Post-op, medical issues, fever and insentive Spirometer, I'm all along please help!

I had a TAH BSO on 6/8/06. I was released from the castle Saturday 6/10/06. I began running a fever and finally my doctor ran some tests. He couldn't find where the fever was coming from, and unlike most women instead of constipation, I was having, well the other stuff, diahrrea. He put me on Flagyl, which I finished my last pill this morning. My tempeture has resumed back to "normal." Thank God!! I hope it stays that way. Meanwhile, the past couple of days, it was burning when I took a breath, I was having aching in my chest, and then this morning 6/20/06 I woke up with a sharp pain in my back, where my sholder blade is on my left side. I freaked out thinking I may have had a blood clot go to my lung. Again, I spoke with my doctor and he seriously doubts that, again, thank God! He encouraged me to drink more water, thinking I may be dehydrated due to the loose bowel movements I'm having several times a day, and to use my Incentive [b]Spirmeter. He spoke of a condition where the lungs get paraloized during anasethia, and parts of them colapse or something like that. Please if you have any comments, or simiular issues please write me. I am so alone. Literally, going through this all alone. I'm about ready to lose all sanity. Help!
Candis

There is also a gas used in surgey to inflate you like a balloon so drs can see in there. My dr told me I could have sharp pains for a while from the gas,my shoulders and chest hurt so bad for about 3 weeks,finally gas dissapated. Then the constipation,bm pain came,thats gone now too.

Hey Sister,
I don't have any advice, but feel so bad for you! I guess my advice is that since you're not running a fever that you don't have pneumonia, but my nurses really badgered me to use that spirometer every hour I was awake, for three minutes an hour, and if I had back or lung problems, I'd be still using it. (I'm walking 25 minutes a day instead now, and started my second week). The spirometer or gentle walking will keep your lungs clear and prevent pneumonia (the type you get when lungs are innactive). Now, could you be unused to bedrest or are you spending a lot of time in a funny position (like to watch TV) on the couch not realizing it? Maybe your pain is postural. Use that spirometer or walk some. Walking didn't seem to hurt, but I wore a big elsastic wrap around my abdomen. Under a hideous prarie skirt. Just be gentle when you walk, but it will actually help if you are getting back pains from staying in the same position for too long. You are still taking it easy. Wear some shoes that you can put on easily, so you don't have to bend over too long. I hope you know with hystersisters you'll never be alone. Best, Asta

Hi Candis I had my tah/bso on 6/14/06. I also ran a fever the 1st night I was sent home on 4/16/o6. Had to go back in the hospital on 6/17/06. Was finally released on 6/19/06. They ran a urine infection test, and also did a chest xray for pnemonia. both were ok. They too wasn't sure where my infection came from. A couple of doctors said they see this at times and the vaginla cuff they make during the surgery may have gotten infected. I was on Iv's and antibiotics for two days , and now 6 days of oral antibiodics at home. I too pray the fever dosn't return after the antibiodics are done. Hugs to you. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Its been hard but we will get through it and never have to worry about auntie flo again. Email me if you would like to and let me know how you are doing. Did your doctor put you in the hospital when you got the fever? What was your temp? The highest mine reacvhed was 101.9. I also had chills. Take Care Cathy

Candis,

I had the exact same lung issue about 3 days post op, it is called Atelectasis. There is lots of good info if you google it. The ER doctor suspected I had a pulmonary embolism too, I was also running a fever and had an awful pain in my shoulder. After a catscan and oxygen I was also spent home with a spirometer. It resolved after about 3-4 days. Sleeping upright helped too (like in a recliner).

Good luck, I hope you feel better soon!

eli

Candis, I'm sorry you are having a hard time. Using the spirometer really helps. Someone should have helped you establish the line on the gizmo to try to get to. I had a lot of pain in my neck and shoulder and chest and the breathing thing helped. I kept it on my bed table or bed so it was close at hand to use anytime I thought of it. I brought the thing home with me and used it fairly often for several days. I also had a fever in the hospital but it was from dehydration. It got up a little over 100. Getting plenty of fluid will make a big differnece in how you will feel.

when you lie flat for any length of time the lower part of your lungs deflate. After surgery it takes longer for them to return to normal, mainly because you tend to lie down a lot. Don't worry. Try to stand up when you can, and walk about when you can, but don't do anything for very long!
As for the shoulder pain it's probably just gas. Image your body as a sort of sealled unit - the surgeon breaks the seal (OK cuts you open) air gets in and then he closes the vacuum back up - that air can take a few days to work its way back out. If you're worried tho' ask your doctor to check you over again.

My pre-op nurse told me to use a heating pad or therma care heat pads for the pains in my shoulders and lower back. I also had severe hip pain for a few day after. Did you happen to see the stirups they use in the operating room? Being in that position for any length of time would seriously injure anyone. I've also had friends tell me that the pain in the shoulder from the gas build up was the worse they ever had.Now that I think about it they probably used the stirups on me because I had a tvh not an abdominal. But the pain in the upper body is the same. It does get better, i'm 4 weeks out and feeling good except for the gas pains. The shoulder and hip pain lasted only a few days.
Feel better soon.
Donna

Hi Ladies: Thank you for all responses. I am super tired right now and have been experiencing DEPRESSION! My poor daughter doesn't even like being around me when I'm like this . . .who can blame her. She does hang in there with me though, as much as a 23 year old can. I'm going to a therpist Saturday, have been given Valium to calm the nerves. The OBGYN doesn't want to put me on hormones due to the endometosis; at least not for not. I love you all so much for your help and support and PRAYERS! Has anyone out there experianced the depression like me???????
Candis