Lungs and stomach draining

jillpls
jillpls Member Posts: 238
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Has anyone had their stomach or lungs drained for fluid? I will have this experience tomorrow
wondering what to expect. Anyone??
Jill

Comments

  • coloCan
    coloCan Member Posts: 1,944 Member
    #2
    I recently had fluid drained from abdominal area.....
    (pelvic drain, I think it was called);local anesthesia, used CT to determine where to insert needle into my buttock to best capture and remove for analysis fluid. Spent much more time awaiting for CT machine and then in recovery room than procedure took.
    Had lung drained back in 68 due to collapsed lung-that, from what I recall, was not pretty.By now, I'm sure its not as invasive, painful, etc as this was forty some years ago

    Know this isn't what you're about to undergo but might be similar in approach.....Hope all goes well.....steve
  • msccolon
    msccolon Member Posts: 1,917 Member
    #3
    many times
    I had fluid drained off my abdomen MANY times back in 2006 when a tumor was growing on my right ovary. They numb it with shots of lidocaine, then they insert a catheter that has a sharp end into the abdomen in a space best suited to where the fluid is and not likely to hit other organs. You don't feel a thing after the initial numbing shots. I just watched my abdomen deflate as the fluid ran out. They usually got around 4 liters of fluid each time, and they had to drain it off every week until I was able to get into the hospital for surgery. You lay on the table with gravity doing the work as far as the fluid draining. I used to move around a little bit, trying to maximize the fluid drainage, but you have to be careful because the tip of the catheter is sharp and you don't want to nick anything in there. I don't really remember how long it took each time, I don't remember it being long enough to watch a movie or anything! :) The relief from the pressure was always wonderful! Nothing but a bandaid necessary after the drainage was finished and it would heal up nicely each time.
    mary
  • jillpls
    jillpls Member Posts: 238
    #4
    Mare drainage today
    Thank you for the info. You were correct on how it went. I did see my stomach
    melt away. Can't say it felt wonderful though. I felt like I got kicked in stomach for awhile
    also had rt lung drained. That was scary because I couldn't breath for awhile after. Had to
    have oxygen. Today going for left lung. So far 3 liters removed from belly and lung.
    Jill
  • msccolon
    msccolon Member Posts: 1,917 Member
    #5
    jillpls said:

    Mare drainage today
    Thank you for the info. You were correct on how it went. I did see my stomach
    melt away. Can't say it felt wonderful though. I felt like I got kicked in stomach for awhile
    also had rt lung drained. That was scary because I couldn't breath for awhile after. Had to
    have oxygen. Today going for left lung. So far 3 liters removed from belly and lung.
    Jill

    i remember the drive
    we went over a railroad track and I remember the drive there was always cushioned by the fluid, and the drive back wasn't, so it was slightly uncomfortable. The lung drainage sounds really painful and scary, with not being able to breathe. My mother was having fluid drained from her lungs the same time I was having fluid drained from my abdomen and I know she was in a lot more discomfort than I was. I sure hope you don't have to go through this too many times before you can get surgery done, if that's the plan.
    mary
  • jams67
    jams67 Member Posts: 925 Member
    #6
    I've had the cavity around
    I've had the cavity around my lungs drained of about a quart of fluid. I felt much better afterward. Good luck and hope you feel some relief from the shortness of breath and pressure. Jo Ann

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