Our youngest is having lung surgery again tomorrow. Same problem as a year ago (spontaneous pneumothorax), but on the other side. We are less stressed about it this time since we understand things better, but he's 5 hours away (college) and we'd sure rather have him home like last year. He's a strong kid in every way, so I'm sure he'll come through fine.

Thanks in advance for your prayers.

Done!

Of course.

Let us know how he comes through!

You got it.

SSF,

I will say a prayer for your son tonight with my other prayers.I hope he will sail through his surgery without and complications.Keep us posted on his recovery.

O <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

Hi Dear.
I am sure your son will be fine.
I looked it up on the Internet and the procedure does not sound dangerous.
There was a lot of information, I am sure you have typed it in 'search' and learned a lot.

At least you will be able to talk with him on the phone; do I understand you will not be there?
Or do you mean he is just having the surgery far from home?
Love, Julie

Here is a little information I found:

American Lung Association® Fact Sheet:
Spontaneous Pneumothorax
February 5, 2004

Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax
Secondary Spontaneous Pneumothorax
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Spontaneous pneumothorax is a sudden collection of air or gas in the chest that causes the lung to collapse in the absence of a traumatic injury to the chest or lung. Usually, a distinction is made between a primary (simple) spontaneous pneumothorax, and secondary (complicated) spontaneous pneumothorax.

PRIMARY SPONTANEOUS PNEUMOTHORAX

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax occurs in individuals with no known lung disease. It affects close to 9,000 persons in the United States each year- most often among tall, thin men between 20 and 40 years old. The cause of this type of pneumothorax is the rupture of a bleb or cyst in the lung.

Symptoms include:

Chest pain on affected side
Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
Cough
Abnormal breathing movement
Rapid respiratory rate
Primary spontaneous pneumothorax is diagnosed by chest radiographs.
The way the condition is treated is dependant on its size and course. The objective of treatment is to remove the air from the pleural space, allowing the lung to reexpand. A small pneumothorax will resolve on its own in 1 to 2 weeks. Larger pneumothoraxes require either needle aspiration or a chest tube. Hospitalization is required for chest tube management as the reexpansion of the lung may take several days with the chest tube left in place. Surgery may be performed for a repeated episode to prevent recurrence.

Julie -

We're actually leaving soon to join him tonight. The surgery now uses miniature cameras, instruments, etc. Used to be a lot more invasive. Gotta love modern technology for advances like this! Thanks for your concern.

That is wonderful you get to be with him.

It will make him feel safe and secure having mom and dad there plus it will make you feel better, being nearby, while he is having this procedure.

Yes, modern technology is wonderful.
Love, Julie

I'll add your son to the lists of other children I pray for daily.

I lost a child 10 years ago after she struggled for 2 years and 10 months. <img border="0" alt="[Teary]" title="" src="graemlins/teary.gif" />

I know all to well the feeling of watching your child being wheeled into the OR... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="images/icons/frown.gif" />

Peace be with you and yours and God Bless!