Water N The Lungs After Operation.

[cassa333]

Hi,

My sister had a stomach operation on Saturday but now has water on her lungs.

The hospital has said to just walk around a lot and are going to discharge her but I can't find any information on treatment.

I always thought water on the lungs was serious but although she is very short of breath just sitting on her bed they seem 'unconcerned'.

If they do send her home is there anything else she should be doing or is it a case of just moving around a lot more even though she is very breathless?

Thanks

[Sqad]

This is not a specific term but a "layman's" term covering a whole host of causes.
If there are discharging her, then rest assured that it is of no concequenc.
At home, all she needs to do is to " move around" ....keep mobile.
I see no point in giving you a long list of possible causes of "water on the lungs."

No big deal.

[cassa333]

Thank you Sqad.

That has put my mind at rest somewhat. Although generally they are very good I know that my local NHS Trust has not always given the best care and wanted to make sure we knew a bit about it.

On a general note I have found them to be either very good or woefully inadequate. There seems to be no middle ground. It does seem to be that individually they can be good but combined they slip up a lot and just cover their backs.

[Sqad]

No problem cassa. I would guess that 50% of patients having abdominal surgery develop "water on the lungs" which clears up without treatment.
She will be fine.

[Auxarcs]

Apparently pleural effusion after surgery is not uncommon. Mayo Clinic (major health authority over here) Website said it should go away in a few days. However if breathing gets worse or pain doesnt go away or increases she definstely needs to see the doc again ASAP.