questions and uncertainties

New Member Joined: 01 Feb 2010 Posts: 2

Okay, so I live in a very rural area, about 3 hours from the closest major hospital. I've had 3 collapses on my right side in the last 4 months, the first resulting in a very uncomfortable and expensive trip to the major hospital I mentioned before. It was the only one that resulted in a chest tube. The second was minor, we just kept an eye on it with xrays, the third one I talked my way out of a chest tube and talked the doctor into asperating with a needle, which thankfully, worked and allowed me to go home that night.
On Feb 8th I am scheduled to have VATS. My surgeon has decided not to use talc, and to instead use abrasion to create scar tissue.
I'm wondering what sort of experiences anyone here has had? What can I expect pain wise, how long recovery was... what should I know going into this?
I'm no stranger to surgeries, I've got a whole lot of other health problems, so I guess I'm not super disturbed about having another surgery, but it seems they never tell you every thing about when you wake up, how you'll feel and long term problems.
By the way, I'm a 35 yr old female, tall and thin.

Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2010 8:03 pm Post subject:

Are your collapses catamenial?
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41F, VATS w/mechanical pleurodesis and parietal/visceral pleurectomy-Sept. '08

New Member Joined: 01 Feb 2010 Posts: 2

they're telling me they are spontaneous. I'd never heard of catamenial until I'd come to this site. Would that change treatment?

Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2010 8:50 pm Post subject:

It could. They might try hormonal therapy (birth control pills) first or in conjunction with surgery. Also, your surgery might include checking for holes in your diaphragm. Ask your surgeon and see if that's part of the plan.

Good luck!
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41F, VATS w/mechanical pleurodesis and parietal/visceral pleurectomy-Sept. '08