Pain in both shoulders and elephant on my chest

[KristiinSD]

burts when I breath in and capacity is diminished. I am waiting for the dr. to callback, but I fear another admission. I think the "hemodynamically insignificant pericardial effusion" has changed to a significant one. When will this nightmare end? I am feeling so despondent...

Kristi
surgery 11/30/05

[Nancy]

I am sorry to hear that you are having this setback. Unfortunately, it has happened to others, and things will all work out. It is a temporary setback The shoulder pain is common, the effusion, not so common, but still there are many others who have had it. I know you feel miserable.

You will be in my thoughts and prayers for a speedy resolution to both problems.

[Kate]

Dear Kristi,
I'm so sorry to hear you're feeling so badly. I hope the Dr. will call back quickly and that the solution won't require you to be readmitted. For what it's worth, the hardest time of my recovery was about where you are now - 4 or 5 weeks out. It felt like it had all been going on forever and that there was no end in sight. But then, around week six, I really did start to feel like my old self again. Hopefully this will be the case for you too. Take care, Kate

[Cris N]

Kristi,

I'm so sorry you're having such a rough time. I do hope this will disappear quickly. Let us know what the dr says.

Cris

[geebee]

Kristi,

The symptoms you describe sounds like the ones I had with pericarditis. If that is what it ends up being, it can be treated with prednisone and may not require hospitalization. It is very painful but goes away quickly with meds.

I wish you well.

[joanne6]

I had the same symptoms with costocondritris a few weeks after my surgery. Got better very quickly with meds. I am hoping you feel much better very soon. I will check back in tomorrow night to see how you are.
Joanne

[blessed1416]

Kristi, By the time you receive this post, I hope that you have already gotten some relief. Have you tried a warm compress? I will keep you in my prayers, and hope that the dr. responds quickly.

[KristiinSD]

and advised taking two percocet. He said that if I had a pericardial effusion, I wouldn't be able to lay down. I took the meds, which I had been trying to wean off, and fell asleep. Several hours later, I didn't feel much better in my chest but my shoulders were significantly less painful. I have two drs. appointments tomorrow, so hopefully I will get more definitive information.

Thanks again for your support. I think I could deal a great deal better if this were a more linear process. Instead, I don't really know how things are going to be day to day. I have my bag packed for the hospital and would hate to return, but have no confidence that I won't have to. This is very, very hard.

Kristi
surgery 11/30/05

[gijanet]

Pain in both shoulders and elephant on my chest
Kristi
surgery 11/30/05

honey, if you are seeing pink elephants on your chest, I think you have already hit the painkillers a bit too hard, :D but your post made me want to cry as I can just feel your frustration and pain. I hope and pray that you get some answers tomorrow and that you get past this brick wall in your recovery soon. Many very gentle ((((hugs)))) being sent, too. Please update when you find out something tomorrow. Much love. J.

[Cris N]

Kristi,
Best of luck with your dr appts today. "Take 2 percocet & call me in the morning" doesn't cut it with me. I do hope you're able to get through to dr today... maybe demand a chest x-ray if they try to brush you off. Will be thinking about you.

Cris

[Lynlw]

I have to agree w/ Cris. Justin has had pericardial fluid 2 times, years ago he had it off an don for months, but he was able to lay down w/out a problem (altho he was a toddler) this last time he was able to lay down he didn't have enough to need it tapped, since we caught it early. but beside the regular post op problems w/ laying down, there was nothing unusual. I also would get at least a chest x ray, if not an echo, they do echos on Justin since the fluid can be in pockets behind the heart and wouldn't necessarily be picked up easily on xray, I hope you will start feeling better soon and they will be able to treat it w/ antiflamation meds or steriods. Lyn

[rbl1999]

Hi, I agree with Kate, my hardest time was at around 4 weeks post op, and I did have some fluid, which was treated with anti inflammatory drugs. Also I had the terrible shoulder pain which was from the manipulation during surgery. I am glad you are seeing the doctor, let us know...Rose

[susieq14]

Kristi,
So sorry to hear you're feeling so awful. I do hope that your doctor visits were fruitful and you have some answers and some relief.

Gentle hugs and best wishes!

Sue

P.S. Keep your chin up!

[joanne6]

I am checking in to see how you are. I hope you are not in the hospital but I wonder why we haven't heard from you. Hope you are feeling better.

[KristiinSD]

I have had a chest xray, blood, exams, and still no definitive answers. I think the test results will shed light on my situation, although my heart sounds great upon exam and my lungs appear to be both moving air. I am wicked exhausted and down about 20 lbs. My PCP was upset that I didn't have an echo, but I will see the cardiologist again in a month.

My surgery was robotic, but apparently my shorter recovery time was altered by the complications I encountered. I don't think the complications were related to the surgical approach, but I don't think the evidence across studies is compelling one way or another.

Kristi
mrepair 11/30/0