What I Learned From My Open Heart Surgery

Hi Debra,
Thanks for sharing your experiences with your open heart surgery. I've never had it, hope never to need it, but reading what you went through, I figure you have to be eternally grateful to have come through it so well, and to be looking at the your open heart experience in your rear view mirror, instead of having to look forward to it all!

Just wanted to comment on your not being allowed to wear nail polish during your hospital stay. They probably explained this to you, but I'd read the reason for this is that they can get a quick assessment of your oxygen saturation status by looking at the color of your nails, can't do that with colored nail polish covering the nails. Also, I've read that nail polish that's starting to chip, crack or peel can be a "microbe-collector" so to speak, and there are enough risks of hospital-acquired infections around anyway. Which, as I recall, they've also discouraged nursing staff from having chipped or peeling away nail polish on their nails when they're working.

I'm really surprised they didn't offer you some better pain management at least for a few days after your surgery. Cutting through your sternum and all the associated muscles, nerves, etc and manipulating your heart has to leave you with a good amount of pain and I'd have thought they'd anticipate that and given you some of the good stuff for at least some time after the surgery. I don't know if there is an analogous procedure they might do for pain control following chest surgeries, but I had a colon resection ( for colon cancer) a couple years ago, and they used some sort of a nerve block into some of the nerves of the abdomen just before the surgery. This nerve block lasts, they say, for several days following surgery and lessens the deep visceral pain expected after major GI surgery ( they removed about half my colon), though not the surface pain, and lessens the need for opioid pain killers after surgery. Even still, they gave me IV dilaudid the afternoon after the surgery ( I didn't for it) but it knocked me out, though I had a miserable GI reaction to the stuff ( terrible nausea, if they'd continued it, would have been vomiting) and I said no more dilaudid. But it's a good knock you out drug for immediately following surgery if you can tolerate it. They gave me tramadol and acetominophen orally after that. I didn't think that did much in the way of pain control, but I took it anyway.

Wondering about something like the 5 mg oxycodone/acetominophen combination oral tablets for pain control? I was prescribed those following carpal tunnel surgery and used them for a few days only following that surgery, found them to manage that pain effectively, with no nausea or vomiting. Might these be something to consider for a few days following open heart surgery? In my humble opinion, not managing the pain of a surgery like open heart because of a fear of opioid addiction is doing the patient a disservice, but it may be up to the patient ( or a cogent family member) to advocate for the best pain management for them.

My best wishes and hopes for you to continue on your journey back to health and vitality!

Thank you for the kind words @marybird.
I think you are absolutely correct about the nail polish. It's just I was surprised, and totally get it. Mayo is very precise about everything they do and they wouldn't want anything to go wrong. It's not everyday you have open heart surgery!
You sound like you have been through quite a journey yourself. And here you are! Helping others on Connect. It's a blessing!
The pain management thing was puzzling to me. I did receive half of something, Oxy? Norco? Not sure. Just half of one in ICU, and I got a little itchy. They decided no more and from then on it was only Extra Strength Tylenol the rest of my stay. For the terrible back pain, I was given a lidocaine patch that I could only have once every 12 hours. It didn't do much of anything either. But I must be tough, because I got through this on Tylenol. And started Advil the day I got out! I do not like taking pain meds, but in this case I think I would have accepted any side effects in exchange for mercy! It's okay, because it's all behind me now as you said!

Hi, Debra.

I can't relate as far as open heart surgery is concerned, but a lot of what you said can be generally applied to other surgeries and conditions that I and others deal with. So, thank you so much for sharing it with us. Beautifully done!

If I ever need open heart surgery (which I hope I won't), you can bet I'll be right back here to your post for this wonderful guidance and encouragement!

All the best to you. You are a true inspiration! 💕

Hi Debra. Your overview of open heart surgery and what to expect applies to my kidney surgery as well.
My incision goes from my breastbone to a few inches below my belly button. Glad I had the pre-op pain med in my back, and 4-5 days of 5 mg oxy and prescription Tylenol..still had PLENTY pain. Feel like I mightve needed to be sedated afterward w/o those drugs!
Thankful for all the saints at Mayo. Surgeon spent 45 min on telehealth pre surgery talking me down from the cliff for open incision vs robotic or laparoscopic. Nurses were SO caring and warm and responsive.
The heparin shots under my arms every 6 hrs was an un-fun surprise, (as were the blood draws at all hours). I had IVs, but needed to not have the blood thinner go directly into my bloodstream. The drain tube coming out on Day 5 was horrendous. I cried for 20 min after and I was ON the drugs! Again, can't imagine worse pain; glad I had the drugs. I also had a book but was too tired to lift or read it. I had 83 "angels" thinking of me and praying for me, but I couldn't do much talking or texting...was too exhausted.
Discovered by husband of 44 yrs is secretly a gourmet cook! He did the cooking for several weeks.
Didn't fly home til Day 10 after surgery; spent 3-4 days in hotel, taking it easy. Every little bump in the road whether in wheelchair, vehicle, tarmac was excruciating. I traveled w a small pillow under my seatbelt for 3+ mos.
7+ hrs in surgery is a big deal. But I focused on my PT daughter's words, "You're stronger than you thinknyou are", and my daily motto of, Today is the only day, and it's better than yesterday was".
Now, 5 mos later, I'm walking without a walker, riding my bike, and even doing some off-road UTVing.
I appreciate the heads-up about the femoral artery catheter; now that my kidney tumors are gone, next on the docket is dealing with a tumor on my carotid artery, and I've been advised I'll have a femoral catheterization to control bloodflow during surgery.
Thanks for all the info; Mayo Connect is a Godsend!

Here are more thoughts to share about getting ready for a BIG surgery:
What I packed:
My surgery at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, was in July. Therefore my packing list would look differently than someone whose surgery is in the Winter or colder months.

A good choice, year-round, male or female, is loose fitting clothes, pants with elastic waist bands, like joggers or sweat pants, shirts that button up the front or are easy to slide on over your head. Your body is swollen after this surgery and it takes some time for those fluids from surgery and IVs to absorb. You will not be able to use your arms much at first, as it is important to keep the sternum quiet and still. It is vital to listen to your post op instructions about lifting and moving, because the sternum is like a fracture, and it needs time to heal. Over doing things can cause permanent, disfiguring healing to take place, and you don't want that! Now is not the time to prove how tough you are by lifting heavier than advised, scrubbing floors, hanging sheet rock. I've heard stories where people did not listen and they went back to work too early or did silly things and their sternums were permanently disfigured.

For women, I purchased some soft lounge bras in my regular size at TJ Maxx. The kind you can easily step into and pull up. You will not want underwire anywhere near your incision! Actually, you will not want anyone near your incision either! And you will have a hard time putting on and hooking a regular bra. Remember it's important to not be using your arms a whole lot for at least a couple of weeks. Your pain will be your guide. Listen to it.

Because it was Summer, I packed one pair of flip flops and one pair of leather mules. You will want shoes that are easy to slip on and off. The thought of bending over to put on shoes or tie them will be unappealing.

Keep in mind this is not a vacation, and you will most likely be in the hospital five or more days, so you will be wearing a one-size-fits-no-one hospital gown and hospital socks that feel like they are on upside down and on the wrong feet. But you know they aren't because the non-slip is supposedly the part that goes on the ground. They are unattractive and feel weird. And they make you wear them all the time.

In my case I had three days of pre-op testing. This meant I was taking off my top/bra and putting on a gown numerous times. For the chest X-Ray, the Cardiac MRI, and the pre-op Angiogram/Heart Cath. These occurred over the course of three days, as I said, so I packed two pairs of loose fitting linen pants, four tee shirts and a light sweater that I wore with everything. I threw in a couple of sundresses just for fun, because they were loose and flowy and felt good to wear. And I had extra room in my carryon. Why waste it. I didn't think I would be able to pull a dress or tee shirt over my head, but I was wrong, so even though I brought a button up shirt, I ended up turning to my comfy dresses and tee shirts routinely.

You will shower with special soap the night before and the morning of your planned surgery. They want you to be as clean as possible, and this will be your last opportunity to wash your hair for several days. I had a soft ponytail holder that kept my hair out of my face for the entire stay. At the end, you really don't care what you look like.

I packed my usual toiletry kit with lotion, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste etc. I brought my own hair products because I like them and know them.
Cellphone charger
Book/reading material
If I had an iPad I would have packed it as well.
Reading glasses

Before I Left Home:
The idea of a recliner was pitched to me by a fellow member, and numerous posts I read on Connect. My significant other purchased one at our local La-Z-Boy store. I called it the 'electric chair' because it came with an attached control that did a lot of different things. I can honestly say it was nice to have, but I totally could have gotten along without it too. A recliner with the side arm control you will not be able to operate by yourself. It's too difficult to reach with your restrictions. You'll need help cranking that baby back!

Mayo Clinic instructed me before my surgery that I would need to shower every day once discharged to home, and use only liquid soap and a fresh wash cloth. Great! Another excuse to go shopping! I got a ten-pack of soft wash cloths, washed them and had them ready to go for when I came home. I used Dr Bronner's peppermint soap because I love the smell and have used it for years. No lotions on your chest until it's healed.

I 'put my affairs in order' and made sure my Living Trust was all complete, correct and up-to-date. Not pleasant, but very adult.

I cleaned my house before I left, because it's an instinct deep inside, and part of my DNA. I didn't want to come home to dishes, dust or forgotten trash. I had clean sheets, clean bathrooms and all my laundry done.

I did not prepare and freeze food or anything. I could have, I just didn't have time. It snuck up on me.

Where We Stayed:
The first visit to Mayo Clinic, before I knew I was going to have open heart surgery, we stayed downtown at the Rochester Marriott. It was, like almost all hotels, easy walking distance to all the tests downtown at the Gonda/Main Mayo campus. We found Chester's and ate there every night. It's fantastic!

The second visit, for my open heart surgery, we stayed at the Courtyard Marriott, directly across from St. Mary's. It was super convenient for my guy to walk across the street to visit. And it was safe and clean, and had a BAR! And Starbucks! And like most people in Rochester...friendly staff.

The third visit, we stayed downtown at Hotel Indigo. It was five minutes walking (in the skyway) to the Mayo Clinic and had a fantastic restaurant, Crave. I still fanaticize about their chopped apple/chicken salad!

Getting around without a car is easy in Rochester. Free Mayo Shuttles take you here and there and everywhere on a convenient schedule.

My hope is this information answers questions you may have about Open Heart Surgery or any BIG surgery for that matter. I learned from experience, and shared a lot they don't tell you, so you can know before you go.
Like I said before, Don't worry, it's just open heart surgery!

Like Debra, I had a septal myectomy at Mayo, mine was 7/22. Every single one of us is different, so one person's experience is both the same and different depending on the specific issue discussed. In a nutshell, it was an easier pre and for the first couple of weeks, post recovery for me. I did not have an angiogram/heart cath during the pre-surgery testing, I had no back or other pain, after I was discharged, Tylenol at night only. Sleepy till day 4 after surgery, discharged on day 5 after surgery, and we drove (I navigated), day 6-7 home to upstate eastern NY. We stopped at just about every rest area so I could walk with my walker (borrow one if you can). I had no trouble with OT and PT post op, moved slower for a while keeping arms against the body as if they were in a cylinder. Hated that I could not sleep on my stomach. Hated giving blood for tests at 4 AM. Was up all the last night because the compressors on my legs to prevent clots was so annoying. Previous nights, I was still sleepy. That was my particular experience. I really did not want to know all the details of the surgery except for what it was to accomplish till after it was over, my anxiety and fear would have gone up more notches, both were already quite high. My HOCM became suddenly worse and life threatening in 2/22. I continued to walk (got out of breath), and go to the gym (I was told by PT and OT that my core muscles were very strong), right up to the day before we drove to Rochester, I believe that helped in my recovery. It was not fun at all, but kept my courage up.

@walkinggirl...you are a champion!
Thank you for sharing your story for others to read.
You are so correct...we are all different and react to things differently. That's why sharing here on Connect may help someone else facing a BIG surgery in their future.
Your story about the last night brings back memories for me too!
You can't wait to get out of there!
You are an inspiration, and again, thank you for sharing with others!

As you can see, Debra keeps her sense of humor up front and center, it's just open heart surgery! I was in Rochester only once - for preop tests and interviews Tuesday and Wednesday for surgery on Thursday. My home cardiologist took care of sending information before and I had no contact with Mayo after the first day post discharge. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express,0.2 from the door of St Mary's, free parking and breakfast. packed the same things as Debra, I wear bras only when needed, wore muumuus and did the same preop routine. I brought a book (fell asleep when reading), Sudokus, counted cross stitch project, phone and my MS Surface to play games and email. We played numerous games of backgammon, I kept dozing off. I had my legal papers in order and I wrote letters to immediate family and instructions in case I was in the 0.01% with a less than desirable outcome. sorry for being morbid, but 99+% success is excellent odds. As I was discharged, husband took the bathroom items I had to use including the soap. We liked the Canadian Honker, husband ate there while I was in. Like Debra, the house was clean, sheets clean, etc. I was cooking the day after we arrived home, pots and pans were placed on the counter for me, simple stuff because you need to "be in a cylinder." My health insurance provides a little home help (did not use) and a supply of meals for 2 weeks (did use that service). I already had a Lazy Boy. Slow deliberate movements were necessary, one does need to move around. People have been recovering since 1959 and I was confident that I was in good hands.

I am scheduled for correction to Obstuctive HOCO next month at Mayo clinic Rocester, MN. I admit, I am trying not to be scared. Dr. tells me that I am a young healthy 68-year-old and best to do it now with symptoms than when get older. Reading the different experiences above has helped but open heart surgery is just a scary thing. I have a Master's degree in Human Biology and I think it is working against me because I understand what is going to happen and what could go wrong. I know the stats are in my favor and I will be in good hands with the drs and the Lord. But that anxiousness still creeps in. I have had back surgery about 6 years ago and it seems my pain tolerance is pretty good and recovery from that was not as bad as I thought it would be. We are from AR so will have to travel. My cardiologist in AR said to drive..it is about 11 hours. Drive halfway and stop for night..stop every couple hours and walk around. I figured by the time we got to airpot early, had 3 hour layovers, and loaded onto airplane again, we may as well just drive. Any suggestions on how long we should hang around Rocester after dismissed from hospital before we head home? Also, did those who have had the surgery feel better after and able to do things without the shortness of breath? That is my biggest symptom and fatigue. Thanks for any suggestions or advice..Sharon

Oliviasoma, you sound like you are good to go! You got this! Yes, every single one of us undergoing this surgery was absolutely terrified, but here we are telling our tales. Driving won't be bad, on the way home we stopped so I could walk at almost every rest area between Rochester and Eastern upstate NY. If you can borrow a walker, bring it so you'll save some $. We began our journey the day after I was discharged. I read that many stayed longer, so l say see how you are doing and what they say. Yes, surgery made me feel better, no longer had shortness of breath. My nurse friends said the "do it while you are healthy" part, I was an active 75 year old. Please let us know how you are doing! Continue to ask questions you may have. I did not accidently discover Connect till over a year after surgery, it would have so helpful.