Re: aspiration pneumonia - to debz--Laurie

[Guest guest]

Laurie you wrote: But again, if you were intubated, it shouldn't have

gotten into your lungs.

Actually the main reason why a patient is told to be NPO for X number

of hours prior to surgery is due to the risks of aspiration

pneumonia. It is an anesthesia protocol and I have seen many a

patient sent home because they took a few sips of black coffee that

morning. Anesthesia has cancelled tons of cases because of that very

thing.

when the intubation tube is inserted it puts pressure on the

esophagus and stomach. This pressure can force any contents in the

stomach upward and this contents can " fall " back into the lungs

causing aspiration pneumonia. This condition can be fatal and is

taken very seriously, because of the exact reasons you already

posted. Often requiring admittance to the ICU and a longer time

intubated.

I'm sorry that you are not feeling well, but glad you did get some

rain. We have been ahving quite a bit lately. However, I do tend to

keep my eyes onthe tropics this time of year. Thannks for the

support and kind words, Cath told me what you said and I would love

to see you, under more pleasant circumstances. I am not too sure

what will happen now, I think there is somebody who needs some

serious councelling and anger management perhaps (not me). Something

I have been assured will occur. We'll see. I think my best bet is

to focus on rebuilding my career re-establishing my goals.

Do feel better soon. Hey have you gotten your new computer hooked up

yet. I have a ton of dirty jokes I can send you....LOL. Email mne

your number and I will send you mine, maybe we can call each other

some time.

With love,