Thank you for comments on the last 2 or 3 posts. I enjoy reading them but am finding it rather tiring to respond at the moment.
What was supposedly one-day in hospital to drain fluid from my chest cavity turned into four, and almost five. On Wednesday evening at 07:30 p.m. they phoned to say can you come in tonight to have it done in the morning. We got there. In the morning they said that because I had been on blood thinner injections for 6 days they could not do it until the next day. On Friday they put a tube in my back connected to a bag and out came a litre quite quickly. They don't want it too fast, so stopped it for a while. Later in the day they took another half-litre]. It feels strange and uncomfortable to suddenly be able to exhale and cough more deeply, and painful. They kept me another night to be safe. On Saturday they were concerned that although all my readings were very good, (O2 99%, b.p. 119/65), my respiration rate of 40 or more was too high. Why was I still panting? Eventually they got 3.2 litres, plus what spurted on the bed and floor.
Basically, I had not unlearned breathing habits used to cope. I also had a small pneumothorax air pocket. It meant another day of obs and X-rays. Oh, the tedium. It was touch and go, but at 9.30 p.m. on Sunday they said I could go home if someone collected me. Wife came straight away.
Monday, back home, able to breathe and walk about without much panting, I felt very emotional all day. It has been a difficult week, for this and other reasons too.
3.2 litres! Where had it all been? How to lose weight - I weigh about 7 pounds (more than 3kg) less. 3 days with what looks like wine making equipment in your back. I wonder if you can ferment it. Would you like a glass of my special wine?
A very difficult week indeed! But glad you're home, feeling lighter, and breathing better!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to see you're still soldiering on and haven't lost your sense of humour.
ReplyDeleteDave was making wine too, during his recent surgery. Not a fun process! But he couldn't hold a candle to you in terms of quantity. Seriously, I hope you're doing better and it must be such a relief to breathe more freely.
ReplyDeleteSomeone asked me recently what is the key to a long marriage and I replied that there were two: don’t leave and keep breathing. I’m happy to see you are holding up your end of the bargain. Seriously, I’m s glad you have gotten past this most recent hurdle.
ReplyDeleteThat IS a lot of fluid and I am glad they were able to drain it. Just 25 years ago, it did not seem to be possible. I am sure you do feel a lot better.
ReplyDeleteAnd while I raise a glass to you, I will take a hard pass on your special wine. I will BYOB.
DeleteNo wonder your breathing was difficult. I'm glad you've got some relief. Please give my best to Mrs Tasker, not an easy time for her either.
ReplyDeleteA very unpleasant experience for you, and for Mrs D to witness, no doubt. I am so pleased that you have recovered and are back home and still blogging.
ReplyDeleteYou have literally been through the wringer. No wonder the weight loss or the return of breathing capabilities. Sheesh. So wish you didn't have to experience this trauma. A sense of humour is sometimes the only thing that gets us through some days. Glad you still can summon up yours. Happy you have the wonderful Mrs Tasker by your side. X
ReplyDeleteThat sounds so awful to go through but I'm glad you have gotten some relief for your breathing and are back home now.
ReplyDeleteA tough time for you but hopefully to help you breathe more easily. Take each day as it comes and cope accordingly. Easily said, but you know what I mean.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you're home, breathing easier, and walking a bit and enjoying being home. All the best to you & the missus!
ReplyDeletegoodness gracious - it sounds very traumatic - i can imagine your relief being overwhelming - as well as for your wife outside looking in.... worrying about you..... glad things seem to be going the right way - i'll skip on the drink though
ReplyDeleteNo Chateau Dunham for me thank you very much. Glad to hear you are back home again. It is mind-boggling to think that you had all that extra fluid swishing about inside you.
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