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Open heart surgery scheduled soon; questions
Heart & Blood Health | Last Active: 6 hours ago | Replies (10)Comment receiving replies
Hey there @bradycardia , I don't know if you have had a chance to read a post I did last year, but here is link to it:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/what-i-learned-from-my-open-heart-surgery-part-1/
here is part 2:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/1257983/
You have gone through so many challenges and it sounds like you have the best attitude about what you face now.
You are right...nobody (in their right mind) would look forward to open heart surgery!
I know what it is like, so I can understand some of your fears. I was terrified! I planned my affairs in case I didn't survive. It's not a simple procedure.
I hope that what I posted is useful and helpful. Take some time (because I am a wordy person) and read the two posts. There is a lot of information, including the recliner comment.
May I ask where your surgery is being performed?
Do you have a good support person to help afterwards?
You mentioned going up stairs, do you live in a two-story house and have to go upstairs to your bedroom?
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@karukgirl
Hi Debra- thanks so much for the link to those earlier posts. I hadn't seen them and don't think I would have looked under that thread.
They had exactly the kind of info I was looking for. And your so-called "wordiness"? It was perfect. I also appreciated your sense of humor. Something I'm trying to keep during this process.
Before I forget, let me answer your questions first:
The surgery is being performed at Massachusetts General Brigham in Boston. And I've already had all (at least, I think "all") of the preliminary testing, including catheterization and angiogram, done. So at least I no longer have to worry about that. Gee, I just have to go in and have my sternum sliced by a sawzall, get cracked open like a crab, have tubes and pumps substituted for my heart beating, and have fingers fiddling around inside my heart. I aorta tell you, I'm not looking forward to all that.
I have a fantastic support person in my life partner. She has been with me through several of my surgeries and given me great care during my recuperative periods. She's also a great coach to keep me on my post-op therapies.
Yes, I do live in a two-story house with the bedroom upstairs. However, for the first several weeks, I'll be staying at my partner's ranch house that's all on one floor.
When I had my rotator cuff rebuilt about two years ago, I rented the kind of recliner that can also be used to assist you in standing up. I will probably do so again for the first month after surgery. It was well worth the money for the comfort it provided.
As to what to pack, I think I'll skip the mules and the bra. 😉 I'll pass on the mani/pedi, too. But I do appreciate the reminder about cleaning the house and changing the sheets before I leave.
Heartfelt thanks!