Saturday Is a Perfect Day for an ER Visit

One of the frustrating things about having pleural effusion (fluid on my lung) is that it just keeps building up. The pulmonary specialist already told me that I would likely need a catheter inserted soon so I could drain the lung space myself. The first thoracentesis occurred in the ER on Wednesday and the next one at the pulmonary office was on Monday...5 days apart. It is now Saturday (5 days later) and I'm sure you can guess from the title where we are this morning. I am typing this in the ER waiting room between being called for various tasks (blood work, etc.) hoping they will drain more fluid from my left lung cavity today.

The speed of this ER today is amazing. They took my vitals, triaged me, did chest x-ray, and blood work all in the first 30 minutes. I'm now just waiting for the next step which will likely involve a doctor doing the thoracentesis to provide some relief.

When the fluid builds up to this level where more than half the space on the left side is filled up it causes multiple issues. I cannot lay horizontal very easily as this make it more difficulty to breathe easily. Last night, I got up at 3am to sleep in the recliner to remain more upright...it was certainly more comfortable. Additionally, as the fluid builds, my back and chest pain increases. Any hiccup, burp, or cough causes me sharp pain. The only way I have found to manage it is to breathe shallowly and avoid breathing deeply. I am intentionally walking more slowly and and definitely taking the stairs very slowly to avoid elevating my heart rate and breathing.

I was taken back and given a room. I spoke to the ER doctor and consented for him to do the thoracentesis. After that, I waited around and actually took a nap. When they came in to do the procedure, this doctor chose to go through my side and not my back. It didn't feel any different, but they used a scalpel to make an incision. I could feel the blood quickly running down my side. Not sure why that is necessary, but I’m not a doctor and it got the job done. It will heal.

They ultimately drained 2.1 liters of fluid which was about 5lbs. The difference was quite noticeable and a welcome relief...I could now inhale fully. A giant bandage was put on my left side and I was free to go. I got what came for and left behind what I wanted. 😝

Afterward, we decided to go grocery shopping in order to make some fresh fish, homemade Caesar dressing, and salad. Pro tip - anchovies are delicious and no Caesar dressing or salad is complete without them.

Thanks for reading. I plan to post tomorrow about the lab results from earlier this weak and my conversation with the pulmonary specialist.

-Jeremy