I am a postie albright a newly minted one my open DS was Oct15. I am a doctor so here it goes Nurse Diane sometimes the medical knowledge we have does make it more difficult for us. We know all the complications that can occur-we don't minimize that this is MAJOR surgery. Yet I think this makes us stronger in the end. When the nurses are prodding you to walk even though all you want to do is curl up in bed and drug yourself to oblivion- you will get out of bed before your next drug induced sleep period. When the respiratory therapist seems like an evil game show clown with you having to keep the incentive spirometer up for 4 seconds- you will pull your resolve up from your toes and try your best. I have to say the first two days were he** but after that I was up walking, off pain meds, and home early in 4 days. So I send you angels to hover over you and keep you safe.. Doctor Amanda