When should i be able to take deep breaths without pain? (post-op)

Hippiemama · 04-28-2008, 08:57 AM

Hi All
I am on day three post-op and have been taking lots of deep breaths to clear out the old lungs...I'm wondering when it will stop hurting and being such an effort? I am paranoid I have a collapsed lung or something..lol.

Turler · 04-28-2008, 09:09 AM

I would call your doctor. It's never normal to painful when taking deep breaths. Better to call and let your doctor check you out and give you some advice rather than waiting it out and have it be something serious.

Call your doc...right now!!!!

~C

Hippiemama · 04-28-2008, 09:32 AM

Really?? It says on my sheet that it's normal for it to hurt, I just wasn't sure for how long. I'll call just to make sure, thanks!

Turler · 04-28-2008, 09:58 AM

Your response 'sounds' sarcastic. I was only trying to help.

Your post op instructions tell you that it should hurt to breathe????? It's normal for you to have pain/discomfort in the area of the surgery, ie. incisions, aching abdominal muscles. But breathing should be easy.

You asked the question. If you are unsure of any of your doctor's instructions, you should call. If you are comfortable with your situation, then don't call. Sorry I pissed you off. Hope you do well.
~C

tonyahebert · 04-28-2008, 10:06 AM

Hippie...i haven't had my surgery yet, but I have been under anesthesia before...I think it is normal to have a little tightness in your lungs afterwards. I have had 2 c-sections, and was sedated for a broken/dislocated elbow. I can clearly remember having to do deep breathing exercises after the c-sections and it was painful for about a week after the surgery. And I lived in fear of coughing, lol.

btw...I didn't read your reply as being sarcastic. Have a good day!

time2bandme · 04-28-2008, 10:19 AM

5 days post op here, and i can relate. it's like my rib cage got smaller. I was kinda of protecting my breathing b/c it hurt so bad to take in a nice cleansing breath, but yesterday i started to force myself to do so all day, and by the end of the day it seemed to loosen up a bit, I'm still having an issue with gas though, i want that out NOW! Good luck 2 you!

Jess3620 · 04-28-2008, 10:23 AM

I also had some discomfort when taking deep breaths after surgery. The hospital gave me a breathing instrument to use when I got home and it really seemed to help. I also had some gunk leftover from the anesthesia in my lungs that I just had to cough up. The discomfort didn’t last too long. I would say about for me too. I think it’s pretty normal but if you have concerns I would give your doctor a call.
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And I also didn’t think your response was sarcastic! Congrats on your surgery and good luck!!

lafevretj · 04-28-2008, 10:39 AM

I had difficulty taking deep breaths due to pain on my port side for about a week after surgery. I know it differs with each individual.

Hippiemama · 04-28-2008, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Turler

Your response 'sounds' sarcastic. I was only trying to help.

Your post op instructions tell you that it should hurt to breathe????? It's normal for you to have pain/discomfort in the area of the surgery, ie. incisions, aching abdominal muscles. But breathing should be easy.

You asked the question. If you are unsure of any of your doctor's instructions, you should call. If you are comfortable with your situation, then don't call. Sorry I pissed you off. Hope you do well.
~C

Oh dear! I wasn't being sarcastic at all! I'm so sorry if it sounded that way!
I appreciate all the feedback :)

Hippiemama · 04-28-2008, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lafevretj

I had difficulty taking deep breaths due to pain on my port side for about a week after surgery. I know it differs with each individual.

Yeah, it sort of feels like a "kicked in the ribs" type of pain.

Hippiemama · 04-28-2008, 11:17 AM

Thanks again everyone for your responses, I think I am just being a bit of a worry wart today!

Turler · 04-28-2008, 12:07 PM

Hippiemama:
Evidently I am interpreting your response wrong. I apologize for getting upset so quickly. I read it that way, but you and many others did not see it the same. I'm sorry. I really do hope you feel better.

~C

pearlygirl · 04-28-2008, 03:46 PM

I too still am a little uncomfy with the big deep breaths in. It is quite normal though. I am an RN and worked in a post surgical unit for a few years awhile back. That is the reason they have RT come in and do the breathing exercises with you after surgery. People don't want to breath deeply because it's uncomfortable which can lead to pneumonia etc. Keep puffing away, it'll ease soon.

Hippiemama · 04-28-2008, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Turler

Hippiemama:
Evidently I am interpreting your response wrong. I apologize for getting upset so quickly. I read it that way, but you and many others did not see it the same. I'm sorry. I really do hope you feel better.

~C

No problem, I really didn't mean to sound upset at all, hey we are both April Avengers, gotta stick together :)

Thanks Pearly!

cameroncapt · 04-28-2008, 04:34 PM

I had the same pain when taking a deep breath, it lasted just over a week. In the hospital I developed a slight fever because of the fluid in my lungs from surgery, had to cough it up. Then like 3-4 days after it hurt when i took a deep breath, I am 10 days post op and feeling like my old self! I doubted my decision the first couple of days, but all is well now!