19. copy and paste

here is a copy and paste status update from my facebook to quickly update you. i had major complications and am mostly resting and feeling too tired to update everyone. i am home though as of today and that is great.

Rachel says: so my "minor complication" during surgery was not so minor and actually quite major. i had a pneumonthorax which caused the collapse of my left lung. i am sure due to all the prayers of protection that went out i somehow avoided needing a chest tube.

recovery, however has been really difficult with many ups and downs. ... for the most part i feel spectacular but near the end of each 4 hour round of pain medication i am in excruciating pain until i can safely take the next ones. breathing becomes extremely painful and labored.

i know that in time this will get better. i am focusing on resting and getting my strength up by eating. i am sorry that many of you could not visit me while i was in hospital and i am sorry i needed to turn you away. it was just too difficult.

i am back home now and looking forward to connecting with friends and family here. please call ahead though as i do not wish to be overwhelmed with too many visitors at one time.

http://www.medicinenet.com/pneumothorax/article.htm

What is a pneumothorax?

A pneumothorax is a collection of free air in the chest outside the lung that causes the lung to collapse.

What are the types of pneumothorax?

A spontaneous pneumothorax, also referred to as a primary pneumothorax, occurs in the absence of a traumatic injury to the chest or a known lung disease. A secondary (also termed complicated) pneumothorax occurs as a result of an underlying condition.



What causes a pneumothorax?

Spontaneous pneumothorax is caused by a rupture of a cyst or a small sac (bleb) on the surface of the lung. Pneumothorax may also occur following an injury to the chest wall such as a fractured rib, any penetrating injury (gun shot or stabbing), surgical invasion of the chest, or may be deliberately induced in order to collapse the lung. A pneumothorax can also develop as a result of underlying lung diseases, including cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, asthma, and infections of the lungs.

click link to read more about pneumothorax: http://www.medicinenet.com/pneumothorax/article.htm