Help! Mum with pneumonia to have thoracotomy tomorrow, need reassurance!

[je5580]

My mum has been in hospital for 3 weeks now with pneumonia, one of the most serious types apparently ( staphycoccolus?). She has been on oxygen and IV antibiotics, as well as oral ones. A fortnight ago she had a chest drain inserted as she had fluid on the lung which wasn't draining enough so a larger one was put in instead. That still isn't doing the job so she has been booked in tomorrow for a thoracotomy. The word empyema has been mentioned. I'm so scared and confused, they've mentioned possibly having to break a rib to get to the lung? Any words of reassurance if anyone has been through something similar would be so appreciated. I'm her only child so feeling very alone and frightened at the moment.x

I had an empyema in Dec after pervious thoracotomy.
I actually felt better afterward the second thoracotomy as had been very I'll with the empyema.
It is very painful, but once I got to see the pain team and got on top of the pain I felt a lot better. If they are not already seeing your mum, request that they do, I had lots of drains and iv antibiotics for 6 weeks,
Recovery takes a while afterwards I'd say about 3 months.
Hope all goes well for you mum tomorrow.

Yes, they have mentioned her seeing the pain team afterwards. Thank you so much for the reply, I'm a worrier anyway so It's good to know what to expect. I'm going down to stay with her this morning, not sure what use I'll be though mind you, I'm a wreck! ..... Got through last night with a couple of glasses of wine, but think it might be frowned upon if I do the same this morning . God, I could do with it though!! Thanks again.x