1 week to go ...

[Jas0n]

only 1 week to go before this 22 year old has his first - and hopefully last - avr. excited a bit (i want to get back to riding!!!) and a little scared, but mostly excited. and anxious. i wish i could fast foward to 6 weeks from now. any last minute advice?? little tips that you wish you would have known about??

 

[TenPly]

Hey Jason, I'm 22 yrs old as well, and had my aortic and mitral valves replaced last year (September, '05). I pretty much felt the same way, a little anxious and a little excited to get it over with. To be honest, I was kinda looking forward to it, because I knew I needed the operation and it was going to be for the best.

And soon your heart will be all fixed up and you'll be riding again! In the coming days, I would say just follow all the instructions your doctor gives and take care of any last minute preparations, maybe spend some time doing something fun, quality time with your family, friends, etc.

A couple tips: take it slow immediately following your surgery, don't try to do too much while you're in the hospital, but at the same time, try to make progress every day.

For instance, about 16 hours after my surgery, I was up walking around the cardiac floor (with a walker and help from a nurse) for maybe 5 minutes. I didn't have to do it, but I wanted to. Next day, I was up walking again without the walker, but still very, very slowly. In the 5 days I spent there, I kept doing it, and sure enough I got stronger.

Following your surgery, continue to cooperate with your doctor/nurses and definitely ask them as many questions as you can -- maybe even write them down so you won't forget -- however, before you leave the hospital, they'll give you plenty of brochures, pamphlets, instructions and guidelines to follow. Oh yeah, and keep your heart pillow handy -- it'll help to buffer some of the pain if you cough or sneeze.

I wish you the best with your surgery, I'm sure you'll come through wonderfully, and your heart will be good as new!

 

[OldManEmu]

Don't Stress

Don't Stress

Jason I know what you are experiencing. The waiting is the worst part. I wanted resolution one way or another in the lead up to surgery. I didn't find it near as bad as I imagined, after all I was anesthetised during the worst part of it. At 22 you should bounce back quickly I was 41 at the time of my surgery and I was surprised at how quickly I recovered and you are almost half my age. Most of the statistics they hit you with are for 60 plus patients often with multiple other health issues, at 22 if you have no other problems it should be just a footnote in you life before you know it.

 

[Ross]

A couple tips: take it slow immediately following your surgery, don't try to do too much while you're in the hospital, but at the same time, try to make progress every day.

This is most important. Do all the walking you can.

Following your surgery, continue to cooperate with your doctor/nurses and definitely ask them as many questions as you can -- maybe even write them down so you won't forget -- however, before you leave the hospital, they'll give you plenty of brochures, pamphlets, instructions and guidelines to follow.

Ideally they will give you information as it should be, but not all hospitals do. If you have questions, don't be afraid to call your Surgeons office or Cardiologist for answers if your not given the information.

 

[Liz]

Good-luck!

Good-luck!

Good-luck with your surgery Jason, my thoughts and prayers will be with you. I felt the same as you, a little scared but mostly excited (because my heart was going to get fixed so I could get back to normal life again) and also grateful to live in a time and place where surgery is available.

As for tips, your body will amaze you with its healing ability, but your part is to facilitate that healing by getting lots of rest, doing your walking, breathing, eating, etc. You'll get a little stronger every day and be able to do a little more, but remember this is one time where slow and steady wins the race. If you push too hard too fast you can end up with set-backs.

The six weeks will go by before you know it, it's a rare opportunity to slow down and appreciate the miracle of being alive and in a healing body. And don't set yourself up to expect too much at the magical six week milestone - it will take at least a few months for your body to heal completely - be gentle with yourself.

Take care,
Liz

 

[Andrew'sMom]

Jason ,
Wishing you all the best with your upcoming surgery. I'll look for your updates in Post Surgery. Good Luck!

 

[Superbob]

Jason,

You'll have your youth working for you, as well as the active life you've led. Just be gradual in your rehab -- as others have said, do that regular walking, but on a schedule your docs recommend. Maybe you can get into cardiac rehab in several weeks. You should do great, and have a long and active life ahead of you. All best wishes to you....

 

[Guest]

Jason,

Good luck next week . And, of course, thoughts/prayers coming your way....



Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 32swm/pig valve/pacemaker
MC:family.IL.guide.future = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/
chdQB = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/quilt.html
"We got mountains to climb" ... Rod Stewart ... 'Broken Arrow'

 

[kimfusca]

Hi Jason,
Looks like we will be going in around the same time. Ozmercy is too. I will be thinking of you. We'll have to compare notes afterwards. Since your the youngest of the group (I'm 37), you might be up and out the fastest!

 

[temp69]

Dude: Yer gonna be fine. Just get ready to lay back and take it all in. The most important thing to know is that this surgery is very safe, very effective. And at 22 you'll sail right through it.

best of luck!

 

[Mary]

Yep, I agree with Temp; your age will allow you to enjoy a fast recovery.
And as Ross said, do alot of walking and call your surgeon if anything unexpected comes up once you're released from the hospital.
We'll be hanging around, waiting to hear your report.
Good luck!
Mary