Hey Camybaby,
I know how you are feeling right now. I remember that "day before" feeling from last August. Getting off the vent was my main worry as well. My surgeon explained that he would start waking me up enough to begin breathing on my own while he was closing the incision to make sure I would be able to get off the vent as quickly as possible. I did fine and woke off the vent. Breathing wasn't painful with the exception of the respiratory therapy but that wasn't too bad either. The pain I had on waking was general chest pain that was controlled pretty well with morphine. Nothing will take it completely away but it can be well managed.
I will be praying for you. Please let us know how you are doing as soon as you can.
Cathi

Hi Cathi my surgery went well. I ended up waking up off the breath ventilator. I just feel the chest pain and I feel very sore but other than that im doing well thank you. :)

That's great news!! I'm so glad to hear it! Take care of yourself and let us know how things are progressing for you.
Cathi

camybaby,

So glad that your surgery is over and all went well. The worst is behind you. Everyday, little by little, you will have less pain and more strength. Do you have friends and family to help you? Just spend the next few weeks taking good care of yourself. Get lots of rest and let your body heal. Let us know how you are doing and if you have any questions. We're here for you!

Judith

Hi Cathi sorry i haven't kept you updated i've just been in pain and been feeling really tired. but i feel good besides the pain part but i keep it well controlled with the meds well atleast as much as i can. i will continue to rest and go on short walks because i have back pain when i sit around for too long

Hi Judith, Thank you. My parents are really great at being here to help me i feel so blessed to have them. i feel good its just the pain that bothers me and the fact that i can't wear and actual bra yet so my back tends to hurt alot. but im trying to walk everyday so it won't hurt so bad.

I'm glad to hear you're feeling well enough to get out and walk a bit. The activity will make you feel better as long as you don't overdo. The pain will get better. It takes a while but it will happen. About the time I decided it wasn't going to get better it did.
If you have your mom go out and buy a sports bra that is a size too large and opens in the front (if you can find one) this is a temporary solution to the bra problem. I still had to add padding (4x4s or a soft cloth)between my sternum and the bra to make it tolerable.
Rest and heal. It's good to hear you're doing so well!
Cathi

Hi Camybaby,

So glad you are doing ok. It's so hard to be patient. I'm sure, since you are young, you will bounce back quickly. I I became frustrated and pushed myself too hard in the beginning, and that just made thing worse. So glad your parents are there for you. Let them take good care of you.

You are very brave to go thru all this. You sound like a very strong,positive and capable person. You are doing a great job!

Judith



Judith