I'm h0me!
Thank you all so much for your thoughts and well wishes! Knowing I had you all cheering and praying for me encouraged me!
Recording some of this info for you and me, so there might be a few entries on the thymectomy, just so I can remember details.
The thymectomy went well and though the thymus was very large, the surgeon did not have to split my sternum. Some time during post op in the first day or 2, my chest tube fell out. It had not been sutured in places securely. Of course, the nurse but a dressing on and it was decided not to put a new tube in.
Started becoming increasing SOB and though my pulse oximeter looked okay, I became increasinging short of breath. By the time we got the central line in (at bedside with a melting down Deb) I was lucky if I could exchange more than 200 cc of air. They started Plasmapharesis and I improved some, but then next day they decided to do a thoracentesis (Excrutiating following thymectomy) They only removed 650 cc, but between the two, I turned a corner. Had my second Plex on Sunday with more improvement and last one yesterday (Tuesday). Neuro would have liked to get me one more PLEX, but I had enough of the neck jewelry and didn't feel like going back to Milwaukee.
I am now home. At discharge, I was blowing about 1500 cc, not perfect but than I can get around. Will have IVIG in a week and a half or maybe a bit sooner if MG gets too ugly.
Monday night, with anticipation of discharge from ICU, My heart stopped for 7 seconds. I woke up gasping like I was back in crisis and two nurses rushing to me. I had gotten up to sleep sit in chair as my Pulse oximeter (or so I thought) kept setting an alarm off and waking me (I now believe it was heart rate) I did not have my bipap on, so I now know the importance of that little fellow when sleeping. Luckily, the doctors found my heart behaving and decided it was probably a one time occurrence due to low oxygen and apnea not to mention that my heart and lungs had been shuffled about a bit
I am home and happy, but weak and tired. Hugs to all
Recording some of this info for you and me, so there might be a few entries on the thymectomy, just so I can remember details.
The thymectomy went well and though the thymus was very large, the surgeon did not have to split my sternum. Some time during post op in the first day or 2, my chest tube fell out. It had not been sutured in places securely. Of course, the nurse but a dressing on and it was decided not to put a new tube in.
Started becoming increasing SOB and though my pulse oximeter looked okay, I became increasinging short of breath. By the time we got the central line in (at bedside with a melting down Deb) I was lucky if I could exchange more than 200 cc of air. They started Plasmapharesis and I improved some, but then next day they decided to do a thoracentesis (Excrutiating following thymectomy) They only removed 650 cc, but between the two, I turned a corner. Had my second Plex on Sunday with more improvement and last one yesterday (Tuesday). Neuro would have liked to get me one more PLEX, but I had enough of the neck jewelry and didn't feel like going back to Milwaukee.
I am now home. At discharge, I was blowing about 1500 cc, not perfect but than I can get around. Will have IVIG in a week and a half or maybe a bit sooner if MG gets too ugly.
Monday night, with anticipation of discharge from ICU, My heart stopped for 7 seconds. I woke up gasping like I was back in crisis and two nurses rushing to me. I had gotten up to sleep sit in chair as my Pulse oximeter (or so I thought) kept setting an alarm off and waking me (I now believe it was heart rate) I did not have my bipap on, so I now know the importance of that little fellow when sleeping. Luckily, the doctors found my heart behaving and decided it was probably a one time occurrence due to low oxygen and apnea not to mention that my heart and lungs had been shuffled about a bit
I am home and happy, but weak and tired. Hugs to all
Replies
and hugs to you..... one day at a time :)
Be well, and welcome home,
oh, Deb, so scary,
Take it easy and I\'m glad you are rid of that large thymus.
Love, b.
Nothing is easy with us is it?SO scary and SO thankful you are home and can heal. Take care and don\'t over do.
hugs,
Sherry
Welcome home Deb.
So glad you are home! Make yourself rest so recovery can continue. Hugs, Mary
Rest & take care of your self. Hugs.
So glad you are home rest and healing....
Hugs
Annete
Glad you\'re home. Take care. Gez
What a fright! So glad you are home now, home makes us feel better. Take care of yourself! :)
Linda
So glad to hear you are home. What an ordeal! Please follow DS orders and rest, rest, rest & rest.
with luv
Larissa
Take care, Debbie.
So glad it\'s over and your home. SOunds like a scarey time. So sorry my friend.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Love you!
Jeannie
So glad you are home now! I think you are doing well with this type of surgery to get 1500. 1500 Rocks! What a lot of trials and tribulation for you but it sounds like you are on the way to healing and being at home will help with that. Sending lots of positives your way....and yes BIPAP is a godsend for sure.
Marie