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Open heart surgery scheduled soon; questions
Heart & Blood Health | Last Active: 6 hours ago | Replies (10)Comment receiving replies
@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!
Replies to "@karukgirl Hi Debra- thanks so much for the link to those earlier posts. I hadn't seen..."
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@bradycardia I am so happy that I could help, even a little.
I think most of those going through this would say the pre-op thoughts are worse in our heads versus reality.
Is it fun? Goodness NO! But it's not as horrible as we make it out to be. I practically tortured myself with thoughts of impending doom.
Your funny sense of humor will come in handy during this process.
The nurses will appreciate it. They are your angels...you will love them.
I'm glad you have support for afterwards. You won't be able to drive for at least a month so you are dependent on people to help you.
The recovery time is unique for each of us, so listen to your body.
If you are tired, take a nap.
Don't push yourself, but do make yourself walk every day. Do easy moves with your arms at first. No heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for awhile. That sternum needs time to heal properly.
Increase walks and activities in increments.
You will look back on this and consider yourself a warrior! And you will have the scar to prove it.
I think being prepared for coming home is important, so getting this all in order before you go is a load off your mind.
Thank goodness you are asleep for all the lovely details you mentioned...you won't remember a thing. I was nervous and when I get nervous I get chatty.
I was super chatty being wheeled into the operating room...talking about how hot it is back home, how many hiking trails we have, thanked them all for being there so early in the morning, told them if I don't get a chance to say thank you, that I thank them now...blah blah blah...the anesthesiologist came and stood by me and said "I'm gonna give you something to relax..." and I said "Oh...I must be talking too much..." and then I woke up in ICU.
Come back anytime, and I hope you come back and share your post op adventure. You never know who you will be helping.
I wish you the best from the bottom of my hypertrophic heart to your under the hood "valve job" , Debra