Septal Myectomy Questions

Everyone is different. My home cardiologist sent all my lab reports and photos for review a few months before and I was soon accepted as a patient. The timeline was outlined in a phone appointment including a general question/answer time and advice about travel upon discharge. We arrived on a Monday for the tests (they want up-to-date data), Tuesday and Wednesday. Surgery was on Thursday, discharge on Tuesday and we drove home on Wednesday to arrive there on Thursday. The discharge plans need to be flexible because of your recovery status, I was able to do all of the OT and PT quickly, the endless bloodwork was showing good readings, etc. My follow-up visit was with my home cardiologist, in fact, I had no contact with Mayo starting 2-3 days after discharge. The advice given will depend on your particular situation. Good luck and wishing you a full and speedy recovery!

Did you have stitches or staples in the incision? Were you sent to the hotel or home on oxygen? I have read conflicting things. I have surgery on June 11. Thanks Sharon.

Dear Sharon, my incision was glued, it eventually washed off as the layers of new skin grew in just as a scab would. Keeping it clean was a priority and antibacterial liquid soap in a little squeeze bottle was provided. When I was discharged, I told my husband to grab that and everything else I was using from the bathroom (they would just be discarding it otherwise). Therefore, I used the soap till it was gone. Travel: I had no instructions to remain in Rochester, in fact, I was told that I would be able to ride or fly home upon discharge. I was feeling fine with no pain and was able to move slowly but easily. I was discharged midafternoon; we stayed at our hotel for one night and began our journey to eastern upstate NY the next morning. Everyone is different, and many of us would suggest being flexible and see how you are feeling. It was somewhat scary leaving the area but do keep in mind that there are medical facilities between there and your home and you will have contacts by phone at Mayo in case of any questions or concerns. In fact, I had a phone appointment the next day from one of the PAs. Stopping at least once every 90 minutes/2 hours to walk around was mandatory. Borrow a walker if you can, it will save you the expense of purchasing one. Oxygen: I was given an overnight pulse oximetry the last night as an inpatient and it was thought I would benefit from oxygen at night. The Mayo discharge people made the arrangement for Lincare to deliver an oxygen concentrator to our hotel room. The very nice delivery man instructed us on its use and gave the phone number of Lincare near us - call them for pickup when I was finished using it. It was heavy and a pain in the neck to load in the car and into the motel on the way home etc. I do not think I actually needed it, the nose piece kept falling out when I was asleep even with tape. After a couple of days after arriving home, my home cardiologist had me do another pulse oximetry test and I did not need it. Lincare was called and it was picked up. Yes, you will read conflicting things because we are all different and be sure to keep asking us questions as they arise. June 11th will be here shortly, feelings of anxiety is very, very normal, our tales show that we kept our courage front and foremost and have benefitted greatly from our surgeries. Do you need to be there a couple of days before for tests and consultations as I was? You will be in excellent hands throughout your stay.

Yes, I have tests and appointments both Monday and Tuesday, then surgery on Wednesday. I am not sure how long to book the hotel. They told me I cannot check out early, but they can extend my stay with priority. I picked one with a shuttle to St. Mary Hospital. My husband is a country boy and not comfortable driving in cities he is not familiar with. I usually do the driving as I was raised in Memphis, TN. I figured he could shuttle back and forth to hospital, and it would be easier on him. I told him to watch closely the route so when I get discharged, he can drive to pick me up. We were told to stay a couple days after. Maybe that is just a precaution and may not be necessary depending on how I do. We are driving the 11-hour trip but are breaking it up and stopping at a hotel halfway. I do have a walker to bring in case I need it. I am a planner and would love to be practicing how to get out of bed, chairs, etc..then I could be strengthening those muscles. I cannot seem to find any videos on that. I know the nurses will show me, but I really would feel more comfortable practicing ahead of time. Today is 5/11...counting down and I am trying not to freak out and panic..I have only had one surgery in my life, a hysterectomy. I called everyone who I knew that had surgery and apologized for not knowing how painful it was..lol. I guess I am on go..had dental clearance, visited my cardiologists, who referred me to Dr. Dearani. Just overwhelming, with all I feel I need to do before hand. Not sure if should bring t-shirts to pull over head, button up stuff, I have no bra..don't really need to wear one..usually don't. I mean, can we wear our own PJ after we get out of ICU or do we stay in the hospital gowns? I can put stretch pants on so my hiney not show as I do my walking. Just feel so unprepared..

Yes, I have tests and appointments both Monday and Tuesday, then surgery on Wednesday. I am not sure how long to book the hotel. They told me I cannot check out early, but they can extend my stay with priority. I picked one with a shuttle to St. Mary Hospital. My husband is a country boy and not comfortable driving in cities he is not familiar with. I usually do the driving as I was raised in Memphis, TN. I figured he could shuttle back and forth to hospital, and it would be easier on him. I told him to watch closely the route so when I get discharged, he can drive to pick me up. We were told to stay a couple days after. Maybe that is just a precaution and may not be necessary depending on how I do. We are driving the 11-hour trip but are breaking it up and stopping at a hotel halfway. I do have a walker to bring in case I need it. I am a planner and would love to be practicing how to get out of bed, chairs, etc..then I could be strengthening those muscles. I cannot seem to find any videos on that. I know the nurses will show me, but I really would feel more comfortable practicing ahead of time. Today is 5/11...counting down and I am trying not to freak out and panic..I have only had one surgery in my life, a hysterectomy. I called everyone who I knew that had surgery and apologized for not knowing how painful it was..lol. I guess I am on go..had dental clearance, visited my cardiologists, who referred me to Dr. Dearani. Just overwhelming, with all I feel I need to do before hand. Not sure if should bring t-shirts to pull over head, button up stuff, I have no bra..don't really need to wear one..usually don't. I mean, can we wear our own PJ after we get out of ICU or do we stay in the hospital gowns? I can put stretch pants on so my hiney not show as I do my walking. Just feel so unprepared..

Hooray! You are good to go! We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express 0.2 from the St Mary's entrance (breakfast and free parking, you can see the entrance to St Mary's from the parking lot). The shuttle stops there and will transport you to the Gonda and other buildings "downtown" which is about a mile away. Takes time, the shuttle stops at a zillion hotels as it makes its rounds. That location worked well for us even though the accommodations were nothing fancy. We walked everywhere - took the shuttle once as we played tourists upon arrival and spotted a yummy ice cream stand that we later drove to. Parking near the hospital buildings is an issue, my husband drove just 2 minutes to pick me up upon discharge. A couple of days after the surgery, have hubby bring the walker to your room. If you can, core and back muscle exercises are helpful, I was complimented that I was able to do OT and PT easily (at a much slower personal pace). I wore hospital gowns, when I went for my strolls, another was supplied to wear like a coat. I wore muumuu type dresses for our trip home, no bras needed, very comfortable. "I am trying not to freak out and panic." Believe me, all of us who have gone through this have been in that high anxious state! We understand perfectly! It would be abnormal to not be in that state of mind! Funny that we both had the same previous surgery, mine was in 1979, it was worse that a myectomy, gas is a problem with abdominal surgery. People are different: I had absolutely no pain during my stay at Mayo, many reported back and neck pains to various degrees. If you have a medical friend at home, have them show you how you should cough holding a pillow close to your chest. Let us know how you are coming along!

Thank you..figured we would take a cab or uber to St. Mary on Tuesday since my first appt is at 7:30 am. Not really sure when shuttle starts in mornings. All the appts are only an hour or hour and half apart in different places..I don’t walk real well and certainly not fast. I am doing exercises to try to maintain my core strength including chest, back, and leg muscles. Figured it could not hurt and would surely help. Counting down now..Sharon

Yes, I have tests and appointments both Monday and Tuesday, then surgery on Wednesday. I am not sure how long to book the hotel. They told me I cannot check out early, but they can extend my stay with priority. I picked one with a shuttle to St. Mary Hospital. My husband is a country boy and not comfortable driving in cities he is not familiar with. I usually do the driving as I was raised in Memphis, TN. I figured he could shuttle back and forth to hospital, and it would be easier on him. I told him to watch closely the route so when I get discharged, he can drive to pick me up. We were told to stay a couple days after. Maybe that is just a precaution and may not be necessary depending on how I do. We are driving the 11-hour trip but are breaking it up and stopping at a hotel halfway. I do have a walker to bring in case I need it. I am a planner and would love to be practicing how to get out of bed, chairs, etc..then I could be strengthening those muscles. I cannot seem to find any videos on that. I know the nurses will show me, but I really would feel more comfortable practicing ahead of time. Today is 5/11...counting down and I am trying not to freak out and panic..I have only had one surgery in my life, a hysterectomy. I called everyone who I knew that had surgery and apologized for not knowing how painful it was..lol. I guess I am on go..had dental clearance, visited my cardiologists, who referred me to Dr. Dearani. Just overwhelming, with all I feel I need to do before hand. Not sure if should bring t-shirts to pull over head, button up stuff, I have no bra..don't really need to wear one..usually don't. I mean, can we wear our own PJ after we get out of ICU or do we stay in the hospital gowns? I can put stretch pants on so my hiney not show as I do my walking. Just feel so unprepared..

I am 5 weeks out from my septal myectomy. One of the best things, in my opinion, was the thoracic splint they gave me..like a chest "hug" for support. I found it made maneuvering up and down, in and out of the car, and especially wearing a seat belt so much more comfortable. I wore it up until a week ago as it kept me from doing too much stretching early on. I wore it over my button up shirts and front close lounge bras which I preferred, but everyone is different. Fortunately, you will get a lot of good help while there from the different disciplines...PT, OT, Respiratory, besides the nurses. You will also get a special pillow for coughing or sneezing. We drove 2 days to and from western CO. I did have some muscle spasms/cramps in my hands, upper back, but I was given a muscle relaxant which worked great until my electrolytes normalized.
I found the Mayo/St.Mary's staff listened to my needs and helped me before and after my discharge from the hospital. I hope that reassures you a bit more.