I have posted once already about the V.A.T.S lung biopsy procedure, but no one has answered.
I am having the surgery on wednsday the 28th,and the surgeon said he was going to try to get to the mass in my lung using the VATS procedure,but may have to do the open lung biopsy.
Can any one that has had either procedure done tell me something about what to expect?Like the chest tube,is it painful? how much pain is there from the procedure itself,how long will it take to be healed??
I am also just off prednisone for the surgery,but have been on it for 5 months off and on,how much does that affect the bleeding,healing and the lung sealing up??
I would really appreciate any information at all.

Thanks,ROSE

Hi Rose,
I had a V.A.T.s procedure last year to confirm whether or not I had Sarcoidosis. After the biopsy, I was in the hospital for three days but I think that many people go home after one day. For me, the worst pain was caused by the chest tube, but I think that it is different for everyone. Before I had the surgery, I read accounts from other people who had the procedure, and most people said that the chest tube was not a problem. So, don't psyche yourself up about it 'cause it may not bother you too much. Also, the tube does not generally stay in your chest for very long after the surgery. If it does cause you a lot of pain, ask for more medication- the staff is there to help you. Once I was released from the hospital, I was not allowed to work or drive for two weeks. I stayed with my mom and she took good care of me. You will need someone to take care of you so make arrangements before your surgery! I was in pain but it was bearable because of the medication. Make sure you drink a lot of fluids and eat fiber rich foods because the pain meds. can cause constipation. Do not push yourself! If you do, you will not heal as quickly. I felt healed three to four months after the procedure. I have one large scar on my back and two very small ones on my right side but I think they look much better now then they did last year. I hope that this has answered some of your questions. Take care and try not to work yourself up about it-you'll do fine!

Hello Sparkel1228...I'm so thrilled that someone has posted back to you!!!!
Hey can you tell me what VATS is???
I will pray and will be thinking about you Wednesday!!!
Bless you.....Holle

Hi EmmaT and Holle,
VATS stands for "video Assisted Thoracic Surgery" It is the term used when they use cameras,scopes and small tools to go through 3 or 4 small incisions rather than opening up the back and lung all the way from front to back,That is how the surgeon explained it to me.
Thank you so much for the response to my post,You did answer alot of the questions,especially about the chest tube,it sounded painful when the Surgeon explained it to me.and about the length of time.
ROSE

When I was 17 years old, now 44..Had a motorcycle accident and punctured a lung and had a chest tube in for 5 days...I can't remember any pain what so ever, but then again my boyfiend was in the next room at the Hospital and I was in love at the time..LOL Funny what love can do for the soul regaurding pain...I do have a nasty scar on my chest about 2 inches above my right breast.... Hope this helps you too

Thank you Holle,any information does help.And it is true what young love does to you heh? http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif ROSE

Hi Sherry,
Thank you for answering some of my questions,I do appreciate it,I am getting more apprehensive as the time gets closer,The surgery is tomorrow (Wednsday) at 1:30 west coast time.
You did help to relieve my nerves some.
Again,Thank You.
ROSE

Good Luck Rose...I'm up early, but I'll be thinking about you today...Let us know how you are doing after OK.