Nihility

@Nihility@lemmy.world
0 Post – 7 Comments
Joined 12 months ago

I’ve had VATS twice now. One in 2019 and one in 2021. Both were for a pleurodesis as the pneumothoraxes I experienced refused to self resolve. Zero regrets on both, but I didn’t have a choice, really.

Only pain I was left with is slight discomfort in my left upper chest region if I inhale too deeply while reaching up for things, and some nerve damage that results in a localized burning numbness that extends slightly into my armpit if I press above my right breast. Nerve damage came from the second.

I did have nerve damage from the first that left me numb in a candy bar shape right under my ribs on my left side for a year or so. The numb burning above my breast comes and goes in severity but the severe end has been weakened more and more with time.

I was able to return to normal life. Exercise isn’t an issue as long as I avoid over extending my arms upward. Basically no straining to reach stuff on my left side. I haven’t been swimming in many years, but I can imagine large, powerful strokes could cause me some discomfort.

Life is back to normal for me now, but I do have some anxiety that crops up with chest pains. The worst part of it all in my experience was the chest tubes.

Hope this helps.

This one is sorta cheating, but Xbox360 and Final Fantasy XI. Haven’t been sucked into a game and its world as deeply since I took that plunge.

Yeah, natural smells bother me way less than the vast majority of scented soaps, deodorants, perfumes etc. A lot of them cause me significant sinus discomfort. I appreciate the people who use unscented hygiene stuff.

I’ve struggled with appetite issues for a while now and my go-to whenever I can’t get myself to eat regular food is nutritional drinks like Soylent, Boost etc. Enough calories to replace a meal and you won’t miss out on nutrients.

Name brand ones are unfortunately super expensive so I usually stick to the Kroger Fortify+. I know you said flavor isn’t a priority, but avoid vanilla. It’s wretched. Chocolate is the one that’s most palatable.

I really didn’t listen to much music this year. I guess not engaging in my main hobby that let me listen to music as much really hindered my listening time.

Top Artist: Sadistik

Top Song: Negative by Lil Xtra

Same thing they did to me for my first one. Took out roughly a quarter of my left lung and did a pleurodesis cause it was a really bad hole from what I understand.

Haven - The Beginning of Something.

Whole OST is pretty good.