Surgery Monday

[alpage]

Just got the news late this afternoon. The surgeon's office called and I'm booked for surgery Monday at noon! Quite a shock as I was expecting to have to wait a month or two longer. I'll have to do a lot of running around to get everthing prepared in time - mail, bills, work, etc. But I guess it's best to have it done now.

Whew! Well I'm going for pre-op Thursday and away I go. I still can hardly believe it's so soon. I guess it's a good thing since I was having to take it pretty easy outside in the cold or risk angina.

Wish me luck! I'll see if my brother can post a status update here for me.

Alan

[hensylee]

Well, Alan, guess you got your surprise for the year! Just settle now and go easy getting things done. And, yes, pay those bills and take care of as much stuff as you can for now and then just get ready. You have been waiting for some while now so guess you must be ready to get it done. My prayers are with you all the way and then some. We will be with you as you travel along and will wait for your brother's posts. Godspeed

[Ross]

Alan, I'll keep you in the prayers also. I bet that threw you didn't it? I sure wouldn't expect anything that fast or should I say on such short notice.

[sylviayasgur]

hi alan!
what great news! atleast that shortens your wait!
we will all be praying for and thinking of you this thursday and on monday.
i hope your brother can let us know how things go; we'll all be waiting to hear.
i wish you all the best and just remember that the worst will be over soon. in just a week your surgery will be over.
God bless you,
sylvia

[Nancy]

Great news Alan-

It's time and soon you'll be feeling much better. We'll all be looking forward to hearing how things went. It will be wonderful if your brother can post for you.

Good luck and Godspeed!

[dkader]

Hi Alan,

I am new here, so I do not know you or what procedure you are having done, but I wanted to wish you the best of luck and you will be in my prayers!

[alpage]

I will be having aortic valve replacement and aortic replacement.

It's interesting how different people react to illness and surgery. Some of it has to do with personality and some with the specific situation. I've know that I would need valve surgery for over five years. For the first four and a half years I hardly told anyone outside my immediate family. Then as I started to get symptoms and surgery was imminent, I shared the information with some friends and colleagues. I guess the tension has been building up over the years and months. Perhaps if I was having gall bladder surgery or hernia surgery I would hardly think it worth mentioning (not to trivialize those other surgeries). But I feel as if the tension has been winding up for months and now it's finally released. I want to shout from the rooftops!

In different circumstances I might want to withdraw into isolation, but in this situation I feel comforted and supported when I can share what I am going through.

Alan

[dkader]

Alan,

I know there are a lot of emotions involved in this type of surgery - much more than any other surgery unless you're having a transplant! LOL I had no known heart problems and then wham! my heart was at the worst stage for regurgitation and I had the surgery 4 months later. They wanted me to do it in 2 months (only because the waiting list was 2 months long) but I work at a school and asked could I wait until June and they said ok as long as I was a good girl! But, I really deteriorated in those few months and was ready for the surgery. They never figured out what caused my mitral valve to go. One month I was fine and the next I needed surgery! It may have been there before but no one ever diagnosed it and I had had many pre-ops for other things.

Anyway, I'm sure you'll be fine and you'll be back on the road to recovery soon. Don't forget a pillow and you'll need a recliner if you don't have one. Good luck.

[alpage]

Hello all,

Remind me, what are those essential items to bring with you? And the tips and tricks? I think there was something about holding a pillow to the incision?

Any threads I should be reading?

Alan

[mainframe]

Hi Alan,

Wishing you the best of luck on Monday. I'm not far behind. Cath on the 19th and am moving my surgery up from first week in April to first week in March.

Here's a thread Jennifer started recently about what to bring to the hospital.

http://www.valvereplacement.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=991

Chris.

[Jessica_B.]

Hi Al,

Best of luck to you! I'm sure you'll do great! And the positive effect of surgery becomes apparent pretty soon afterwards.

Much like you I knew too that some day I would need valve replacement. Yet I didn't say much about it to anyone until it became very apparent I needed it. By the time I saw the surgeon I was shocked to discover he proposed surgery in a matter of days rather than months. It was quite a shock. I came out of the doctor's office thinking that "oh well, surgery... what's a little surgery?!"
Then reality sunk in with me and whamo! I was like MY GOD, I AM HAVING OPEN HEART SURGERY!!

Everything must feel confusing to you right now. As to what to bring to the hospital. Well, the pillow will be your best friend until the sternum is healed. I also brought a few things from home to make me feel comfortable -- semi worn out t-shirts that I could throw away. I brought many books and things, thinking I would get to read. Turned out I didn't read a thing... I just slept.

With my most recent surgery I spent a considerable time in hospital. I started off bringing "only" a small bag and then with time things piled up. By the time I went home three months after surgery I had a gozillion knick-knackety things to pack :o ...

While waiting, take a deep breath and try to invision how good you will feel once you've recovered from surgery :).

All my best!

/jessica :D

[Perrster]

Going in for a nooner has got to be much better than a 6:00AM appointment on a Monday! You'll do good. You've got your faith, family and friends so now it's your time to just let it happen and look toward your future.

You are lucky to be so well prepared. I was clueless, but nevertheless I wasn't afraid.

Take a notebook (manual or computer). Maybe we can all share our thoughts and experiences and write a book about it some day?

Best of luck to you, Alan and we'll be here for you when you get back.

[hensylee]

I slept a lot, too. Take a comfy pair of shoes or slippers as you will be walking the second/third day. If you intend to take your own sleeping clothes, be sure it's soft and opens in front. I wore their gowns the whole while. All of us in the hall walking, looked like zombies trudging along in the same outfits! lol There will be a TV, of course that you can watch as you probably won't feel much like reading. Hard to keep your mind on one subject for long, but if you like, take a book just in case. The PILLOW is your very most important takealong, tho they will no doubt give you one and be sure to take it everywhere, even the bathroom! It is going to be your best friend - and, of course, try NOT to do the 'evil sneeze' thingy. They come from nowhere and are usually a surprise and most unpleasant! For coming home, wear loose shirt. Others will give you ideas, too. God bless Like your new pic

[Tammy]

Hi Alan,

That was quick. It seems like just a few months ago, you were sympton free. I know you will do just great and be back to your normal routine in no time.

I am curious as to how much angina you are experiencing. I am also having angina. It used to just last a second or two so I just dismissed it but now it sometimes last several minutes. I may not be too far behind you. But I will delay as long as possible.

Well take along anything special to you, such as pictures or other items that make you feel good. Of course don't forget the pillow!!
Take Care.

Tammy
MVR 04/06/89
AS

[Perrster]

Tammy,

What's this angina thing going on with you? Is your St. Jude getting rusty? You're supposed to be our matriarch who's been there and done that 13 years ago! Don't tell me you're looking at a re-do??!!

I hate this kind of news.

Leave it to someone like Janie to think of the Valentine's cards for Alan! Super idea.

[LUVMyBirman]

Hi Tammy

Please know that I will be praying for you.
Give us an update soon.
Take care...

[Johnny Stephens]

Best wishes Alan! You're almost there..

[alpage]

Hi Tammy,
I seem to get two types of angina. One is strictly associated with exertion. In my case that's walking outside in the cold weather. I get a squeezing pressure in my chest and some pain. I also get a bit of tingling along my right arm. Of course I slow down at the first sign of discomfort and it stops almost before it has a chance to start.

The second type is rarer, but is a mild ache or soreness in my chest that can happen even at rest. It can last for a while, but there is no squeezing pressure. I've had this a few times at the end of a day at work (even though it's a desk job).

Alan

[Tammy]

Hi Alan and all -

Well I really don't know if what I feel is Angina or something else. It is not a squeezing but a sharp pain that worsens if I try to take a deep breath. For some reason when it happens I want to take a deep breath but I have to just breathe normally and it goes away usually quickly. I believe the cool weather this week may be a contributing factor and then there is always stress. I
have been slammed at work with year end stuff. This usually happens when I am at rest not on exertion.

Perry - My Medtronic Mitral Valve seems to working just fine. This would be related to the Aortic Stenosis that has progressed due to the Rheumatic Heart Disease. Thanks for asking. The valve will be a teenager this year (13) and we all know how teenagers can be. LOL. Well, at least I do since I have 2 of them.

Gina - Thanks for your thoughts. I am going for my 6 month check up today. I doubt I'll get any new info because we are waiting 1 year from last echo to do another. Unless he detects something new.

I really think I am just having a bad week. My sinus's are driving me crazy and it has been rainy and dreary all week. Not to mention my work overload and moving over the last month.

I will keep you all posted if I hear any interesting news.

Alan -
You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.

Janie - Are you wonderwoman? I certainly did not feel up to writing cards in the hospital. I just wanted to sleep and whine. Two things I am very good at. Just ask my husband. LOL.

Tammy

[lynk]

Wishing you the best, Alan. Lynn

[RobThatsMe]

Hi Alan,

Just wanted to wish you a very successful surgery and a full and speedy recovery. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers as you move forward with your plan.

Tammy, PLease let us know how you make out at the doctors for your 6 month checkup. Hope it goes well. My 2 yr anniversary checkup is comng next month. I have the full battery of CT scans, and appt's with my vascular surgeon and cardiologist.

Rob

[LUVMyBirman]

I have been experiencing what you mentioned that last few days. Not in the center of my chest, no squeezing. Just a little less than sharp twinge above my right breast bone. Just had my pre 3 years and everything checked out ok.

Under a lot of stress right now. Sounds like you certainly have your share too. I hate to resort to Xanax. But it does help if needed.

Take care

[Tammy]

Well I had my visit with the Doc this morning. He does not think the pain in my chest is Angina. He said that would not be a sharp pain and it would not be centralized to one spot. SO that is good.
He listened and listened and said he did not notice any changes in my murmurs. He has now decided to wait til next year to do another Echo instead of this summer. I guess I need to take a chill pill (Xanax) and relax and enjoy. Thanks Gina. LOL.
I asked him again about my last echo and he said that although the stenosis is significant that it could actually improve upon the next echo. He said the numbers can flunctuate (sp) up or down.
Of course I think he was trying to stop me from worrying but anyhoo.
Well you all have a great weekend and I'll talk to you next week.

Tammy

[Tammy]

Well we should consider a DUO.....the sleeping whiners.
hehehehe - You crack me up.

C-ya.
Tammy

[JBriau]

alpage

Best wishes to you. Will be thinking of you. Your going to need
that pillow. Here in Edmonton Telus donates Red Heart pillows
to all heart patients. Everywhere you look on the ward poeple
carry their pillow. You will be up and around in no time!

:) Judy

[Bill Hall]

Al - Good luck with the surgery. To some extent, the less time to think about it, the better. Anyway, I will keep you in my prayers.

[sylviayasgur]

hi al!
wishing you a quick and easy surgery this monday. it's almost here!
we will be thinking of you and praying. please let us know how it goes.
be well and God bless,
sylvia

[Brade]

Good luck Alan, you'll be "right as rain" after this is all over. Love your pillow and it will love you back.

[alpage]

Now that I've been through the pre-op orientation and tests I'm glad that surgery is Monday. Otherwise I'd probably be stressed out if I had to wait a month or longer.

Tammy,

My angina is unaffected by breathing in or out, but I have occasionally had some minor sharp twinges that seem different. Also, at the same time as the chest pressure I get a funny sensation along the right arm. Apparently radiation to the left arm is more common, but everyone is different.

Back in December I had a very strong feeling that I was going to need surgery sooner than June, based on how my condition was progressing. This week, the threshold for angina is pretty slim. I could get the first twinges walking less than a block outdoors.

Alan

[Jan]

Hi Al,
we will all be thinking of you on Monday
You will do just fine, so many people are cheering you on,

Kind thoughts

Jan

[Gayle]

Hi all. I am new to the list. Question ... Do we talk about what to expect post-op? I haven't seen any comments so far. I always like to know what to expect. I understand some people don't.

[hensylee]

We sure do talk about post-op. But are you talking in the hospital or when you get home? We can walk you from step one after you get out of surgery forward. Just ask what you want to know and you will get lots of answers. God bless

[Nancy]

Hi Gayle-

Welcome to the site. From your profile, it looks as if you've had surgery already.

We'd all like to know you better. If you have a minute, why not start a new thread and tell us a little about you. It's always nice to have another member. Each one brings a unique perspective.

[alpage]

Gayle,

The hospital gave me a booklet detailing what activities to expect for each of the post-op days in hospital, so I don't have a whole lot of questions there. However it can be useful to hear how people do after they get out of hospital, when they return to work, to driving, to exercise, etc.

There are always suggestions from people who've been through the surgery and recovery that the doctor's may not know about, or may not consider important.

Alan

[dkader]

Hi Alan,

I remember going in for a 4 week checkup after surgery. The doctor told me I could only drive in daytime - like maybe to the store and back. No night driving or regular driving for 6 weeks after surgery. He said reflexes are not up to speed yet and you certainly don't want an accident.

I was told I could return to work in 4 weeks since I have an office job, but you know what? I said how often in my lifetime am I going to have open heart surgery? Hopefully, just that once - so I stayed off the whole 6 weeks and then did not work a full 40 hours the first week.

They put me in cardiac rehab at about 8 weeks past surgery and that really helped. One thing that helps alot after surgery is walking - especially in the hospital and when you get home. You really do feel better. Hope this helps.

[Nancy]

Here's a good tip for you Al. See if you or someone else can find you a small chair for use in the shower. I have a sturdy plastic folding chair that Joe used after all his surgeries. He could lean on the back of it when standing up and if he needed to he could sit down and rest a little. He used it a lot.

[hensylee]

I got up every morning, did the exercises they gave me at the hospital (3 or more times per day), walked in the yard with my cousin holding my elbow. Went to surgeon in 4 wks (he had ordered chest xray ahead of time - same day of appt). Gave me instructions about driving. He did the necessary exam, asked questions and told me to see cardio in 3 mos. I didn't do rehab as it was far from my home, but it is important. Used the spirometer a lot. It'll take you a good while to recuperate, so take it really easy in most things. Your scar will itch so use some sort of cream to help calm it down (after it begins to heal). Nap as much as you feel like it. You will see in a week or so that you are getting yourself back; before that you are pretty helpless - sore, pain, etc. You will find your own schedule for getting back to normal and your surgeon/cardio/nurses will give you lots of info in the hosp and after. When you get home, if you have questions, never hesitate to call your dr's office.

You are in my prayers. Godspeed

[Lorraine]

Al,

I'll be thinking and praying for you Monday when you go through your surgery, as will everyone else! Walk, use that pillow and Spirometer faithfully. You'll come through fine! Meet you on the Other Side!

[Mike M. in Hous]

Hi Al,

Will be thinking and praying for you on Monday. You will be glad to have it done and over with I promose. It kind of happened that way with me when I got a call that there was an earlier opening(next morn) and I took it. Kind of iliminates all the anxiety of waiting.
You will want that pillow for your chest for sure, It will become your best friend over the next week or so. Most places will provide you with one though I understand that not all are SOFT. If the one they give youy isn't I would have a back up. Loose fitting tops that open down the front are a must, as well as soft easy to slip on slippers.
You will be feeling better in no time.

Mike in Houston

[Scottie]

my thoughts and prayers will be with you ....lets us know how you do ....and best wishes for a speedy recovery ...
Scottie

ps ..folks ...whats a spirometer ?...am I really stupid not to know ?

[deborahj]

dear al,keep beleiving in life and it' ll get easier.ice cubes and foot massage to keep you rooted to the earth,then whatever helps you get thru your days and nights.a glass of red wine, some great music on disc,some funny short stories, a present from someone you love, (in my case a minnie mouse!!)some herbs like strong arnica for internal bruising, and some really luxuriant bath stuff that you'd never usually buy....d'y'know I may be being a bit girly here...get something you're going to look forward to, each day of your recovery;like treats, and treat yourself gently and with kindness, as if you were your own best friend.
loads of love debs xx;) ;)

[dkader]

A spirometer is that thing they make you blow into to see if you can get the little ball to go all the way to the top. The whole idea is to exercise your lungs so you won't get pneumonia after surgery. They even give it to you before surgery so you can practice.

[alpage]

I'm off! Rather than stay overnight in the hospital the night before surgery (which isn't until noon) they let me stay at home. I show up at the hospital 8 am. I slept a bit better than I thought - I didn't expect to sleep a wink!

Thanks to all for your support, encouragement, and the benefit of your experiences.

Alan

[hensylee]

and we're goin too - in spirit. Be here waitin when you get back. And we left the light on for ya. Prayers

[Nancy]

We'll all be here waiting to hear how things went. Hopefully, someone can let us know, because we worry and we care. I know you won't see this prior to surgery, but Bon Voyage and smooth sailing!

Talk to you later.

[Jean]

We are all sending our thoughts and prayers your way today and hoping to hear of your good success. God bless.

[Ross]

The anticipation of hearing about your surgery and recovery is always intense to me.

I'll be thinking and praying for you also.

See you on the otherside,
Ross

[sylviayasgur]

been thinking about your surgery today and praying, hoping all went smoothly.
i look forward to hearing how it all went.
God bless,
sylvia

[RonP]

Allen:

Looking at your picture, I'd say we're about the same age. I'm 51 and survived getting the aortic replaced, three stroke, seven cardiac arrests, and now a pacemaker/defibrillator; and all since Sep 1999.

Through it all I've learned not to worry, let God take care of it, and the less you think of it, the better off you are. Rest assured you WILL be in my prayers and those of my church. Please don't worry for it does no good. The whole group is here to support you before and after. Rest assured they'll provide all you need and answer any questions you have.

May God be with you and do keep us posted on your progress.

RON P.

[Turkey Hunter]

May He be with you and your family and surgeons on Monday.
You will be in my prayers.

Ben

[alpage]

Thanks to all who offered their support.

I'm back from surgery, and will start a new thread in post-surgery forum

Alan