I've been HEIMLICHed!

[filcab]

Hi Everyone and Hugs!

I’ve been Heimilched! They removed the bulky and awkward water seal that they were using for my chest tube and replaced it with a small one-way (Heimlich) valve and a miniature reservoir. There is no longer any pulling on my chest wall and that pulling was causing me some pain and discomfort. There is a very good possibility that I may be going home tomorrow with the Heimlich valve in place. The leak may well stop in a week or two or three, when I am home. I think all the stresses and anxieties of the last three weeks are catching up with me and causing me to be tense all the time and this is affecting my breathing. When I get home I will be able to relax a lot more and my breathing will improve. Definitely a great news day!

Following is an excellent link that explains a chest tube and shows a Heimlich valve drawing.


www.calgaryhealthregion.ca/clin/rt/EdDay_2005Nov/ChestTubesEtc.pdf

Another excellent site:

Heimlich valve

Breathe Gently,

Phil

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

Great News Phil! Glad to hear it. I've not checked the links yet but I plan on it since the proceedure is new to me.

Now....RELAX.....Ehhale Dammit!

[bobbioh]

Phil, So glad to hear the wonderful news. Nice to read you. CONGRATS bobbioh

[John]

Thats Good news ;
Phil Back in 1984 @ the young age 34 years old After having been hit head on in my phone co. van by a trailer truck that jackknifed I had a punchered lung & a collapsed lung & a ruptured spleen So I had 4 drain tubes in an was put on a respirator & tube feed for 5 days You don't need to say any more ! I do understand I'm happy for you to be maybe going home soon . good breathing my friend

[morningstar]

Fearless Leader,

What great news. You know there is this great writing by a man named Phil Cable on PLB it has helped so many others that I am sure it would help you. I am sure there is a copy of it here on this site. As Phil writes its a short breaths in and blowing out like your cooling soup in a s p o o n for a few minutes. And you will relax and breathe better.
All kidding aside you will do fine at home with that loving family of yours to take care of you. And just because you are the leader here do not think that excuses you from attending the Gym IT DOESN'T a report from you will be expected daily just like the rest of us.
As of the tension in the last few days. Think of it as a Soap Opera that has been cancelled and you no longer have to watch. Now you have bigger and better fish ( that Jackie catches) to fry. And like a wise man once said.

EXHALE DAMMIT Hi HO HI Ho its off to home you go.

Happy Trails

[muffin]

Good news Phil, as long as it is not to soon. I'm sure you are a bit anxious it has been a long haul for you. Please be sure and be well.
I second Jackie
NOW RELAX......EXHALE DAMMIT!!!!

[cheryl]

That's great news Phil. I'll bet you can't wait to get home and get some home cooking into you. Take care when you get home. Congrat's

[cocojax]

There is nothing like being at home, breathe gently my friend, and certainly take it easy...