Did you have chest tubes put in when you had your surgery? I did and I had those pains too but I would listen to what Annie said and have it checked out, better safe than sorry. Please keep us updated.

Annie - Thank you for your response. I did call my surgeon's office today. They ordered me a chest xray to check everything out. I should know the results in the morning.

Joan
I did have two chest tubes as well....I hope that it is something minor like that.

Thanks so much and I will update soon.

JJ

JJ, A chest xray is not accurate for a blood clot in the lung. You need a CT Scan with injectable dye put in via IV. Even the CT Scan they do where you breath in the 'dye' is not accurate. Its important to know a normal chest xray is not enough. I have had a DVT after surgery and PE a few years later ( where the dr did the wrong test) and have since been told by my Respiratory Dr what must be done. My DVT came 10 days after surgery. I don't wish to scare you but it is better to know these things..

I have a genetic blood clotting disorder called Factor V Leiden and most drs never test for it before surgery. FVL affects 5% of the population .. and during surgery we must have special care. I have been reading your story with interest in case I have my thymus removed.Take care and keep us posted on this.

Xanadu

Thanks, Xanadu. I completely agree. That's why I said to go to urgent care or the ER. They would've done the test right away. They are equipped to fully evaluate that kind of pain. A call to your doctor is ok but not enough.

I hope it turns out okay.

Factor V Leiden and APS (antiphospholipid antibody syndrome) are common blood clotting disorders and aren't often found until a situation like this.

I hope it's no more than muscle weakness.

Annie

Hey JJ,

It's good you're having it checked out and I hope it's nothing to worry about. Take care and remember you still have some healing to do.

Big Hugs,
Pat