Terrified: Soon to have open heart surgery, so many questions

@pha2340840 Welcome to Mayo Connect. We are a very diverse group of patients, caregivers, and family members who offer support, and share our experiences with others. We are not medical doctors and cannot offer medical advice. What brings you to Mayo Connect? Are you experiencing medical issues that revolve around heart surgery? Or other medical issues? We would like to have a little bit more information so we can share our knowledge with you!
Ginger

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I had open heart surgery for acute heart failure on May 8th. My mitral valve was replaced with a pig valve. Like you, I was terrified before surgery. As I approached the operating room (not in it) I was given anesthesia. The next thing I remember is waking up on a hospital bed. I had little pain and was taught how to get out of bed with minimal pain and without disturbing any stitches. I followed recovery instructions to the letter. Today, I have enough breath, can walk longer distances, and continue to be my disabled husband's caregiver. Be of good cheer. You will be amazed at how much better you feel after surgery.

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Thank you for he encouragement.

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Mine was almost 5 years ago. My doc claims (to my face anyway) I'm the healthiest patient he sees. I had a quad due to blockages.

The worst days are right afterward, but go to cardiac rehab, do NOT sit around after your procedure. Also, walk. If it's cold outside go to the grocery store and simply use the cart as your walker for steadiness and peruse ALL aisles, go slowly until you get your "sea legs" and can manage the entire store. Walmart, Big Lots, even the CVS is large enough to give you a great walkabout in an indoor locale.

Glad you are here, great advice found here and great encouragement.
Eileen

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Mine was almost 5 years ago. My doc claims (to my face anyway) I'm the healthiest patient he sees. I had a quad due to blockages.

The worst days are right afterward, but go to cardiac rehab, do NOT sit around after your procedure. Also, walk. If it's cold outside go to the grocery store and simply use the cart as your walker for steadiness and peruse ALL aisles, go slowly until you get your "sea legs" and can manage the entire store. Walmart, Big Lots, even the CVS is large enough to give you a great walkabout in an indoor locale.

Glad you are here, great advice found here and great encouragement.
Eileen

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Encouraging - my open heart surgery is on 2/3. Worrisome but confident that I’ll be ok

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I had open heart surgery on May 5th to replace a failing mitral valve with a pig valve. Like you,I was terrified, so terrified I planned my memorial service, paid bills, and prepared for our daughter to come and care for her disabled father. To my surprise, there was a cancellation and my surgery was earlier than anticipated. The next thing I remember is waking up in a hospital bed. I had minimal pain and nurses showed me how to get out of bed safely. A nurse always accompanied me to the bathroom. The pain management was excellent. I was in rehab five days, was dismissed, went home, and followed the instructions I received to the letter. During the next few weeks my shortness of breath disappeared (I had been in acute heart failure) and my energy returned. Today, I'm back to being my husband's caregiver and back to my writing career. The biggest surprise is that I lost 20 pounds. According to my primary care physician, the build-up of fluid in my body was caused by my failing heart. I am thrilled with my recovery, grateful to my surgeon, and the health care team.

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@harriethodgson1- Harriet, so happy for you! Nice to read a good outcome. Jim@thankful

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Mine was almost 5 years ago. My doc claims (to my face anyway) I'm the healthiest patient he sees. I had a quad due to blockages.

The worst days are right afterward, but go to cardiac rehab, do NOT sit around after your procedure. Also, walk. If it's cold outside go to the grocery store and simply use the cart as your walker for steadiness and peruse ALL aisles, go slowly until you get your "sea legs" and can manage the entire store. Walmart, Big Lots, even the CVS is large enough to give you a great walkabout in an indoor locale.

Glad you are here, great advice found here and great encouragement.
Eileen

Jump to this post

I had open heart surgery on May 5th to replace a failing mitral valve with a pig valve. Like you,I was terrified, so terrified I planned my memorial service, paid bills, and prepared for our daughter to come and care for her disabled father. To my surprise, there was a cancellation and my surgery was earlier than anticipated. The next thing I remember is waking up in a hospital bed. I had minimal pain and nurses showed me how to get out of bed safely. A nurse always accompanied me to the bathroom. The pain management was excellent. I was in rehab five days, was dismissed, went home, and followed the instructions I received to the letter. During the next few weeks my shortness of breath disappeared (I had been in acute heart failure) and my energy returned. Today, I'm back to being my husband's caregiver and back to my writing career. The biggest surprise is that I lost 20 pounds. According to my primary care physician, the build-up of fluid in my body was caused by my failing heart. I am thrilled with my recovery, grateful to my surgeon, and the health care team.

Jump to this post