Surgery Post ARDS
By Eileen Rubin Zacharias

Thoughts from an ARDS Survivor facing post ARDS Surgery

By Eileen Rubin Zacharias

During the month of October, 2006, I became one of the many ARDS Survivors who faces surgery post ARDS. While the thought of surgery is daunting for most people, it is intensified many times over for anyone in the ARDS Community, both survivors and those who have enough knowledge about ARDS.

Why is that? Well, just take a look through our website and skim through the many ARDS stories. I did and I was shocked! Almost half of the over hundred stories on our site indicate a connection between surgery and ARDS. Often times it is a minor surgery, which is not all that comforting. One story was of a woman who had a procedure just like I was to have, a hysterectomy done laparoscopically, a less invasive procedure than one done by surgically cutting larger incisions.

If that does not send a chill down one’s spine, I do not know what does.

Still, surgery is often a necessary evil.

Let me provide just a little background… For almost two years before the discovery of a uterine fibroid, I was not well. The symptoms crept up on me and as they multiplied, my quality of life decreased.

For over a year, I suffered symptoms of anemia beginning mild, but ending extreme. When it was finally discovered that my hemoglobin was a little over 5 (normal for a woman is 12-16) I ended up in the hospital on the receiving end of four units of what I like to call the good stuff. That is because as I received unit after unit via transfusion, my symptoms began to dissipate.

My quality of life was already increasing!

But yet, the source of my blood loss was a mystery? Many expensive tests later, and still, no answers…

Silly me, I chalked it up to an aberration, another oddity in my already odd medical life.

Until the larger uterine fibroid was discovered.

Facing the thought of surgery, I did what I could to avoid it. I tried different medications, but they were unsuccessful. Surgery was a last choice option. But once it was determined that it had now become my only chose, I began my quest for information.

Remember—knowledge is power in all cases, especially dealing with one’s health.

First I met with my gynecologist to learn more about this surgery.

Second, I did research from reputable sites online.

Third, I asked for and received opinions from a number of doctors, both my own personal doctors and others whom I felt were knowledgeable and I felt comfortable asking.

Fourth, I received medical clearance from my primary physician.

Fifth, I met with the surgeon who would be performing the surgery… twice.

Sixth, I spoke in depth to the anesthesiologist… twice.

Seventh, I spoke at length to the surgically nursing staff, offering my medications and an in-depth medical history.

When I spoke to all of these medical professionals, I stressed all aspects of my background with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, my nine week hospitalization and my many complications.

I am pleased to announce that even though my surgery was a little complicated and took an additional hour from the projected surgical time, the outcome was without complication.

Once in the hospital room, every nurse knew I had once had ARDS and they were extremely attentive. In fact, at one point the ‘air’ from my procedure was escaping up through my right lung, radiating to my shoulder, making breathing very difficult. Though I waited a short amount of time before ‘buzzing’ the nurse, I was beginning to become frightened. Once I buzzed, my nurses immediately accessed the situation and determined it was just the air trying to escape. Afterwards, their attention was increased.

Once discharged from the hospital, I had so many nurses and doctors making follow up calls to check on my home recovery that I considered disconnecting my phone! OK, not really! And it was reassuring that they called; if I did have an issue, I could talk to any member of my qualified team.

I sincerely felt that because I was diligent in ensuring that anyone who might have contact with me during this time be aware of my full and complete medical history, my surgical and post surgical care was flawless.

My recommendation to anyone facing essential but non-emergency surgery, is to follow a similar process to make sure that all of the ‘players’ know that you suffered from ARDS. If you had a family member survive or succumb to ARDS nad you are facing surgery, I would be as diligent to let those people also know that fact. Better safe than sorry.

Also, if you find yourself facing emergency surgery, though you cannot plan in the same way, if you are conscious, you can tell everyone you meet in the ER and OR about your ARDS history. You can let your family, friends, and loved ones know beforehand that if you required emergency surgery, they should let everyone involved in your care know about your medical history.

Most importantly, remember that most surgeries are done safely, without complication. As I said, they are often a necessary evil and are done to alleviate a medical issue that will increase your quality of life in the future.

On day eight post surgery, I was driving. On days eleven, twelve and thirteen, I was working, though only a half day. (Don’t tell my doctors!) And of course, I did my best to get online to tend to the ARDS Foundation as much as I could during the entire two weeks after surgery.

With all that being said, I am often extremely tired and sometimes a bit overwhelmed. It is important to realize that after any surgery, you will not feel one hundred percent and try to give yourself time. It is critical that one listens to their bodies and if resting is required… rest. If going to sleep extremely early, as I have done even recently, is necessary, than do it!

And day by day, I am getting stronger. I am increasing my quality of life. And I am hopeful that my medical woes of the past two years are soon going to be part of my past.

Finally, it is critical to remember that this was my process. It may or may not be the right way for you, depending on your condition. But when facing surgery, it is critical to proceed in such a manner that as many people involved in your medical care know in detail your medical history. By imparting that knowledge to those who hold your life in their hands will make you more comfortable with the entire process.

Stay healthy, be well and remember to surround yourself with positive energy.

Eileen