DCS

How is your husband doing?

My Dad had a bilateral ND in March. He had issues with swelling; visits back and forth the the dr's and emerg; on steriods a couple of times. Surgeon is not a fan of steriods and says it just all takes time. Easy for him to say.

During his hospital stay for the ND (the day he was to come home) his face swelled up so much and effected his breathing. They had to re-intubate him (a nightmare). They did an ultrasound and checked for clots (there weren't any).

During treatment back in 2006 he develeped a DVT in his calf. Also on Levenox for 3 months. It's fine now too.

The swelling comes and goes. One of dr's at the RO's clinic showed us some massaging to do on the scar to help with tightness. The physio therapist showed him stretching exercises for tightness and they say this really helps.

For the past few weeks he's been having MLD (manual lymphatic drainage) done by a professional (she also showed us how to do them at home). The surgeon and RO's office gave us the ok to do this. Since having MLD he sleeps good and feels better overall.

It's very scary when you swell and feel like you can't breath. My Dad said the tightness in his neck drives him crazy and he feels choked. Things are going much better now. He's 4 months post surgery and getting back to his old self. When you have a scare like my Dad did and your husband; it really plays on your mind. We keep steriods at home on hand. Don't ever hesitate to take your husband back and forth to the dr's or hospitals to check things out; even if just for peace of mind.


Ask your dr's about massaging and or MLD.

Keep us posted on how he's doing. How's his eating? My Dad's has improved. It does take time and you do have to be patient (the famous words of the dr's, that make us crazy )

Take care,
LisaB