Recent content by BCMike

Thanks! I'm slowly moving in the right direction. The strange part of this all is that everyone's so happy because I pulled through, but I was unconscious the whole time and had no idea how much I scared everyone until I heard all the stories!

Just a quick note to say I did make it through. Quite the complications though. Am very tired but will likely be around here in the next week or so. Thanks for alll the thoughts. Barely made it!

Thank you Thank you , Thank you!!!!!!!!!! Just about to hop in the shower to scrub myself down before bed. Did the pre-op orientation today and was a bit overwhelmed with all the info thrown at me! But the people there are amazing. And so are all of you. I will be sure to log in as soon...

Thanks Peg, I can't believe I'm going to type this, let alone think it: I'm actually kind of looking forward to recovering in what I'm told is a pretty kick ass patient care center. That and the hot young nurses. (happily married, but some eye candy can't hurt the healing process!) WIFI...

I'm one day behind you. From what I've heard, you are in some of the best hands possible. Here's to a speedy recovery and we'll have to share stories once we're up to it! All The Best!! -Mike

Thank you so much everyone! Only 2 sleeps to go! (that's if I manage to sleep!) I just learned from my surgeon that "everything we need should be on our shelves today"! (The new ON-X valve with attached AAP) Also, my appliance salesman dropped by to check out some deficiencies and it turns...

I guess it's true though - that there's not much of a story to tell when everything goes according to plan. Therefore, we end up reading mostly about problems people are having or have had and possible solutions to the problems. I think it's great! (not that people have had problems, but the...

Thanks folks, but I've tried that positive thinking crap - I knew it wasn't going to work! Seriously though, thanks for all the suggestions and comments. Unfortunately, I feel much more supported here than at home. I guess it's because you guys can all relate. That, and you don't have to put...

Well, it's only 8 sleeps away and I can't wait to get this over with. All of the fears that I didn't know I even had are coming to the surface. That tube in my throat! The catheter not working properly! Pulling the pace wires out! DHCA! Being the first patient at the hospital to have this...

That's what I went through when I had my first AVR in '99. My surgeon sort of suggested that 'who knows what kind of advancements will take place in the next 10 years' saying that they probably wouldn't even have to crack my chest next time around. Well, they do! Anyways, I'm going mechanical...

Just curious here folks, why so happy to be off warfarin? Also, alesia, was your surgery at RJH in Victoria?

My surgeon told me I would have this scar. I can't remember why - that's how I came across this topic. Anyone else??? I'll post pics after. I have an email in to my surgeons office but he's on vacation for another week or so.

Hi Piglet! What happened to the weather? I can't believe how it just turned so fast! I can tell you that I completely understand the mass exodus. I'm sure there's a slightly different reason for most, but I think it's mainly because people don't know how to behave and it makes them...

Wow! You guys are great! I go away for a few hours and come back to this. It helps a ton! Can't really talk about it with family so I really appreciate having this resource. Noone else really wants to hear about it or even know the details - they either get grossed out, scared, or just...

Thanks Lyn and Dick! Last time I had complications once home. I had fluid build up in the sac around my heart. The pain was excrutiating but Dr's kept treating me like I was a whiner and saying things like "Of course you hurt - it's like getting hit by a truck."! The pain and breathlessness...