At least 5 to 7 times an hour, or during the commercials, as suggested by my doctor, I have to take deep breaths using an incentive spirometer. The first thing it was for was to clean the anesthesia out of my lungs. The anesthesia tasted really gross. Really gross. Like I'd been sucking on a car exhaust pipe. I think I got it all out because I can't taste it anymore. Now, I have to ensure my lungs aren't collapsing, and have to make sure the alveoli are expanded so I don't get pneumonia. I've learned that it's easier to take deep breaths when sitting, rather than when laying down. It's virtually impossible when standing because I'm focusing on my abs, which I'm not supposed to tense up but it's hard not to.
Since I've been home I've been sitting, walking in circles in the upstairs hallway, and taking pills. While pretty painful, I'm enjoying the rest.
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