RE: FW: panc surgeries Tubes, drains and what not

April 15, 2005

Hello Everyone,

After my Whipple I had so many I can't remember all of them, let's

see.

5 JP drains

1 catheter

1 central line in my arm to my heart

1 picc line in my neck

1 tube down my nose

1 IV in the back of my right hand

1 big a^^ ventilator tube down my throat

2 bags around my legs

1 clip on my right index finger (somehow this measures your o2 level)

And I don't remember how many electrodes all over my body.

My wife took pictures because she knew I would never believe it. I

was in ICU for 22 days from the 5th of January to the 27th and then 26 days

in the CCU. One more month on the 6th floor west of MUSC. I guess tubes

were the least of my worries. The only thing I remember is when I came out

of the coma was " why the hell am I in a garage " that's all I could see were

Craftsman tool boxes and some guy sitting at a desk.....went in at 192lbs.,

came out at 137lbs.

All I know is if I was anywhere but MUSC with Dr. as my doctor

I probably wouldn't have made it.

A Ruggieri

Re: FW: panc surgeries

Hi Patty,

Don't be concerned about " tubes " they are very necessary for your recovery

and the success of the operation. When I had my modified Whipple, I had

eight

tubes, six for drainage, one for possible feeding, one for possible blood

transfusion, and actually nine if you count the catherater. They are removed

as they

are no longer needed. My ICU was 2 1/2 days and then a room for about

ten days. But, that was long ago and I'm sure procedures are better now.

Good

luck with your doctor conference. Are you considering having the surgery

done in

L'ville? Great hospitals there, I've never been a patient there but have

visited others in a couple of them. That hospital complex is well known

nationwide.

Best Wishes, Poncho - GA

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