My Son

Please say a prayer for my son. He's at the VA hospital with a pneumothorax (collapsed lung), and he's about to undergo surgery. It makes no sense to me because he did not experience any type of blow to the chest or anything else that would cause such a thing to happen on its own. I can't help but think this is somehow related his military service, in particular the vaccines (Anthrax) given for hazardous duty. Out of the blue, for no apparent reason, he suffered a DVT and multiple pulmonary embolisms upon returning from service. We almost lost him on several occasions. He's been on Coumadin ever since. Otherwise, he's completely healthy - so this collapsed.lung sounds suspicious to me.

I'll be heading up to the hospital soon. Please keep my son in your prayers. He's the light of my life.

(((kathy))), i hope your son will be alright. my thoughts are with you both.

((((((((((( KathyM & Son ))))))))))))))

Please let us know how son is doing. Take care of yourself through this difficult time as well Kathy. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Thanks (((Fuzzy, Terry & Sabby)))

The surgeon decided to hold off a bit before inserting a chest tube. By the second day, it began to resolve on it's own. He was well enough to go home yesterday afternoon, but he'll carry with him a 25% chance of this happening again - which places him in a pre-existing condition category. But the doc told him if it does happen again, it will be covered by the military.

I'm so thankful a chest tube was not needed, considering the risk of infection and wound care required. Still, it's scary not knowing what triggered this and that it can happen again. I'm also very thankful for my son's gf, who brought him to the hospital and stayed by his side. She's an amazing woman and so perfect for him. I couldn't have hand-picked a better one. I hope one day she becomes my dil.

Once again, I truly appreciate your prayers.

i hope everything continues to go well with your son's recovery

((((Kathy)))) and lots of healing thoughts sent for your son, that the healing continues. It is so nice to hear that he has a wonderful girlfriend, and family, including wonderful mother as well to support him.

I too have a collapsed lung... They immediately put a chest tube in.... Lungs are magic and just blow back up. Wishing him a speedy recovery.

our thoughts are with you during this time

hi Kathy
how is your son,?it's been several days since he got home.
hope he is well
wishing your family the best

Hi Wife22 - thanks for asking. He's feeling much better, and his follow-up appt. on Monday revealed a nomal chest x-ray. I feel bad knowing it can happen again at any time for no apparent reason, but I'm thankful he has a strong spirit.

It happened again (pneumothorax), and he was admitted to the VA hospital this morning. This time they won't be inserting a chest tube. Instead, he's going to need to have a chunk of his lung removed. He's highly torn because he doesn't want to miss class, especially clinicals, and cannot afford to drop out of the nursing program. The doctor wants it done now. My son asked if he could "tough it out" until Spring break. I told him his life is a priority - but it's not my call.

I would greatly appreciate prayers on behalf of my son.

kathym why are they removing part of his lung? is there another less invasive option?

I'm not sure, but this is all connected to the DVT (blood clot) and multiple pulmonary embolisms he suffered shortly after returning from deployment several years ago. It's possible the DVT was due to the anthrax vaccine, (which they no longer give). He's been on Coumadin ever since.

Both lungs are effected, but the most effected is a section of his right lower lobe. He said if they can remove that piece, he stands a better chance of recover. If not, he risks a total collapse of his lungs. It's a catch-22 though because the surgery alone will place him at a greater risk of further DVTs and pulmonay embolisms. He was very lucky to have survived that ordeal. He was told if it happened again, it would kill him.

oh dear that is quite a catch-22. i hope the docs can find a better way. (((hugs)))

this is not really related but my cousin's husband had some kind of lung condition that made it hard for him to breathe so he had to cart around an oxygen tank. a naturopath put him on some kind of vitamin c protocol and now he doesn't need that oxygen tank anymore.

((((KathyM)))))

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My son opted to wait until Spring break, so he was discharged the following day (Sunday). Due to the absence, his clinical instructor assigned him a "punishment package" that would cut into his regular studies. He managed to get it all done and stay on top of his other studies and assignments. I continue to hold my breath.

He scheduled his surgery for March 10, the first day of Spring Break. Hopefully, he can remain healthy enough to make it through. Hopefully, he'll be able to endure the surgery without further complications. Hopefully, he'll be able to recover in time to return to school. It means so much to him, and he means so much to me.

Again - Thank you. I truly appreciate your thoughts and prayers.