Median Sternotomy

Sundanceh said:

Hi Sheri
Hey, it's been awhile - did you see my news piece on the DaVinci?

I have not done your lung surgery - sounds fun

It sounds like they will finally be able to get them after all this time - I know you've waited patiently for this to happen - so glad the day has come.

For the DaVinci lung surgery, all I can say is the first 6-weeks are very difficult. To get out of the hospital you have to walk to build up your oxygen saturation level - has to be over 90% before they will release you.

The lung is collapsed and they will air it up for you (lube & oil change extra of course) and then you are x-rayed many times over the next few months to see if your lung has leaks or not.

My recommndation is to get walking now - and keep walking in the hospital - and keep walking when you get home. I'm still real short of breath, which worries me, but I may be the exception and not the rule...

Start walking tomorrow, Sheri - go and buy you a pedometer that measures steps. You should shoot for a minimum of 3000 steps per excercise session and increase it daily - if you start right now, you will build up an endurance in your lungs for the surgery. They may have told you this, but if not, listen to me and get on it right away.

In a couple of weeks, you should be up around 4300 steps in 30-38 minutes, which is a little over a mile each time.

I look forward to hearing how this goes for you - if you missed my story, go to the 2nd page and look for "Lights, Camera and Action..." The local news website is in there with some ez instructions on how to see the video. I'd like for you to see it.

Take care, Sheri

See you on the flip side
-Craig