Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Chest Tubes

Even though it has been over four years now since my surgery that are some memories about the whole event that still remain fresh. I remember how strange it looked to have two rather large tubes and a wire protruding from my chest. For me the tubes were the most uncomfortable part of my post-op experience. I couldn't wait for them to come out, but I also dreaded the experience of having them removed. I had been told that it would hurt. I think it was two or three days after surgery when the nurse came in and announced to me that the time had come for the tubes to come out. She then just walked over and started pulling. The pain was intense, but short lived. As soon as those tubes were out I cannot tell you how much better I felt. This was one of many things that I wish a survivor would have told me about prior to my surgery.