Geri Posted January 22, 2008 Share Posted January 22, 2008 Okay had some news about my pleural effusion problem today. Dr Pickle is now referring me to a thoracic surgeon for a pleurodesis. Seems the only way to stop this SOB (could be taken for the other SOB too ) is to surgically plug the gap. The draining last week lasted all of a day and a half before the SOB was back, so I guess there's no choice. I know a whole bunch of people here have had this done since I've been coming here so who's going to give me the inside poop, no half thruths or BS. If it's the pits I want to be prepared and experience has it that dr's don't always give the whole picture (if they even know it). So that's my question, what does a surgical pleurodesis involve? Is it a painful recovery? How long was your recovery? No pressure here , info yesterday will be fine Geri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mary colleen Posted January 22, 2008 Share Posted January 22, 2008 Geri, I have no info for you, though of course others will. I just want to say that I have been following your saga, and want to say 'aw,crap' with you. You deserve a break here. I'm all for you getting that soon. MC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Connie B Posted January 22, 2008 Share Posted January 22, 2008 Are they talking the Telc procedure? That I know of, it's not tooooo painful and it does do the trick. Not a cake walk but you need to get it fix. BUMMER! I know just what your going through. They can never do a telc on me, because I only have one lung. It beats getting drained over and over again. BUMMER GERI! Wish this wasn't happening to you. Hang in there my friend. We'll be half in the bag before you know it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LovesLife Posted January 22, 2008 Share Posted January 22, 2008 Geri, I have no advice whatsoever on the procedure - sorry. Just wanted to let you know I think this just sucks that you keep getting hit with everything and hopeful that once this procedure is out of the way you will have a better time of it. Linda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kamataca Posted January 22, 2008 Share Posted January 22, 2008 Well, tarnation! I don't know a darn thing about the procedure, but I'm going to go and register a complaint with whoever is in charge! I guess I'll start pestering God with prayers that this procedure will be gentle on you. Crap indeed. Sorry for the bummer news. Kelly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kasey Posted January 22, 2008 Share Posted January 22, 2008 Well, Geri, darnitall, ya know ! Guess it's back to the hand-wringing for now. I know NOTHING about what you ask, but if I remember correctly reading about it here, not too awful. I certainly hope that will be the end of it for you then. Any path report yet? Seems a LONGGGGGGGGG wait ~ but then what else is new? Sorry to hear this, but glad FINALLY something's going to be done! Kase Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tiredmom959 Posted January 22, 2008 Share Posted January 22, 2008 My mom's was pretty painful BUT only for a short, short period of time that quickly resolved. I've read before and since that the pain varies with each individual person, too, from practically nothing for some on up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dchurchi Posted January 22, 2008 Share Posted January 22, 2008 Geri, I know you are looking for answers on the procedure, but Alan has not been through that. We are offering many prayers that this will fix the problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jyoung20 Posted January 22, 2008 Share Posted January 22, 2008 Geri, I don't know about the procedure but I do know that you are one of awesomest people I know!!!! God Bless!! Jamie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carolhg Posted January 22, 2008 Share Posted January 22, 2008 I hope the procedure is not too difficult for you. Please know that I am wishing the best for you and sending positive thoughts your way. Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lc46 Posted January 22, 2008 Share Posted January 22, 2008 Geri I don't know anything about the procedure but I am sure you will fly through it. You are such a trooper!!!! Take Care Dar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MsC1210 Posted January 22, 2008 Share Posted January 22, 2008 Geri I just adding my very best wishes and many, many prayers for you! Christine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shineladysue Posted January 23, 2008 Share Posted January 23, 2008 Geri, No answers here either, but lots of prayers still on their way with your name on them. Hang in there. Hugs, Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patti B Posted January 23, 2008 Share Posted January 23, 2008 Geri- Sorry, I know nothing about the procedure but just wanted you to know that I will be thinking about you and praying for a great outcome. Tell Dr. Pickle we'll kick her butt if it hurts you!!!! Hugs - Patti Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowflake Posted January 23, 2008 Share Posted January 23, 2008 I'm risking a big fine from RY here, but I'll say it. Everyone is thinking it, but I'll just spit it out there: Well, SH*T! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.C. Posted January 23, 2008 Share Posted January 23, 2008 Geri, Good luck, my friend had one done two years ago I was with her, painful; yes worth it; yes. Goal of it is to cause irritation between the two layers of the covering of the lung so the bonding is good. Some rolling around to spread the slurry talc. Ibuprofen or anti-inflammatory medication are a good help with the pain. Jackie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don M Posted January 23, 2008 Share Posted January 23, 2008 Good luck with you procedure Geri. ON the bright side, talc has been show to have anticancer properties: http://news.ufl.edu/2007/06/06/talcum/ Don M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maryanne Posted January 23, 2008 Share Posted January 23, 2008 Well Ger, I am with Snowflake (glad to see ya posting Flake) that is exactly what I was thinking. I am so sorry for all your delimmas which seen to never end but you will get through this latest hurdle.. it is what it is and this will alliviate your breathing problems once and for all. The nurses have no idea who they will be dealing with, Just ask for good pain meds! Thinking of you!! (((((GERI))))) Maryanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ztweb Posted January 23, 2008 Share Posted January 23, 2008 I have to add to the masses here...I don't have any information about the procedure, but I wanted you to know I am thinking of you! You are so strong Geri...you will do great! Jen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexan Posted January 23, 2008 Share Posted January 23, 2008 SHUTTTT!!!!!!, but yoou will pass the moment. a hug & a lot of prayers bucky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted January 24, 2008 Share Posted January 24, 2008 Geri- Oh crap is right. You have to catch a break here soon Geri. Keep us posted on how you do with the procedure. Rochelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nonni Posted January 24, 2008 Share Posted January 24, 2008 Hey Geri....have to agree with 'Snow'....praying for a fast and easy procedure and no more problem'o with sob....You could do it Ger....we know you can... hugs..Nonni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueeye Posted January 24, 2008 Share Posted January 24, 2008 First off, I am very sorry to hear that you have to have this done. My Mom had it done and I'm not gonna lie, it was the worst pain she had ever had including delivering yours truly. Hers was all done bedside. She had had the chest tube for several days prior with lots of bloody drainage apparently due to a large tumor that the onc didn't mention. I didn't know that tumors bled, but they do. The surgeon that put in the tube told us about the tumor and even drew a picture! And the other surgeon that did the pleurodesis mentioned it again when he couldn't get all of the irritant solution in. First he pushed in the bleomycin solution then clamped her chest tube. She had to lay on one side for 30 minutes, then to the other side for 30 minutes and then on her back for 30 minutes. Then they unclamped the tube. She was offered morphine but was afraid to take too much. To begin with, it was painful and hard for her to breathe whenever she laid flat. So that was alot of the problem with her experience. I would have just said to PM me for details but I forgot my password so I can't update my email address. Sorry if I freaked you out. When I asked here for info, I didn't get any details. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ernrol Posted January 24, 2008 Share Posted January 24, 2008 Geri, I had a pleural effusion When I was first diagnosed in 2005. It was about three forths up the chest wall. Sloan Kettering said that it would not go away by itself, but it did. I have a slight indication of one now. I have started lymphatic massage therapy along with my chemo. It is suppose to help drain the lymph fluids from the system. It is a very light massage. I have no idea if it will help, but it makes since to me. A pleurodesis was never mentioned to me yet. How long have you had it? They drained about a cup out of me to relieve the pain in my shoulder, then the rest went by itself. I hope this helps. It is all I know about it. Stay positive, Ernie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geri Posted January 24, 2008 Author Share Posted January 24, 2008 Jan 29th I see the surgeon for a consult, a longer wait than usual really but my Thoraciac Onc at Dartmouth wanted this guy specifically (one head of dept to another?) so I'm panting along for a few more days. My latest problem seems to a reaction to one of the pills I've been taking since the end of last week........one more medication to add to my "do not take" list I think we're putting the local pharmacist's kids through school with all the half used prescriptions that litter this house!! The recommendation for me is a surgical pleurodocis, no talc just some kind of roughing up instrument to seal this puppy. I'll let you know the details next week, all I know so far is that it's a one night hospital stay and I shall be out for the procedure (thankful for small mercies ) Have to go now, the brick on the corner of the fireplace makes a great scratching post and my back is crying out for some relief Geri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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