COPD & Emphysema Support Group
COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...
I have always posted in the COPD Emphyzema group because I have severe emphyzeme. I recently was hospitalized - though not for this disease but for a lousy kidney stone. Spent 7 days in the hospital because the pain meds and anesthetic dropped my 02 levels and they had trouble getting them back up to a safe level. I started at 65. Then a cardiac doctor came along and informed me that I had A-FIB that showed up during the first surgery when they put the stint in to block the stone and let all the infection in my left kidney drain. Now they are going on the 30th to take that stint out - use anesthesia and laser to break up the stone and insert another stint which will come out later. I confess I am very concerned. I know have no lungs, a messed up kidney, and apparently a heart problem that could lead tp a stroke. I am an over anxious mess now. What is there left of my body and am I going to make it out of this mess alive?
If you have a regular doctor there at the hospital, tell him your fears and concerns, and also the surgeon should be available to listen to you.
They should know they can not put you deep under with those lungs unless they can assure you and your heart will be able to handle it. That is one messed up situation, and I am sure your anxiety is to the roof.
So my best advice would be, before anyone does anything, talk with the doctors and especially the surgeon and person putting you under. That is a lot going on there , that they need to take seriously.
Then on the other hand, they (all docs involved) should have all the information and should know if it is safe to do that or not. But make sure they talk to you first and deal with your concerns. Is that the only way to destroy a kidney stone?
I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers, wish I could make you feel better about some of it, but I have no answers.
I just know if it were ME, and knowing how anxious and nervous I get about surgery, I would make sure I understood and was assured as best can be, that it would be ok. There is always risks, but going into any surgery all nervious and anxious defeats the purpose.
But on another note, I am sorry you are going thru all this, but I feel you would make it thru it all or they would not suggest it. As I said, every surgery has risks, even with healthy people, but get the facts explained to you., and ask about options for that kidney stone.
Hugs
BJ
I understand about the kidney stone problem as both daughters have stones. The youngest had a procedure years ago called Lithotripsy which is essentially the same as you describe about the laser . They did it because some stones are too large to pass thru the ureters. Have you had this before? If not, please don't worry too much.
Having anesthesia with our lungs is always a scary proposition. No one can tell you the outcome of the procedure(s) you face but one thing I do know because I use it all of the time is the power of positive thinking. I have to or some days I just couldn't make it thru the day.
I am placing my bet on you because I think you are a strong woman and will take the challenge and overcome it.
Please know that I will have you in my heart and know that you will try your best.
Keep us informed of your progress.
Hugs to you,
Anna
I guess just try to keep busy doing what you are able. I see from your avi I am not the only horse lover here!
im praying they get that stint done and you make it through all this just fine. I will be thinking of you.
it may not be as unrelated as you think. some of my meds warn of kidney stones (i forget which now without reading up on them again)---and the A-FIB can be related to the heart overworking & compensating for the lungs (discussion we had in advice area)
i am so sorry that you are going thru this.
please keep us updated as you are able.
my thoughts and prayers are with you!
((((HUGS))))
all around you! You post wherever you want!!
Hoping to here some good news from you.
Peace and blessings.