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Septal Myectomy Questions

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) | Last Active: May 15, 2025 | Replies (28)

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Profile picture for Linda, Volunteer Mentor @walkinggirl

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.

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Replies to "Dear Sharon, my incision was glued, it eventually washed off as the layers of new skin..."

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..