Collapsed Lung Redux

I have to say I'm amazed to be sitting at home right now. It's a testament to modern medicine that barely 24 hours ago, I had multiple holes and multiple tubes in and out of my body, and of course, a collapsed lung to deal with. Yet here I am, watching TV with a remote with more than one button, eating killer cheesy grits, and, most importantly, rocking two lungs at full capacity.

Granted, it's not all gumdrops and lollipops (or whatever kids eat these days... Rock Star and Ritalin?). I feel like a stabbing victim, which I essentially am. I've now got a total of four holes in my rib cage and they all hurt in unique and interesting ways. My stomach is still pretty rocky from all the drugs from anesthesia, and the two helpings of cheesy grits I just ate, while super tasty, are not helping matters.

There is a long list of things I can't do for the next week or two. The highlights include:

• Lift anything heavier than 10 lbs


• Drive a car


• Fly


• Shower

Actually, I can shower in two days or so, but things are already kind of funky. Amy lit a candle... either she's trying for a candle-lit holiday mood, or the stench has gotten to her. I'm also on regular doses of oxycodone and stool softeners, which is a winning combination, let me tell you.

The collapsed lung has definitely put a damper on my holiday plans, but things aren't so bad. It seems my parents are going to come out in early January to visit. I might try to find my way to Winthrop to see a few aunts, uncles, and cousins, and most likely get stuck in the snow. Finally, Amy has some interesting plans up her sleeve for a very special Christmas Eve to make up for the one I'll be missing back home.

So all-in-all, a collapsed lung sucks, but the possibility that it's fixed for good now, my quick stay in the hospital, and all the support from friends and family makes it all a little more bearable. Thanks everybody. My New Year's resolution is to stay out of the ER in 2008. I'll try my best ;)