difficulty breathing after surgery

jayzer · October 3, 2011

Evert since my surgery I have a lot of trouble breathing. Shortness of breath, cant catch my breath etc. Its got me a little worried. I did get some oxygen in the hosp. but thought it was all rerated to going under. I do wear a mask at bed time and find I have trouble even with my mask.. See the doc in 2 days but still worried

ouroborous · October 3, 2011

First: I AM NOT A DOCTOR... ask your doctor

Second, symptoms of hypoxia (not enough oxygen) would include a bluish tinge to the lips or fingertips. If this is happening -- CALL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY. If you cannot get through to your doctor, call 911. See Wikipedia: Hypoxia (signs and symptoms)

Third, figure out what you mean by "difficulty breathing."

Can you not take a deep breath? If not, why -- does your breath "catch?" Is there pain, wetness, a cough when you breathe deeply? Any of those might be post-op pneumonia and DEFINITELY should result in a call to the doc.

Can you take a deep breath, but it doesn't feel like you have "enough air?" If so, there are two major possibilities: one, some sort of significant oxygen exchange problem. While very dangerous (if true), this is also very rare. Second probable cause is, I hate to say, anxiety.

Symptoms of hypoxia OR anxiety include dizziness, "tingling" in the extremities, and nausea. I suffer from anxiety quite a bit and sometimes think "I can't breathe!" The way I combat this anxiety is by closing my eyes (to remove distractions) and forcing myself to take the deepest breath possible. I am always astounded by just how much air I CAN inhale, and this helps me combat the anxiety.

Bottom line, you really need to ask your doctor, but these are some basic steps you can carry out to "triage" the issue a little bit.

jayzer · October 4, 2011

I have an appt with my doc on Thurs. I do have anxiety and have not been able to take my mends since the surgery. Thanks for the info I am on my way to ER if anything gets worse /k

First: I AM NOT A DOCTOR... ask your doctor

Second, symptoms of hypoxia (not enough oxygen) would include a bluish tinge to the lips or fingertips. If this is happening -- CALL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY. If you cannot get through to your doctor, call 911. See Wikipedia: Hypoxia (signs and symptoms)

Third, figure out what

you mean by "difficulty breathing."

Can you not take a deep breath? If not, why -- does your breath "catch?" Is there pain, wetness, a cough when you breathe deeply? Any of those might be post-op pneumonia and DEFINITELY should result in a call to the doc.

Can you take a deep breath, but it doesn't feel like you have "enough air?" If so, there are two major possibilities: one, some sort of significant oxygen exchange problem. While very dangerous (if true), this is also very rare. Second probable cause is, I hate to say, anxiety.

Symptoms of hypoxia OR anxiety include dizziness, "tingling" in the extremities, and nausea. I suffer from anxiety quite a bit and sometimes think "I can't breathe!" The way I combat this anxiety is by closing my eyes (to remove distractions) and forcing myself to take the deepest breath possible. I am always astounded by just how much air I CAN inhale, and this helps me combat the anxiety.

Bottom line, you really need to ask your doctor, but these are some basic steps you can carry out to "triage" the issue a little bit.

emmas mom · October 4, 2011

I had a hard time breathing, taking deep breathes for like 2 to 3 weeks after surgery. I used that breathing thing they sent me home with, I think its called a sperometer, that helped me alot, I also have asthma. Anyway, I hope your ok!

Driver Deb · October 4, 2011

Pneumonia is super common after surgery, that's why they make you breathe in the spirometer. My mom had a liver transplant and for about 3 weeks after surgery she was having trouble catching her breath. They finally did a chest xray and yep, pneumonia. They tried antibiotics for a week and when that didn't work they used a long needle and drew out approx. 1 liter of Fluid !! She has been right as rain since. I wouldn't get all panicked about it...