SCCWS
Well-known member
Had a tissue Aortic Valve Replacement a week ago tomorrow. Male 63 Everything went well: The highlights so far:
1. No bypasses expected going in due to CC but the Dr. found some tissue concerns around the aorta so had to do some patchwork besides the valve. Said it saved me a future trip back for OHS
2. The tube down the throat has been talked about a lot. I slept through most but the gauging of my ability to breathe alone for about an hour was tough since they jogged me as soon as i started to sleep. That was the worst part as I just wanted the hour to end and get it out.
3. I never had any pain. I had upper shoulder discomfort but I passed on all the pain meds after one 2 ml of morphine. I was very lucky because I am sure it was not my toughness. Still just using regular tylenol for minor aches.
4. There must be reserved seats in heaven for nurses.
5. The coughing started Day 4 and I had two extended bouts where I either passed out or became disoriented for a couple of seconds. That was the worst part of the early recovery but then a nurse observed I was so concerned when extended cough started that i stopped breathing normally. Still having 1 or 2 a day but I am concentrating on breathing now.
6. Had one extended ( 2 hours) bout of A-Fib and one short ( 12 minutes) in hospital. Doc says that was normal.
7. Doing well at home but still not sleeping well because of nagging coughing.
8. Getting the Visiting Nurse for 1st home visit today was a nightmare w Insurance Company because the Case manager was in jury duty yesterday. Actually was on the phone for 3 hours yesterday/last night my first day back. aagggh
9. First time ever in hospital for any overnight so I had some concerns going in. The experience w the whole hospital staff was terrific.
10. VERY IMPORTANT to warn your significant other that the view will not be pretty in the recovery room. I did but my wife said she still was stunned that I looked so puffy and with all the tubes.
11. This site is terrific for preparing for the procedure. But every case is different which makes sense w the myriad of conditions, ages, health conditions and problems associated w OHS. I think for those going in, be positive. With a week today, I think I was lucky to have a fairly routine replacement w minimal discomfort afterwards. Hopefully this will continue. I also hope your hotel and staff treat you as well as mine did.
1. No bypasses expected going in due to CC but the Dr. found some tissue concerns around the aorta so had to do some patchwork besides the valve. Said it saved me a future trip back for OHS
2. The tube down the throat has been talked about a lot. I slept through most but the gauging of my ability to breathe alone for about an hour was tough since they jogged me as soon as i started to sleep. That was the worst part as I just wanted the hour to end and get it out.
3. I never had any pain. I had upper shoulder discomfort but I passed on all the pain meds after one 2 ml of morphine. I was very lucky because I am sure it was not my toughness. Still just using regular tylenol for minor aches.
4. There must be reserved seats in heaven for nurses.
5. The coughing started Day 4 and I had two extended bouts where I either passed out or became disoriented for a couple of seconds. That was the worst part of the early recovery but then a nurse observed I was so concerned when extended cough started that i stopped breathing normally. Still having 1 or 2 a day but I am concentrating on breathing now.
6. Had one extended ( 2 hours) bout of A-Fib and one short ( 12 minutes) in hospital. Doc says that was normal.
7. Doing well at home but still not sleeping well because of nagging coughing.
8. Getting the Visiting Nurse for 1st home visit today was a nightmare w Insurance Company because the Case manager was in jury duty yesterday. Actually was on the phone for 3 hours yesterday/last night my first day back. aagggh
9. First time ever in hospital for any overnight so I had some concerns going in. The experience w the whole hospital staff was terrific.
10. VERY IMPORTANT to warn your significant other that the view will not be pretty in the recovery room. I did but my wife said she still was stunned that I looked so puffy and with all the tubes.
11. This site is terrific for preparing for the procedure. But every case is different which makes sense w the myriad of conditions, ages, health conditions and problems associated w OHS. I think for those going in, be positive. With a week today, I think I was lucky to have a fairly routine replacement w minimal discomfort afterwards. Hopefully this will continue. I also hope your hotel and staff treat you as well as mine did.
