Question:
Has anyone had problems, po-op(1 week), with uncontrollable gasping for air?

I have been home from the hospital for two days and have noticed that on occation I gasp for air. Should I be concerned with this or is this part of my body healing itself. Nothing triggers this it comes on suddenly. It is a very short gasp.    — Amy E. (posted on January 13, 2003)

January 13, 2003
CALL YOUR SURGEON IMMEDIATLY!COULD BE LOTS OF THINGS DONT LET IT GO IT'S BETTER TO BE SAFE THEN SORRY.
   — skyeyez26

January 13, 2003
I am two weeks postop and have noticed this too, maybe four or five times a day. I feel great and I think it is just my body making sure my lungs get fully expanded every once in a while.
   — sandy L.

January 13, 2003
Call your surgeon IMMEDIATELY! Could be serious, better to be safe. Or go to the ER. POSSIBLE sign of blood clot. Call your Doc right now! Let us know what happens.
   — bob-haller

January 13, 2003
PLEASE, PLEASE go to the Emergency Room or call your doctor immediately, just like the other posters suggested.... I experienced this shortness of breath exactly one week after surgery, my surgeon sent me to the Emergency room and did an ultrasound on my lungs and they were full of blood clots. The Dr. said if I hadn't come in that day, I probably wouldn't have been here the next day. They admitted me in the Critical Care Unit for another week and a half and I am now on Coumadin (blood thinner). GOD Bless
   — Angie F.