One year for me as well!
One year for me as well!
One year ago this moment, I was in the ICU after AVR and aortic root replacement. Given the day, I want to acknowledge everyone for the advice and support that I received through our little club here.
I also wanted to pass along the 10 things I learned from the experience for others on the hot seat. Here's my list.
1. I may not be here right now if they didnt' discover the problem. Finding out was the first step of recovery and my best chance to avoid the worst. It was a lucky thing.
2. Don't schedule the cath ahead of the surgery so that you can come home in between. I did and it makes those days only worse.
3. Make sure they knock you out during the cath. They only gave me a local.
4. Bring your pajama bottoms to the hospital.
5. Try to get a private room. There is a greater chance of getting an infection from others than dying from this stuff.
6. If you go to a teaching hospital do not sign the form that allows students to attend to you. Insist on board certified physicians only. My scar is two inches wide at some points.
6. Recovery is exponetial and not linear. Alll of a sudden you feel better. For me that was week 5. I played golf in week six.
7. It takes 6 months to be rock steady again and to get everything out of your system.
8. Be nice to the nurses and the surgeon's PA, you will be with them much more than the physicians.
9. Choose the surgeon based on how many operations that they do of your exact procedure, and their mortality rate, not by what hospital they are at, or who your cardiologist recommends.
10. You won't totally get over it untill you go back to your old life, including working normal hours, and playing at the old games.
I still can't believe that a year has passed by.
Thanks,
Tom
