Tony's LVRS....

Tony M.'s Trip To and Through LVRS
Tony Enters Temple Hospital for his LVRS


When I first started my journal, Tony M. signed it on October 10th. He said at that time he was scheduled for the same surgery on October 31, 2006 at Temple University in Philadelphia. I've asked if I could post his experiences here and he graciously said yes.Thank you Tony and Barbara.The following messages were emailed by his wife, Barbara.

THE DAY - October 31, 2006

Just wanted to send a quick update on Anthony’s surgery…we arrived at the hospital early this morning and he was brought into surgery around 10am. The procedure took a few hours and Lisa & I were able to see him around 3:30pm in ICU recovery. The doctors and nurses all seemed very pleased with how he came through the surgery and will monitor him through the night and into the morning.

Besides being a little groggy, he looked good and said he wasn’t feeling any pain. We spoke with the doctor who performed the surgery and he said that everything went well and mentioned he was happy that Anthony was able to breathe on his on own shortly after he was out of the operating room.

November 1st

Anthony had the open chest surgery. I told him you were asking for him and he said he will keep a record of his recovery to share with everyone. He is coming along and just seemed to feel tired today but all the doctors and nurses are very happy with his progress at this point. Lisa and I visited Anthony today. He’s still in ICU – he did sit up in a chair and had lunch. He felt good today but was very tired. We talked with the doctors again. They may move him to a regular room tomorrow.

November 3rd

Anthony is still being monitored in ICU. Doctors continue to be pleased with his progress but would like to still monitor him as a precautionary measure. He’s drowsy from the medications and is experiencing some puffiness in the face, which is to be expected. The doctor explained this is due to subcutaneous air moving up to the neck/face area. A lot of the puffiness went down today compared to yesterday. He’s in good spirits, although he’s not very happy with the food (or lack of wine!).

November 5th

Lisa and I went to see Anthony today and he’s still in ICU but looked a lot better. They are hoping to take the 2nd chest tube out soon so he can start physical rehab. The nurse had him moving around today and he just got a little tired toward the end of our visit but that was because of some of the medications he is on. He didn’t seem very happy with his lunch…he doesn’t have much of an appetite just yet anyway but I’m sure the hospital food isn’t doing much to help that.

November 6th

I visited with Anthony today. He’s getting a lot of care and attention in ICU. His appetite was better today – he enjoyed his lunch and even had ice cream for dessert.He looks good and still has his sense of humor. His doctor hopes to move him to the 6th floor shortly and start Pulmonary Rehab. When I left the hospital he was watching back to back episodes Of Law and Order.

November 7th

He was moved from ICU to the Pulmonary Floor. When we arrived the nurses already had him out of bed and taking a walk. He sat in a chair for awhile and then wanted to get back in. The doctor was in and said he was happy with the most recent chest x-ray. Tomorrow he will be doing Pulmonary Rehab exercises. Hopefully he will feel stronger each day. He still has one chest tube in and is monitored daily.

November 8th

Anthony is on oxygen now. His other chest tube was removed today and his chest x-rays look good. The doctor said his lungs are expanding into the spaces that were cut out. They take several chest x-rays each day. He was sitting in a chair when I arrived at the hospital today. This morning he had taken a walk with the nurse and also did some bicycle exercises. The walking did tire him – but hopefully he will feel stronger each day. His incision is healing nicely and he’s in good spirits.

November 11th

Anthony came home from the hospital today.