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I am new to pleural effusions and pleural effusion drainage. It turns out that I did not require the drainage because the fluid decreased significantly, making it unnecessary for the drainage. But I would like to tell you about my experience for preparation for the drainage procedure at PMH.

There were no pre-procedure instructions (could eat normally) and there were no post-procedure instructions or restrictions (could drive immediately following the procedure).

I arrived at the urgent care unit for the pleural effusion drainage and they asked me to go upstairs for an xray prior to the procedure because the CT scan showing the pleural effusion was over a month ago. I checked in at xray and waited maybe 5 minutes to be called in for the xray. Xrays did not take long and I went back down to the urgent care unit.

When you check in for the drainage, they assign you to a bed/room. The procedure is carried out while you are sitting up on the bed. They bring a portable ultrasound machine into the room. First they check the pleural effusion and determine the best route to access the fluid. The ultrasound is used to guide the needle to the fluid during the procedure (much like a biopsy).

For me, they used the ultrasound to confirm the findings of the xray = reduced fluid.

That is all I have because I have not had the procedure. If/when that actually happens, you can be sure I will share my experience. 😀

Well, here I am. Went for my regular blood/clinic visit with the addition of coughing and breathing issues. Dr sent me for an X-ray and found a pleural effusion. She booked me into urgent care immediately to get a Thoracentesis. The prep is as I described it above…here's the rest of the procedure.

Sitting on the side of the bed with a table to rest your arms and head on, the Dr uses an ultrasound to find the best entry point for the drainage…"X" marks the spot.

Then two freezing needles are used to freeze the path for the drainage needle. I felt the first needle prick with some burning sensation but that was over quickly.

The drainage needle is inserted and drainage begins. The process takes about 15 minutes. They drain until you start coughing and/or feel some pain. They stop the drainage immediately. I had two 600ml bottles of fluid removed. There is still some fluid remaining in my lung.

Urgent care sent me for another X-ray to make sure my lung was expanding and there were no other issues visible. I got the all clear and returned to my Dr appointment.

The other concern being pondered was whether or not there might be a blood clot. I was feeling much better after the drainage and my oxygen levels had improved. They could not get me into CT immediately (best test to spot blood clots) and I had a CT appointment already booked for two days later so the decision was made (mutually agreeable) to let me go with much emphasis on when to call 911 should anything come up at home.

Pleural effusions can return. There is no telling how quickly the lung may fill again so the nurse pre-booked another Thoracentesis appointment for my visit next week. The CT should provide an indication of what is going on after the drainage. I am, of course, hoping that I do not need that appointment next week!!🤞

 I do feel better with the breathing and it even helped with my tired, heavy, achy legs!!

The day after, I still feel tenderness in the lung when I take a deep breath and I have to be careful not to do anything too strenuous for a couple of days. 

I have read some alarming stats on pleural effusions and mortality rates (Dr Google, tsk tsk). Yikes!! Since this is all new to me, I am going to have to have a more in-depth discussion with my Dr next week after we see the CT and to see what this really means for me. 

I am new to pleural effusions and pleural effusion drainage. It turns out that I did not require the drainage because the fluid decreased significantly, making it unnecessary for the drainage. But I would like to tell you about my experience for preparation for the drainage procedure at PMH.

There were no pre-procedure instructions (could eat normally) and there were no post-procedure instructions or restrictions (could drive immediately following the procedure).

I arrived at the urgent care unit for the pleural effusion drainage and they asked me to go upstairs for an xray prior to the procedure because the CT scan showing the pleural effusion was over a month ago. I checked in at xray and waited maybe 5 minutes to be called in for the xray. Xrays did not take long and I went back down to the urgent care unit.

When you check in for the drainage, they assign you to a bed/room. The procedure is carried out while you are sitting up on the bed. They bring a portable ultrasound machine into the room. First they check the pleural effusion and determine the best route to access the fluid. The ultrasound is used to guide the needle to the fluid during the procedure (much like a biopsy).

For me, they used the ultrasound to confirm the findings of the xray = reduced fluid.

That is all I have because I have not had the procedure. If/when that actually happens, you can be sure I will share my experience. 😀

Well, here I am. Went for my regular blood/clinic visit with the addition of coughing and breathing issues. Dr sent me for an X-ray and found a pleural effusion. She booked me into urgent care immediately to get a Thoracentesis. The prep is as I described it above…here's the rest of the procedure.

Sitting on the side of the bed with a table to rest your arms and head on, the Dr uses an ultrasound to find the best entry point for the drainage…"X" marks the spot.

Then two freezing needles are used to freeze the path for the drainage needle. I felt the first needle prick with some burning sensation but that was over quickly.

The drainage needle is inserted and drainage begins. The process takes about 15 minutes. They drain until you start coughing and/or feel some pain. They stop the drainage immediately. I had two 600ml bottles of fluid removed. There is still some fluid remaining in my lung.

Urgent care sent me for another X-ray to make sure my lung was expanding and there were no other issues visible. I got the all clear and returned to my Dr appointment.

The other concern being pondered was whether or not there might be a blood clot. I was feeling much better after the drainage and my oxygen levels had improved. They could not get me into CT immediately (best test to spot blood clots) and I had a CT appointment already booked for two days later so the decision was made (mutually agreeable) to let me go with much emphasis on when to call 911 should anything come up at home.

Pleural effusions can return. There is no telling how quickly the lung may fill again so the nurse pre-booked another Thoracentesis appointment for my visit next week. The CT should provide an indication of what is going on after the drainage. I am, of course, hoping that I do not need that appointment next week!!🤞

 I do feel better with the breathing and it even helped with my tired, heavy, achy legs!!

The day after, I still feel tenderness in the lung when I take a deep breath and I have to be careful not to do anything too strenuous for a couple of days. 

I have read some alarming stats on pleural effusions and mortality rates (Dr Google, tsk tsk). Yikes!! Since this is all new to me, I am going to have to have a more in-depth discussion with my Dr next week after we see the CT and to see what this really means for me. 

I am new to pleural effusions and pleural effusion drainage. It turns out that I did not require the drainage because the fluid decreased significantly, making it unnecessary for the drainage. But I would like to tell you about my experience for preparation for the drainage procedure at PMH.

There were no pre-procedure instructions (could eat normally) and there were no post-procedure instructions or restrictions (could drive immediately following the procedure).

I arrived at the urgent care unit for the pleural effusion drainage and they asked me to go upstairs for an xray prior to the procedure because the CT scan showing the pleural effusion was over a month ago. I checked in at xray and waited maybe 5 minutes to be called in for the xray. Xrays did not take long and I went back down to the urgent care unit.

When you check in for the drainage, they assign you to a bed/room. The procedure is carried out while you are sitting up on the bed. They bring a portable ultrasound machine into the room. First they check the pleural effusion and determine the best route to access the fluid. The ultrasound is used to guide the needle to the fluid during the procedure (much like a biopsy).

For me, they used the ultrasound to confirm the findings of the xray = reduced fluid.

That is all I have because I have not had the procedure. If/when that actually happens, you can be sure I will share my experience. 😀

Well, here I am. Went for my regular blood/clinic visit with the addition of coughing and breathing issues. Dr sent me for an X-ray and found a pleural effusion. She booked me into urgent care immediately to get a Thoracentesis. The prep is as I described it above…here's the rest of the procedure.

Sitting on the side of the bed with a table to rest your arms and head on, the Dr uses an ultrasound to find the best entry point for the drainage…"X" marks the spot.

Then two freezing needles are used to freeze the path for the drainage needle. I felt the first needle prick with some burning sensation but that was over quickly.

The drainage needle is inserted and drainage begins. The process takes about 15 minutes. They drain until you start coughing and/or feel some pain. They stop the drainage immediately. I had two 600ml bottles of fluid removed. There is still some fluid remaining in my lung.

Urgent care sent me for another X-ray to make sure my lung was expanding and there were no other issues visible. I got the all clear and returned to my Dr appointment.

The other concern being pondered was whether or not there might be a blood clot. I was feeling much better after the drainage and my oxygen levels had improved. They could not get me into CT immediately (best test to spot blood clots) and I had a CT appointment already booked for two days later so the decision was made (mutually agreeable) to let me go with much emphasis on when to call 911 should anything come up at home.

Pleural effusions can return. There is no telling how quickly the lung may fill again so the nurse pre-booked another Thoracentesis appointment for my visit next week. The CT should provide an indication of what is going on after the drainage. I am, of course, hoping that I do not need that appointment next week!!🤞

 I do feel better with the breathing and it even helped with my tired, heavy, achy legs!!

The day after, I still feel tenderness in the lung when I take a deep breath and I have to be careful not to do anything too strenuous for a couple of days. 

I have read some alarming stats on pleural effusions and mortality rates (Dr Google, tsk tsk). Yikes!! Since this is all new to me, I am going to have to have a more in-depth discussion with my Dr next week after we see the CT and to see what this really means for me. 

I am new to pleural effusions and pleural effusion drainage. It turns out that I did not require the drainage because the fluid decreased significantly, making it unnecessary for the drainage. But I would like to tell you about my experience for preparation for the drainage procedure at PMH.

There were no pre-procedure instructions (could eat normally) and there were no post-procedure instructions or restrictions (could drive immediately following the procedure).

I arrived at the urgent care unit for the pleural effusion drainage and they asked me to go upstairs for an xray prior to the procedure because the CT scan showing the pleural effusion was over a month ago. I checked in at xray and waited maybe 5 minutes to be called in for the xray. Xrays did not take long and I went back down to the urgent care unit.

When you check in for the drainage, they assign you to a bed/room. The procedure is carried out while you are sitting up on the bed. They bring a portable ultrasound machine into the room. First they check the pleural effusion and determine the best route to access the fluid. The ultrasound is used to guide the needle to the fluid during the procedure (much like a biopsy).

For me, they used the ultrasound to confirm the findings of the xray = reduced fluid.

That is all I have because I have not had the procedure. If/when that actually happens, you can be sure I will share my experience. 😀

@asatino

Fingers crossed for positive results at your follow up.🤞

I did not find the thoracentesis too bad. A bit painful at the end but the Dr stopped draining as soon as I started coughing and felt some pain. They drained 1.4L but there was still some fluid remaining in the lungs following the procedure. 

Like you, I did not know exactly what to expect but I asked the Dr to talk through every step as he was going through the procedure. This allowed me to ask questions and knowing what to expect really reduced my stress level.

I found it interesting that in addition to improved breathing, the procedure helped clear up my tired, heavy, achy legs. The Dr said my legs were probably feeling this way due to the fact that my heart and lungs were working overtime dealing with the pleural effusion and that there was less oxygen available.

It has been four days and I do feel like the fluid is building up again. Since I am not going to travel 3 hours to Toronto to get the procedure done each time, I am in the process of trying to find the best way to deal with it either at my local hospital and/or cancer centre. 

For me, after 6 1/2 years, this is a definite sign of progression and I am going to be changing my treatment plan to try to manage both my cancer and the pleural effusion build up. 

Well, here I am. Went for my regular blood/clinic visit with the addition of coughing and breathing issues. Dr sent me for an X-ray and found a pleural effusion. She booked me into urgent care immediately to get a Thoracentesis. The prep is as I described it above…here's the rest of the procedure.

Sitting on the side of the bed with a table to rest your arms and head on, the Dr uses an ultrasound to find the best entry point for the drainage…"X" marks the spot.

Then two freezing needles are used to freeze the path for the drainage needle. I felt the first needle prick with some burning sensation but that was over quickly.

The drainage needle is inserted and drainage begins. The process takes about 15 minutes. They drain until you start coughing and/or feel some pain. They stop the drainage immediately. I had two 600ml bottles of fluid removed. There is still some fluid remaining in my lung.

Urgent care sent me for another X-ray to make sure my lung was expanding and there were no other issues visible. I got the all clear and returned to my Dr appointment.

The other concern being pondered was whether or not there might be a blood clot. I was feeling much better after the drainage and my oxygen levels had improved. They could not get me into CT immediately (best test to spot blood clots) and I had a CT appointment already booked for two days later so the decision was made (mutually agreeable) to let me go with much emphasis on when to call 911 should anything come up at home.

Pleural effusions can return. There is no telling how quickly the lung may fill again so the nurse pre-booked another Thoracentesis appointment for my visit next week. The CT should provide an indication of what is going on after the drainage. I am, of course, hoping that I do not need that appointment next week!!🤞

 I do feel better with the breathing and it even helped with my tired, heavy, achy legs!!

The day after, I still feel tenderness in the lung when I take a deep breath and I have to be careful not to do anything too strenuous for a couple of days. 

I have read some alarming stats on pleural effusions and mortality rates (Dr Google, tsk tsk). Yikes!! Since this is all new to me, I am going to have to have a more in-depth discussion with my Dr next week after we see the CT and to see what this really means for me. 

I am new to pleural effusions and pleural effusion drainage. It turns out that I did not require the drainage because the fluid decreased significantly, making it unnecessary for the drainage. But I would like to tell you about my experience for preparation for the drainage procedure at PMH.

There were no pre-procedure instructions (could eat normally) and there were no post-procedure instructions or restrictions (could drive immediately following the procedure).

I arrived at the urgent care unit for the pleural effusion drainage and they asked me to go upstairs for an xray prior to the procedure because the CT scan showing the pleural effusion was over a month ago. I checked in at xray and waited maybe 5 minutes to be called in for the xray. Xrays did not take long and I went back down to the urgent care unit.

When you check in for the drainage, they assign you to a bed/room. The procedure is carried out while you are sitting up on the bed. They bring a portable ultrasound machine into the room. First they check the pleural effusion and determine the best route to access the fluid. The ultrasound is used to guide the needle to the fluid during the procedure (much like a biopsy).

For me, they used the ultrasound to confirm the findings of the xray = reduced fluid.

That is all I have because I have not had the procedure. If/when that actually happens, you can be sure I will share my experience. 😀

Well, here I am. Went for my regular blood/clinic visit with the addition of coughing and breathing issues. Dr sent me for an X-ray and found a pleural effusion. She booked me into urgent care immediately to get a Thoracentesis. The prep is as I described it above…here's the rest of the procedure.

Sitting on the side of the bed with a table to rest your arms and head on, the Dr uses an ultrasound to find the best entry point for the drainage…"X" marks the spot.

Then two freezing needles are used to freeze the path for the drainage needle. I felt the first needle prick with some burning sensation but that was over quickly.

The drainage needle is inserted and drainage begins. The process takes about 15 minutes. They drain until you start coughing and/or feel some pain. They stop the drainage immediately. I had two 600ml bottles of fluid removed. There is still some fluid remaining in my lung.

Urgent care sent me for another X-ray to make sure my lung was expanding and there were no other issues visible. I got the all clear and returned to my Dr appointment.

The other concern being pondered was whether or not there might be a blood clot. I was feeling much better after the drainage and my oxygen levels had improved. They could not get me into CT immediately (best test to spot blood clots) and I had a CT appointment already booked for two days later so the decision was made (mutually agreeable) to let me go with much emphasis on when to call 911 should anything come up at home.

Pleural effusions can return. There is no telling how quickly the lung may fill again so the nurse pre-booked another Thoracentesis appointment for my visit next week. The CT should provide an indication of what is going on after the drainage. I am, of course, hoping that I do not need that appointment next week!!🤞

 I do feel better with the breathing and it even helped with my tired, heavy, achy legs!!

The day after, I still feel tenderness in the lung when I take a deep breath and I have to be careful not to do anything too strenuous for a couple of days. 

I have read some alarming stats on pleural effusions and mortality rates (Dr Google, tsk tsk). Yikes!! Since this is all new to me, I am going to have to have a more in-depth discussion with my Dr next week after we see the CT and to see what this really means for me. 

I am new to pleural effusions and pleural effusion drainage. It turns out that I did not require the drainage because the fluid decreased significantly, making it unnecessary for the drainage. But I would like to tell you about my experience for preparation for the drainage procedure at PMH.

There were no pre-procedure instructions (could eat normally) and there were no post-procedure instructions or restrictions (could drive immediately following the procedure).

I arrived at the urgent care unit for the pleural effusion drainage and they asked me to go upstairs for an xray prior to the procedure because the CT scan showing the pleural effusion was over a month ago. I checked in at xray and waited maybe 5 minutes to be called in for the xray. Xrays did not take long and I went back down to the urgent care unit.

When you check in for the drainage, they assign you to a bed/room. The procedure is carried out while you are sitting up on the bed. They bring a portable ultrasound machine into the room. First they check the pleural effusion and determine the best route to access the fluid. The ultrasound is used to guide the needle to the fluid during the procedure (much like a biopsy).

For me, they used the ultrasound to confirm the findings of the xray = reduced fluid.

That is all I have because I have not had the procedure. If/when that actually happens, you can be sure I will share my experience. 😀

I am new to pleural effusions and pleural effusion drainage. It turns out that I did not require the drainage because the fluid decreased significantly, making it unnecessary for the drainage. But I would like to tell you about my experience for preparation for the drainage procedure at PMH.

There were no pre-procedure instructions (could eat normally) and there were no post-procedure instructions or restrictions (could drive immediately following the procedure).

I arrived at the urgent care unit for the pleural effusion drainage and they asked me to go upstairs for an xray prior to the procedure because the CT scan showing the pleural effusion was over a month ago. I checked in at xray and waited maybe 5 minutes to be called in for the xray. Xrays did not take long and I went back down to the urgent care unit.

When you check in for the drainage, they assign you to a bed/room. The procedure is carried out while you are sitting up on the bed. They bring a portable ultrasound machine into the room. First they check the pleural effusion and determine the best route to access the fluid. The ultrasound is used to guide the needle to the fluid during the procedure (much like a biopsy).

For me, they used the ultrasound to confirm the findings of the xray = reduced fluid.

That is all I have because I have not had the procedure. If/when that actually happens, you can be sure I will share my experience. 😀

@GloHo well first I'd like to say I'm glad you didn't have to go through the procedure. I'm also hoping you are feeling okay.

Second, thank you for sharing your preparation process. It's so helpful as it demystifies things. When we are going through something new, our brains can create scenarios that may create more anxiety. Your sharing will I'm sure be helpful to others who may have to go through this procedure in the future. I do know there are a few people who have experienced the drainage and have mentioned it on the site. If they are comfortable sharing and adding to this conversation, again to help educate others, please feel free to share. The more we know, right?!

#Treatmentandsideeffects

I am new to pleural effusions and pleural effusion drainage. It turns out that I did not require the drainage because the fluid decreased significantly, making it unnecessary for the drainage. But I would like to tell you about my experience for preparation for the drainage procedure at PMH.

There were no pre-procedure instructions (could eat normally) and there were no post-procedure instructions or restrictions (could drive immediately following the procedure).

I arrived at the urgent care unit for the pleural effusion drainage and they asked me to go upstairs for an xray prior to the procedure because the CT scan showing the pleural effusion was over a month ago. I checked in at xray and waited maybe 5 minutes to be called in for the xray. Xrays did not take long and I went back down to the urgent care unit.

When you check in for the drainage, they assign you to a bed/room. The procedure is carried out while you are sitting up on the bed. They bring a portable ultrasound machine into the room. First they check the pleural effusion and determine the best route to access the fluid. The ultrasound is used to guide the needle to the fluid during the procedure (much like a biopsy).

For me, they used the ultrasound to confirm the findings of the xray = reduced fluid.

That is all I have because I have not had the procedure. If/when that actually happens, you can be sure I will share my experience. 😀

@Alwayslearning

I guess my post was a little confusing 😁. I did end up having the procedure yesterday. I'm hoping I don't need another one next week!! 

@GloHo well first I'd like to say I'm glad you didn't have to go through the procedure. I'm also hoping you are feeling okay.

Second, thank you for sharing your preparation process. It's so helpful as it demystifies things. When we are going through something new, our brains can create scenarios that may create more anxiety. Your sharing will I'm sure be helpful to others who may have to go through this procedure in the future. I do know there are a few people who have experienced the drainage and have mentioned it on the site. If they are comfortable sharing and adding to this conversation, again to help educate others, please feel free to share. The more we know, right?!

#Treatmentandsideeffects

I am new to pleural effusions and pleural effusion drainage. It turns out that I did not require the drainage because the fluid decreased significantly, making it unnecessary for the drainage. But I would like to tell you about my experience for preparation for the drainage procedure at PMH.

There were no pre-procedure instructions (could eat normally) and there were no post-procedure instructions or restrictions (could drive immediately following the procedure).

I arrived at the urgent care unit for the pleural effusion drainage and they asked me to go upstairs for an xray prior to the procedure because the CT scan showing the pleural effusion was over a month ago. I checked in at xray and waited maybe 5 minutes to be called in for the xray. Xrays did not take long and I went back down to the urgent care unit.

When you check in for the drainage, they assign you to a bed/room. The procedure is carried out while you are sitting up on the bed. They bring a portable ultrasound machine into the room. First they check the pleural effusion and determine the best route to access the fluid. The ultrasound is used to guide the needle to the fluid during the procedure (much like a biopsy).

For me, they used the ultrasound to confirm the findings of the xray = reduced fluid.

That is all I have because I have not had the procedure. If/when that actually happens, you can be sure I will share my experience. 😀