Septal Myectomy Questions

Posted by hopenr @hopenr, Mar 2 9:48am

I live in Colorado and will be going to the Mayo for septal myectomy. Can anyone tell me how long I should plan on staying in the area? And how does one fly home after this? Can I come home to a place that requires stairs to us the bathroom? Thank you for any insight you can give me.

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brumasterj | @brumasterj | Mar 2 11:34am

Hi, i have not had my myectomy yet its still in the planning stage for early summer. Your surgeon should explain most of this and have you u reach out to his secretary.
I was told to plan for a minimal 10 days. 11 if they need to do Cardiac MRI
5 days in cardiac unit and 5 days in a hotel or some sort for followup visits.
Rochester mayo also has a concierge to reach out to for travel tips
Hope this helps

walkinggirl | @walkinggirl | Mar 3 8:59am

Everyone is different. My home cardiologist sent all my lab reports and photos for review a few months before and I was soon accepted as a patient. The timeline was outlined in a phone appointment including a general question/answer time and advice about travel upon discharge. We arrived on a Monday for the tests (they want up-to-date data), Tuesday and Wednesday. Surgery was on Thursday, discharge on Tuesday and we drove home on Wednesday to arrive there on Thursday. The discharge plans need to be flexible because of your recovery status, I was able to do all of the OT and PT quickly, the endless bloodwork was showing good readings, etc. My follow-up visit was with my home cardiologist, in fact, I had no contact with Mayo starting 2-3 days after discharge. The advice given will depend on your particular situation. Good luck and wishing you a full and speedy recovery!

hopenr | @hopenr | Mar 3 1:45pm

In reply to @walkinggirl "Everyone is different. My home cardiologist sent all my lab reports and photos for review a..." + (show)

I just cant image flying home 🙁

Debra, Volunteer Mentor | @karukgirl | Mar 3 3:09pm

In reply to @hopenr "I just cant image flying home :(" + (show)

@hopenr, I flew home from MN to CA after mine...it's not as bad as I imagined. You will not be able to lift anything, so plan on that. I had a wheelchair from the car thru expedited check in, but I probably would have been okay not to have the wheelchair...I was just mostly scared.
You are anemic and tired after open heart surgery...so being kind and gentle on yourself is a way of life for a few weeks. I was not disabled, just had restrictions. Like no driving for a month.
I know I made it a huge and horrible and scary deal in my mind...and that's what it was...all in my mind! It was not half as bad as I made it up to be. Everyone is so different, with different levels of tolerance and abilities...

hopenr | @hopenr | Mar 3 3:59pm

In reply to @karukgirl "@hopenr, I flew home from MN to CA after mine...it's not as bad as I imagined...." + (show)

Thank you, it helps to hear this.

ladydi7 | @ladydi7 | Mar 4 11:35am

In reply to @karukgirl "@hopenr, I flew home from MN to CA after mine...it's not as bad as I imagined...." + (show)

I am scheduled for my myectomy at the end of March. I have watched YouTube videos of the surgery and anesthesia to prepare myself mentally. I know I will be in good hands at the Mayo.
Thinking positively and anticipate a positive outcome.

Debra, Volunteer Mentor | @karukgirl | Mar 5 10:03am

In reply to @ladydi7 "I am scheduled for my myectomy at the end of March. I have watched YouTube videos..." + (show)

Hello @ladydi7, I am glad you found Mayo Clinic Connect before your surgery. You are so blessed to be going to the Mayo in Rochester for your septal myectomy, and you are correct...you will be in the best hands possible for this experience.
Both @walkinggirl and myself had our septal myectomies at the Mayo (two years apart) and I can speak for myself only...I was so grateful to get my life back. I was super active and physically in great shape except for the fatigue, shortness of breath, tachycardia and all the other wild heart rhythms, and was unable to enjoy much of what I loved. I still find that even after my surgery if I over indulge in eating, I will suffer those same symptoms I had prior to surgery...but not nearly as bad.
Your surgery is coming up quick, have you had a chance to read on Connect information about the septal myectomy or helpful tips for planning to go to Rochester?

hopenr | @hopenr | Mar 5 10:40am

In reply to @karukgirl "Hello @ladydi7, I am glad you found Mayo Clinic Connect before your surgery. You are so..." + (show)

How do I find out about this: Connect information about the septal myectomy or helpful tips for planning to go to Rochester?

And how will I ever get on a plane a few days after this surgery?

Debra, Volunteer Mentor | @karukgirl | Mar 5 11:21am

In reply to @hopenr "How do I find out about this: Connect information about the septal myectomy or helpful tips..." + (show)

Hi @hopenr, there are a lot of posts on Connect that talk about this...it is not a specific place. But that is a great idea, and I will look into that!
If you click on @karukgirl, which is me...you can read some of the posts I have made in the past that speak to packing tips, post surgery tips, travel tips, etc. What to expect. What to not expect. Where I stayed.
Otherwise I would be happy to re-share with you.
As to getting on a plane? You just do it. It's not any different except you may be slower and need more time. I had to fly four hours, and drive two and a half more after my heart surgery. It isn't fun, but totally doable.

ladydi7 | @ladydi7 | Mar 5 1:55pm

In reply to @karukgirl "Hello @ladydi7, I am glad you found Mayo Clinic Connect before your surgery. You are so..." + (show)

Have not checked out the Connect information, will do so. The Mayo seems to have so many resources available to patients.
Thank you for the heads up

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