Tuesdays scare, and ER visit, and post op update

[dipweed23]

I had been feeling better up until about Noon on Tuesday. I started devloping tightness in my chest, feeling "sick", weakness, tiredness and tingeling in my arm that had been operated on. I called the nurse at the Ortho office, and was advised to go to the ER NOW because I could have devloped a clot that moved to the lungs.
I went to the ER, and they orddered a bunch of tests:
Initial EKG: Minor variation, enough to take me back ASAP
Chest xray: Lungs full, not colapsed, no dark areas (no pneumonia)
CT with contrast: NO clot, very minor (considered normal in todays society) plaq buildup
Overnight observation: still felt weak, tired and tight chest
Stress test: first ultrasound of heart (resting) normal, valves flutter when open (not hardened). Second at 160bpm and BP at 210/110 Heart normal, no clogs or whatever they where looking for. Valves operating correctly, EKG normal the whole time.
Bottom line, they think I am just comming down with chest cold, fairly common to get sick after surgery... But was a VERY scarey ordeal. They all reassured me I did the correct thing.

In my post op appointment today, they removed stitches, moved arm 2 inches in all directions to check for grinding or popping. I have great ROM for 1 week post op. Doc also tapped my calves and feet to check for signs of clotting too. Tingeling in arm goes away with ice on sholder so it's just swelling in the area of the nerve. They ordered me back in 3 weeks, I guess that's when they will order physical theripy. Up until then, I will continue to do my elbow excersises (no weight allowed, just motion) and stress ball in left hand (ok with doctor), just to keep everything below surgery mobile, and the good blood flowin.

[Sithie]

Great report DW and thank you for sharing. I am so gratefulthe test turned out good and will keep praying for you.
Sithie

[Tuffy]

Did they tell you to support your arm/shoulder, and cough and deep breath, to keep lungs clear? They usually do this after surgery or send you home with a sperameter to help with this. Glad all was ok and looking good. Take care .

[dipweed23]

No they didn't tell me to do nuthin like that... I didn't even get after care instruction papers, but I think the discharge nurse just forgot to give them to me. I signed discharge, but got nothing
I will try that too....
I have a couple infected hair folicles in arm pit too (can't move arm enough, so stays sweaty)
Anyone know best treatment for that? I keep it clean (wash cloth a few times a day) but still got a superficial infection according to doc. Thing is it's TENDER in a couple spots... what should I put on the bumps? Neosporin or tripple antibiotic ointment? or should I wash, dry, and use talc? It's kinda driving me nnutz!

[capricorn]

Oh dipweed..the infamous armpit. A real pain the the butt. someone here and I'm sorry i don't remember who told me to take a sanitary napkin , put some powder on it and slip it under my arm right into my armpit. Boy was that a blessing. Hubby had to help me get it under there but it stopped the sweating, stinking If you're sure the follicles are infected I would try a little antibiotic cream and the sanitary napkin with powder to keep it dry. If it gets worse, I know it's painful, call your Dr. They can prescribe a better cream to use. 3 1/2 month slater I still can't shave it completely and am very cautious since that's the first thing that hit me was getting either an ingrown hair infected or a nice scratch or cut that would never heal because the arm was stuck to my side most of the time. Let me know.

CAP

[Lilly]

Hi there.
I sounds like you did have a big scare! Glad everything checked out ok though. The armpit thing.....they sent me home from the hospital after surgery, with a large pc of folded gauze in the pit area. A mini pad folded in half, stuck to itself, will work too. I couldn't stand too much thickness under my arm as it made the shoulder ache worse. Keeping area dry under the arm is the most important to ward off uncomfortable sticky feeling, or ingrown hairs (ouch) or the nubby feeling of the hair growing back reminding you to shave. I used baking soda or powder mixed w/ baking soda. I just this summer got my pit area shaved! After TWO YEARS!! Gross Cannot raise my arm to shave, so hubby has to help me....but I want, & need to wear those sleevless tops when it's so hot. Good luck with your arm, hope you're not too uncomfortable in this August heat.
Take care, Lilly

[jayne]

I AM SO GLAD YOU ARE OK

[NewDriver]

So glad things worked out okay for you Dip. That had to be scary! I especially like the sanitary pad idea. I would suggest using a combination of cornstarch and baking soda. Talc or any other scented powder may add to the "burning" especially if the ingrown hair, or what ever else may be causing the irritation, has caused a break in the skin.

Take care of yourself and rest up for that up coming PT,

ND

[Spring]

Dipweed.. What a scared that was. Thank heavens you are okay. And yes you did the right thing by going to ER...you just never know. And that was a pretty high blood pressure..so keep an eye on that.

Tuffy gave you an excellent idea for keeping your lungs clear. We try not to cough because it cause pain...but it will help keep those lungs clear.

Cap it was me that told you about the sanitary pads...my Dr's nurse told me about them...it was a huge help to me...I used Gold Bond powder on mine. And used the bigger pads because it keep the skin from rubbing together and hurting. Dipweed they also soak up all the sweat...what a relief. You will feel much better with them.

[capricorn]

thanks Spring.....I used this method for weeks after the surgery and it was my saving grace. I used baby powder. Hubby had a great time helping me to shower and then stick my pad full of powder under my arm. Kept me dry, non-irritated and smelling good. that alone helped me feel human.


CAP