Life after 2 valve replacements and aorta bypass - What to expect?

@charlotteeb
I'll look up the video, thanks.

Have you had these procedures, or are they being presented to you? Yes, tough call. I think the recovery time isn't too super extensive, and if that does the trick, it might well be worth it.

Personally, I find it all terrifying. I'm actually embarrassed about how nervous it makes me. I hate taking more medications, I'm allergic to most antibiotics so the idea of surgery scares me badly.

I'm pretty sure I just need to get used to the idea that I have a high CDV risk so I can stop making myself miserable.

I think your questions about post surgical quality of life are really important. Please post what your doctor tells you, and best of luck with whatever course you decide.

@tiaza I meet the surgeon the 30th. I did briefly meet him Aug 17th when I was there for TEE and CT heart cath. At first I agreed then researched to find out the recovery. I live alone in a motorhome 120 miles from the doctor, 30 miles from a hospital. So there are a lot of things I needed to figure out before I have surgery, including finding a way there and someone to pick me up. I do know I will probably go to rehab before they will release me to home alone.
Because I have spent the last month researching I didn't have time to get nervous, but now I am. But it is more whether to do it or not then the pain and struggle to recover. If the surgeon uses rapid sternal fixation vs wires my recovery could be a lot faster. I will know the 30th.

@charlotteeb These are considerations to factor in, for sure! You might ask at the doctor's office if they have or know of resources for you, or if Medicare or your insurance could provide for transportation. All that on top of just deciding about the surgery itself! You're in my thoughts.

@charlotteeb Have you met with the surgeon? Any news?

@tiaza Yes, surgery is the 16th in Phoenix.

I find it frustrating trying to get information as to what to bring. The doctors paperwork says the hospital will contact me 24-48 hours before. I would kind of like to know since I live alone and assume I will go to rehab for a couple weeks at least. When I call the hospital number all I get is to leave a message. I am one that likes to plan ahead, especially when it is not just a day trip.

@charlotteeb are you saying “rehab” as an assisted living center? You go to cardiac rehab after about 2 weeks post-procedure, 3X/week for 12 weeks. I’ve had 3 heart caths this year and 3 stents. I was cleared to go back to work after 7 days. I was sent home same day as 2 of the caths and kept overnight due to groin oozing.

I was tired but not a lot of issues with heart caths procedure. Two in wrist and one in groin.

@ordiver1 yes it will be to I guess an assisted living to get me into condition to live alone in my RV. I am having open heart surgery, so getting there will take longer than a couple days. As for cardiac rehab - not tackled that. The nearest is 30 miles away so I will have to be able to drive plus afford the gas to drive it.
I am waiting for the hospital admission nurse to call to hopefully get more information from.

Hello @charlotteeb, I took your comment about what life would be like after two valve replacements and made it it's own discussion. You can see it here:

"Life after 2 valve replacements and aorta bypass - What to expect?"
- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/life-after-2-valve-replacements-and-aorta-bypass-what-to-expect/

@tiaza and @ordiver1 have shared their experiences with you and now that your post is its own discussion, it will give other members a chance to prepare for their valve replacements and other members to share what life has been like after having valve replacements and/or aorta bypass surgery. You also met @joyster15 in another discussion and they shared what to bring to the hospital as well as a few other tips.

@charlotteeb, Have you had a chance to meet with your surgeon yet to discuss some of your recovery concerns and what life may look like after the surgery?