LSH 2 days post op

I had LSH on 6/26. Spent one night in the hosp and was allowed home about noon next day. I was sent home with a device to measure/increase amount of breath I can take in. This is actually quite painful. What is this device suppose to help with ?

That device is to help prevent the buildup of any secretions in your lungs that can lead to pneumonia. It is called an incentive spirometer. It usually is not needed once you are up and walking around but some folks with breathing difficulties may need to use them longer.

It's to prevent fluid from building up in your lungs. I wasn't released from the hospital until 3 days after surgery, since I had a TAH. While in the hospital, I was told to and did use my spirometre once every waking hour. I didn't take it home with me, though.

The reason using it hurts is that when you take and release deep breaths, your diaphragm is supported by your belly muscles, and your belly muscles are not at their best right now. However, exercising them *gently* will help you recover. The first, simplest and gentlest exercises you can ask your belly muscles to do are:
1) Helping you take deep, even breaths.
2) Supporting you while you're sitting upright.
3) Supporting you as you take short, slow but frequent walks.

So using that spirometre is one of your first steps towards recovery.