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Open heart surgery scheduled soon; questions
Hi. I ‘m a 73yo male scheduled for open heart surgery in early October to repair the mitral valve, replace the aortic, and take a close up look at the tricuspid in case something needs to be done there while I’m already “open”.
I’ve had multiple surgeries before with joint replacements, parts of various organs removed, and even brain surgery. I have hairy cell leukemia (in remission) and well-controlled Type 2 diabetes. Despite hard recoveries after some of my surgeries, and despite the chronic health issues, I’ve survived and even thrived. Now I’m facing open heart surgery and am worried and even scared.
I know there will be a long recovery, or so I’ve been told. Four weeks of no driving and not lifting anything over 10 lbs. Then another 6 weeks of less restrictive body uses during which I’ll probably start cardiac rehab. I am somewhat out of shape now as almost any exercise (other than walking on a level surface) makes me light headed and/or dizzy. And I get winded climbing one flight of stairs. I keep trying, but it’s much less activity than I’m used to.
I’ve heard concerns from others about post-surgical pain (mostly in the sternum), depression, and sleeplessness. I’d like to hear from others about their actual experiences. For example, did anyone rent a recliner (especially one that assists in standing up) for sleep? If you had post-surgical depression, what helped and how long did it last? I already deal with mild depression (meds haven’t helped; still see a mental health therapist) and insomnia. Not looking forward to more of either, but at least I’ll recognize any increase in either is probably temporary.
Thoughts? Advice?
Thanks.
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Good morning! I know exactly how you are feeling about your upcoming surgery. I am 74 yrs. old. On April 7th 2026 I had OHS to replace a bicuspid aortic valve. Other than limited with breathlessness to climbing stairs and hills on walks, I was asymptomatic...the valve also had severe stenosis. I am now 100% recovered, and have been for about three weeks. the incision along the sternum from collarbone to about three inches above navel healed well. The most tender place being the top section. I only took two extra strength tylenols every four hours for the pain. ( which was surprisingly minimal) I spent one week in hospital. My husband cooked, cleaned, drove me....cared for me. Essential. The only 'rehab' I did was walking. First just around the house, the yard, the block....Other than a bunch of autoimmune problems from Lupus, I am healthy. You've got this.....I am so happy that it is behind me. My new Bio-valve is working well. From Victoria BC., I wish you success and a speedy recovery. Oh Yes, and they show you how to roll in and out of bed to avoid stressing your incision....easy peasy!
I still have pain in my chest wall, soreness can't sleep. Are uback sleeping need answer.
As others have noted, it's reasonable to be concerned about the surgery; it's not a trivial procedure. I've had two open heart surgeries, 14 years apart. I was under the care of excellent and experienced surgeons and their teams so I was fairly confident that I would come through everything OK. For me sleep was challenging – particularly in the first week when I was lucky to get several half hour stretches of uninterrupted sleep in any given night. You'll be given a spirometer to help keep your lungs clear and I strongly recommend you use it as instructed. Coughing was a challenge (as in painful) and you'll probably have the need to cough frequently. In the hospital I was given "cough pillows" which I clutched tightly to my chest whenever I had the need to cough and I fashioned one myself when I got home. I was encouraged to do as much walking as I could tolerate and I did. To your question about recliners, no, I didn't use one – or explore getting one. Best of luck with the surgery and your recovery.