Septal Myectomy Questions

Did you have stitches or staples in the incision? Were you sent to the hotel or home on oxygen? I have read conflicting things. I have surgery on June 11. Thanks Sharon.

Dear Sharon, my incision was glued, it eventually washed off as the layers of new skin grew in just as a scab would. Keeping it clean was a priority and antibacterial liquid soap in a little squeeze bottle was provided. When I was discharged, I told my husband to grab that and everything else I was using from the bathroom (they would just be discarding it otherwise). Therefore, I used the soap till it was gone. Travel: I had no instructions to remain in Rochester, in fact, I was told that I would be able to ride or fly home upon discharge. I was feeling fine with no pain and was able to move slowly but easily. I was discharged midafternoon; we stayed at our hotel for one night and began our journey to eastern upstate NY the next morning. Everyone is different, and many of us would suggest being flexible and see how you are feeling. It was somewhat scary leaving the area but do keep in mind that there are medical facilities between there and your home and you will have contacts by phone at Mayo in case of any questions or concerns. In fact, I had a phone appointment the next day from one of the PAs. Stopping at least once every 90 minutes/2 hours to walk around was mandatory. Borrow a walker if you can, it will save you the expense of purchasing one. Oxygen: I was given an overnight pulse oximetry the last night as an inpatient and it was thought I would benefit from oxygen at night. The Mayo discharge people made the arrangement for Lincare to deliver an oxygen concentrator to our hotel room. The very nice delivery man instructed us on its use and gave the phone number of Lincare near us - call them for pickup when I was finished using it. It was heavy and a pain in the neck to load in the car and into the motel on the way home etc. I do not think I actually needed it, the nose piece kept falling out when I was asleep even with tape. After a couple of days after arriving home, my home cardiologist had me do another pulse oximetry test and I did not need it. Lincare was called and it was picked up. Yes, you will read conflicting things because we are all different and be sure to keep asking us questions as they arise. June 11th will be here shortly, feelings of anxiety is very, very normal, our tales show that we kept our courage front and foremost and have benefitted greatly from our surgeries. Do you need to be there a couple of days before for tests and consultations as I was? You will be in excellent hands throughout your stay.