Hi,

I am 12 days post-op and since day 7 I have had shortness of breath, tightening in my chest, and rapid heart rate. I have been in contact with my doctor and he is only concerned with my calorie intake and hydration. He did order bloodwork and that came back normal. I have improved my liquids to and am now getting at least 50 ozs a day. I push for 60 but am getting there. I am having the hardest time with Protein shakes and liquids. They make me gag and I don't want to start vomiting. I did have low blood pressure when I went in for my last visit.

anyone experience this after surgery and any suggestions?? I just want to have enough energy to get through my day and function normally...

thanks,

I'm very glad you have talked to your surgeon!

If it's really bothering you...especially the shortness of breath, I'd either call him again or I'd go to the ER. Shortness of breath and tightning in your chest can be a sign of a leak...but they say if you have a leak you'll know it.

My doc's office told me to expect some weakness and fatigue for the next few weeks..and I do find I need an afternoon nap sometimes.

If you're getting in 50 oz of liquid you shouldn't be dehydrated.

Are you running a temp?

Good luck to you and I'm sorry you're going through this!

Edited May 9, 201016 yr by goodlife

I don't know about the shortness of breath stuff but maybe you could make some kind of smoothie with greek yougart. Its got a crazy lot of Protein in it. Maybe some yougart in the blender with some artificial sweetner and orange extract (extract of your choice but I love orange). Just a thought.

If your doc says its okay you could blend some fruit up in there.

My guess would be walking would help the shortness of breath.

Take care

Stacey

Also..did they send you home with an incentive spirometer and if so have you been doing the breathing exercised every hour or two?

There are some other protein drinks you could try. Some people like the nectar drinks better than protein shakes. There is a thread in the food section

on places to order samples.

Utter exhaustion is common after major surgery. However, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath and tightness in the chest don't sound normal to me. Are you trying to do too much too soon? Also, check the sugar content of what you're drinking. It almost sounds like how I feel when I have too much sugar.

Insist on more doctor interaction if the symptoms continue!

girly,

are you anxious? not meaning to be overtly bold but i am an anxiety gal and those are some classic anxiety symptoms. i don't remember having shortness of breath other than just after surgery when i was ensuring the lungs were all functional. also if you are in pain that will increase your heart rate and give you shortness of breath. perhaps while resting, watching tv, etc. you can "practice" some slow, steady, deep breaths. i hope it gets better, and am sure it will!

M

I was thinking about anxiety too since I had extreme anxiety post op and shortness of breath and tightness in my chest were two of the symptoms I encountered. I would need to do the slow deep breathing and often times raise my arms above my head propped up on a wall to stretch while breathing. I'm 8 months out and I take .5mg of Klonopin (generic form) as needed. I still get anxiety attacks but not as severe. I usually take the Klonopin once or twice a day and it really helps.

*I'm not suggesting that anxiety is your problem at all just wanted to point out the possibility.

Thanks for all the feedback.

I did get sent home with a spirometer and used it the first few days. I was on prilosec for about 3 days and that's when the tightening started. Since I have quit the prilosec the tightening has subsided. I don't know if it was a reaction to the drug or not. I am still short of breath when I get up and move around too much (usually around 5 mins or so). I did think about anxiety. I do think that along with stress plays a huge part in what I am going though. I have never had a major surgery with recovery that did not include a new baby to take care of :sad0: I am nervous that this is the outcome of the rest of my life being weak and unavailable. I know everyone has had a moment or so but you do feel helpless to your family. I am still dealing with this was just for me and everyone will be okay without me for a few weeks.

Thanks again for all the feedback, it is greatly appreciated.