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What I Learned From My Open Heart Surgery
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) | Last Active: 4 days ago | Replies (17)Comment receiving replies
I am scheduled for correction to Obstuctive HOCO next month at Mayo clinic Rocester, MN. I admit, I am trying not to be scared. Dr. tells me that I am a young healthy 68-year-old and best to do it now with symptoms than when get older. Reading the different experiences above has helped but open heart surgery is just a scary thing. I have a Master's degree in Human Biology and I think it is working against me because I understand what is going to happen and what could go wrong. I know the stats are in my favor and I will be in good hands with the drs and the Lord. But that anxiousness still creeps in. I have had back surgery about 6 years ago and it seems my pain tolerance is pretty good and recovery from that was not as bad as I thought it would be. We are from AR so will have to travel. My cardiologist in AR said to drive..it is about 11 hours. Drive halfway and stop for night..stop every couple hours and walk around. I figured by the time we got to airpot early, had 3 hour layovers, and loaded onto airplane again, we may as well just drive. Any suggestions on how long we should hang around Rocester after dismissed from hospital before we head home? Also, did those who have had the surgery feel better after and able to do things without the shortness of breath? That is my biggest symptom and fatigue. Thanks for any suggestions or advice..Sharon
Replies to "I am scheduled for correction to Obstuctive HOCO next month at Mayo clinic Rocester, MN. I..."
For my kidney tumors open surgery, my surgeon recommended sticking around Rochester for 3-4 days after discharge. Maybe ask your surgeon?
@oliviasoma ,
I see you are new here on Connect, so welcome aboard!
I tried to share my story and emphasize the part where I made it a huge and scary deal...in my mind! It was scary, but it was much worse in my head versus reality.
Since you had back surgery and know how you did after that, let that be your guide.
You don't have a Masters in Human Biology because your not smart, you are very smart.
And you mention you have the Lord. So give it to Him. Put it in His capable hands. I had to do that myself. I would give it to Him and take it back. Give. Take back. Many times. But finally I had peace.
You cannot be in a better place in the world than Rochester Mayo Clinic. They truly are the finest in the world and your care will be unbelievable. The nurses are like angels.
To answer your question about shortness of breath after surgery. YES! One hundred percent my shortness of breath was gone after surgery. So was the pounding, tachycardia, PVCs, and fatigue. I still have issues when I lose my ability to control my food portions. That's a nice way of saying when I can't stop eating something because it tastes so good, I pay for it. Think like a Thanksgiving meal portion wise.
Driving in stages sounds like a great option. I had to fly because I am in California. I also have a 2.5 drive to get to the airport, so it was an exhausting trip home. Being able to stop, walk around, stay overnight and drive the next day is a wonderful way to get home.
We stayed an extra two days, which was only because I was afraid to leave the Mayo area. It was again, all in my head!
You have many blessings. Being healthy before this is one of the tops. And going to Mayo Clinic. You will not get better care.
Do not let your thoughts control you. You can control them instead.
I hope the post I made was helpful to you otherwise.
It's easy to say "don't worry" when it's not happening to you. But in this case I totally get it. Trust, have Faith and give it to God.
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Oliviasoma, you sound like you are good to go! You got this! Yes, every single one of us undergoing this surgery was absolutely terrified, but here we are telling our tales. Driving won't be bad, on the way home we stopped so I could walk at almost every rest area between Rochester and Eastern upstate NY. If you can borrow a walker, bring it so you'll save some $. We began our journey the day after I was discharged. I read that many stayed longer, so l say see how you are doing and what they say. Yes, surgery made me feel better, no longer had shortness of breath. My nurse friends said the "do it while you are healthy" part, I was an active 75 year old. Please let us know how you are doing! Continue to ask questions you may have. I did not accidently discover Connect till over a year after surgery, it would have so helpful.