Recent content by rick0329

Sorry I have not updated in a while, it was difficult typing on my phone. I came home this past Wednesday and am spending quite a bit of time resting! I do have a side effect from the surgery which is AFIB. The doctor is hoping it will go away on its own. I still can feel the AFIB so I will...

I am happy to say they removed the last two tubes from my chest. It did not hurt at all. I will walk again later today.

I must use my phone to reply so it takes me time to type. I had a good day yesterday an walked with the walker. But last night I developed afib which had me worried all night. The do for told me this is co.Mon especially having had afib before. So I am more calm now. Today they may remove...

Had my AVR on Friday. Everything went well! I am out of icu since last night. When I am a bit stronger I will update everyone on .y experience.

Thank you everyone for all of your comments! Can't sleep, leaving for the hospital in 3 1/2 hours. Still pretty calm but starting to feel anxious!

Thank you everybody for the great comments, I will remember to ask for laxatives and pain meds when needed. Yesterday I went for my pre-op testing. Got my first look at the inside of the hospital. Tomorrow (Friday) is the big day, I must report to the hospital by 5am. I will be the first...

PGARG, thank you so much sharing, gives me more insight on what to expect. My surgery will be this Friday, I also chose the ON-X valve.

Red, glad to hear you had little or no pain! I guess I will find out after post op. Glad everything is going great, tomorrow morning I go to the hospital for pre-op test then I must report back at the hospital at 5am Friday morning, the surgery is scheduled for 7:30 am. Not looking forward to...

Thank you everyone for such great responses. The more I know what to expect surly prepares me for my recovery. It will allow me to have more peace of mind knowing that what I am experiencing is normal and part of the recovery process. I keep on focusing on my recovery and the ability to spend...

Thank you so much for all of your comments, the more I know the better I will be prepared for my operation. My biggest fears are the pain, breathing tube and nausea. I am trying not to think about that part. I know I have no choice and I need to deal with it!

Thanks to both of you sharing your experiences. I will be having my surgery this Friday having an ON-X aortic valve installed. I am also very concerned about the ventilator, nauseous feeling and pain. Now I have a little bit better idea on what to expect. Other then the heart cath this is my...

So sorry about the amount of pain you had. Good advice on being more forceful in asking for pain meds. I have read different accounts about pain on this forum and I guess you are right that every person is different. I can only hope for the best!

Thank you Palegirl, how did your recovery go? How was the pain factor?

Next Friday Sept 5 will be my open heart surgery day. Although I am terrified of having the surgery I feel remarkably calm at this point. I guess I dodged the bullet for 63 years, I was born with a heart murmur and not finally it is time to have it fixed. I have decided on the ON-X mechanical...