want'ed to compare some notes with others if possible.
I had my right thoracotomy and my RPLND on the same day, then 6 weeks later I had my left thoracotomy. When they pulled the 2 chest tubes out from the right side it was done incorrectly and air was able to get inside which prevented me from flying home right away. I was in the hospital for over 2 weeks before I said enough is enough and I wanted to fly home, so they had to stick a long needle through my chest and suck out the air, (oh fun!). The second thoracotomy wen't much better when pulling out the chest tubes although both times I had problems with the tubes not draining properly which is why I was there so long.
So if anyone has had this done please let me know. I know I will have pain a lot of the time in my chest/back and I will be sore due to the removal of some ribs, but how long will it last. I know what the doc.'s & nurses say but I wan't to hear about it from someone else who has gone through it. Thanks!
I had my right thoracotomy and my RPLND on the same day, then 6 weeks later I had my left thoracotomy. When they pulled the 2 chest tubes out from the right side it was done incorrectly and air was able to get inside which prevented me from flying home right away. I was in the hospital for over 2 weeks before I said enough is enough and I wanted to fly home, so they had to stick a long needle through my chest and suck out the air, (oh fun!). The second thoracotomy wen't much better when pulling out the chest tubes although both times I had problems with the tubes not draining properly which is why I was there so long.
So if anyone has had this done please let me know. I know I will have pain a lot of the time in my chest/back and I will be sore due to the removal of some ribs, but how long will it last. I know what the doc.'s & nurses say but I wan't to hear about it from someone else who has gone through it. Thanks!