No. I have no recollection of the ventilator at all. The anesthesiologist even told me that their goal is to make sure that this is the case. They did their job well for both my valve replacement surgery and my follow-up leg bypass surgery (a complication from the endocarditis) which was about 8 months later. I have no memory of the breathing tube from either surgery.Did you wake up with the ventilator still in?
No problems for me. They give you pain medication as needed. I had almost no pain from the heart surgery, and didn't need the oxycodone or other hard stuff. A few Tylenol pills were all I needed or wanted. But, they have all the stronger stuff there if you need/want it.How was your pain managed?
Yes. but in my case they had put in a few semi-permanent vein ports through which they could inject antibiotic drugs/fluids/etc, and draw blood when needed, so there were no needles for routine blood tests. I can't say whether this is typical or not. But, you can expect to be woken up at least once during the night following surgery for the blood draws.Did they take blood often?
I was in the hospital for about 3 weeks, mostly in the intensive care units. Again, my case was not typical and I was almost dead before the surgery, so I would not expect a routine valve replacement would require hospitalization for more than about a week. I expect your surgeon will be able to give you a good estimate for your particular situation.How long were you in the hospital?
Because of a complication in my leg from the endocarditis (embolisms blocking blood flow to my foot), I had difficulty walking at all, but again this is not typical. They encourage you to walk around the cardiac floor for exercise. You will likely be dragging a pole with wheels around with you with various drug drips, so you won't be going all that far. By the time you feel well enough to walk around the larger hospital area, they will probably send you home.Were you able to walk around the hospital or did you have to stay on the cardiac floor?
Because mine was an emergency surgery, I never saw (and I never got to pick) my surgeon before the surgery, but I did meet him after my surgery. As an emergency case, I was assigned the first available surgical slot with the first heart surgeon that could take me.Did you see your surgeon post surgery?
Again, my case is not typical, so part of my surprise was waking up at all. But, on a more helpful note, I suppose it was being able to hear the heart valve ticking. It is not a problem or annoying, but because I had never researched heart valves prior to my surgery, I was not aware that the mechanical valves make an audible ticking.What was your biggest surprise about the surgery?
After I left the intensive care ward for a room in the cardiac care unit, my room was in an older building that I believe is no longer the cardiac care ward since they built the new center. One night the heat was set too low, but I mentioned it to the nurse and she adjusted the thermostat for me.Were you too warm or too cool?
Well, since that was my first time ever in a hospital as a patient, I don't have much of a basis of comparison. They are pretty efficient and they take care of things well. Visiting hours for cardiac patients are not restricted, so visitors can show up any time. Hopkins has a deal with some local hotels to offer discounted rates for family and friends visiting patients. Check their website for details.Could you tell me about the day to day at the hospital once your were alert enough to be aware?
Good luck, and I'm sure you are in good hands.Going for my pre op tomorrow.
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