KarHart Posted May 11, 2005 Share Posted May 11, 2005 Ken had his lobectomy last Monday. The initial surgery was fine. However, he only got out of ICU for about 12 hrs. On Weds. they put him back because his oxy. sat. rate was so poor. Did a spiral ct scan that showed some pneumonia. Good news was he did not have a PE like they thought he did. He was on forced oxy. for several days which was really awful. They finally transfered him out of ICU yesterday. He is now on nose oxy and doing well. The only problem now is that he has a hole in his lung that is leaking. He still has a chest tube and they are waiting to decide whether to go in and surgically repair it. They were supposed to decide today, but then the PA this morning said maybe they would wait till Monday to decide. I came home to go to work today, but will go back to Tampa tonight. Has anyone had a "hole" like this after a lobectomy? What did your doctors do? All this waiting aroung is driving us crazy, he would just like them to fix it and get it over with. I don't know if this is something to worry about or not. Not like we don't have enough to worry about already. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks. Karen H Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patkid Posted May 11, 2005 Share Posted May 11, 2005 ????????? I am no help w/ information but we are surely offering sincere prayers. Love Pat and Bri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nancy c Posted May 11, 2005 Share Posted May 11, 2005 I neither have no info for you but I pray everything will be o.k god bless,nancy c Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbays Posted May 11, 2005 Share Posted May 11, 2005 I have nothing to offer relating to the hole in lung, but I too developed pnemonia within 24 hrs of surgery. The docs cleared it up fast. Praying for quick healing of the lung. Barb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don M Posted May 12, 2005 Share Posted May 12, 2005 Hi Karen: I have never heard of a hole in the lung complication associated with a lobectomy. I think they staple the remaining lobe after lobectomy to seal it. Maybe one of the staples failed? Dunno just geussing. I guess if I was told I had a hole in my lung and the medical people told me that they were waiting to decide what to do, I would become very insistent that it be fixed immediately. I guess I don't know if it is something to worry about either. At the very least, I would expect a detailed briefing from the surgeon. Don M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maryanne Posted May 12, 2005 Share Posted May 12, 2005 Hi Karen, Never heard of that either. Sorry I cannot help you there. I pray he gets better real soon and can go home. He will feel so much better being in his own home. take care Maryanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pammie Posted May 12, 2005 Share Posted May 12, 2005 Sounds tought Karen but at least they know what is causing a problem. Praying for a resolution to the problem. pammie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slinaresholz Posted May 12, 2005 Share Posted May 12, 2005 I had an air leak after lobectomy but it sealed itself. I don't know if that is the hole you are referring to. They might be waiting to see if it will seal itself. I hope he will be better soon and on the road to recovery. Prayers for you both. Sharon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Justakid Posted May 12, 2005 Share Posted May 12, 2005 My lung collapsed 2mths after surgery. It did not require surgery, it repaired itself. I was in the hospital with oxygen. Sorry I can't be more help! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richinsdakota Posted May 13, 2005 Share Posted May 13, 2005 There was a post sometime back about someone had a "lung leak". Dont remembr what the outcome or treatment was...maybe a search for "lung leak" might turn it up..? Not sure if its still in archives...but worth a try. Rich B. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cindi o'h Posted May 13, 2005 Share Posted May 13, 2005 No help here either. But, I am with DonM on this. You do deserve the surgeon who will give you the iformation and full explanation of what is going on. Good luck, Karen. cindi o'h Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KarHart Posted May 17, 2005 Author Share Posted May 17, 2005 Thanks everyone, just a quick update. He had surgery last Friday to repair the leaks (2), they had to sew, staple and glue them. Said his lungs were like tissue paper. Well, they closed him up and lo and behold, another leak!!! We are agsin in the wait and see stage. He is still on suction with the chest tube. We just have no idea what is next. He has been in the hospital for over 2 weeks now. I do not have access to a computer over there so haven't been able to keep up. I hope everyone is doing OK, I still keep everyone in my prayers. Karen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ginnyde Posted May 17, 2005 Share Posted May 17, 2005 Karen, I hope you post quickly from home with your husband sitting in the chair next to you. Those chest tubes are not fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbays Posted May 18, 2005 Share Posted May 18, 2005 Oh Karen, I'm so sorry to hear about Ken's lung problems. I will be praying that everything goes well. Keep in touch. Barb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richinsdakota Posted May 19, 2005 Share Posted May 19, 2005 Wow, more troubles with sealing...hope they get it soon. Makes me feel lucky that I never had that problem. Good luck and get home soon...Rich B. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maryanne Posted May 19, 2005 Share Posted May 19, 2005 Hi Karen, Poor guy having such a hard time. I feel for you both. Its been one thing after another. Hopefully, when then fix this new leak, that he will be feeling better and able to go home. Sending prayers, Maryanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Lewis Posted May 19, 2005 Share Posted May 19, 2005 Karen, I read the written surgery report on my lobectomy. It was clearly noted that the doc pressurized my lungs and checked for leaks prior to closing. Even counted tools and such. There probably is not a written report yet, but it's something you can ask for. In fact, with all these problems, I would ask for all the written reports. I was having trouble breathing after surgery and the docs had my wife bring my CPAP machine from home. That puts quite a bit of pressure on the lungs, so I guess they were confident that there would be no leaks. I can't imagine having a lobectomy and then being opened up again immediately following surgery. He's going to be mighty sore for awhile. Prayers and good thoughts... Michael Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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