moving fast

[Shutterbug]

Hello to all
Has been a little while since my last post Sorry. My computer went south right at a time when I needed it most. That always seems the way it goes though. Have talked to two surgeons over the past 2 days, and am surprised as too their answers. Apparently it's not a matter of if, but when and the when is now. Both came up with the same conclusions which relieves me since I would of had a big concern if they didn't. It's going to be an Edwards pericardium stinted valve. We discussed mechanical valves but with my past history of internal bleeding that option was off the table quickly. Have to see my dentist for hopefully a clean bill of health, then will have pre op testing a week before date. Which should be before the middle of Aug. will definitely become more talkative as time nears. Your responses to my earlier post were both reassuring and confidence building knowing there are endless numbers of good people who have gone through the same scenarios as me. Talk Soon
Rich

 

[ALCapshaw2]

You sound comfortable with your diagnosis and treatment plan Rich. That is GOOD. The modern tissue valves with anti-calcification coatings are hoped to last for over 20 years, especially when implanted in patients over age 60.

Don't forget, First Time Surgeries have a 98% success rate and you don't even want to think about the alternative of NOT getting fixed.

Remember, we're here whenever you need us.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[hensylee]

Good to see you, Rich. We are right here to walk with you right on up the mountain. Ask away.

 

[Ross]

While I'm sure your in the stunned phase, I'm also sure your happy to know it's about to be all over with and you can get on with your new life without worrying all the time. You should do well.

 

[WayneGM]

It's good to hear both opinions were the same. I'm sure it is comforting to know the diagnosis is consistent. I'm also glad to hear you are comfortable with the plan of action and valve choice. That's much of the battle. There's lots of threads about preparing for the journey over the mountain so I encourage you to take a look at them to help you get ready both pre-op and post-op. Best wishes for a smooth journey.

 

[Bina]

Rich, your news sounds excellent!
And you have a few weeks to prepare and enjoy some sunshine.
Best wishes

 

[Jim P]

Rich,

Best wishes as you prepare for this life-changing event. You seem to have a good handle on the most important decisions - surgeon choice, valve choice, and date. For almost all of us, surgery was a frightening thing. But after it was over, the hospitalization and recovery time were both worth it, because of the new life we were given and the increase in sense of well-being, stamina, and overall health.

I wish you well. Stay strong, stay informed, and stay hopeful.

 

[Shutterbug]

Moving faster

Moving faster

Thank You
For all of your warm wishes, I will carry them with me all the way into the O.R.The surgeons office called late in the afternoon of my last post. They gave me my surgery date of Aug. 8th which is a magnificent day to reach the top. Am relieved it is sooner rather than later, gives me far less time to think about things. Of course my wife says I'm impatient, but i have no idea what the woman is talking about . I felt quite sick to my stomach all that night, probably just a release of all the tension over the past weeks and months. Feel fine now and am feeling a kind of peace and calm about the whole surgery and recovery to come that i have not really felt before. My wife asked how i can be so calm with what is about to take place,and i told her one big thing is that i know i am not alone in this. I said that she has and will always be my number one fan as well as my children. But i also told her that there are countless others on this site who have gone on this same journey and that VR has been a great support for me as well as a learning place.

I tried to tell her to not only go onto this site but others as well and she will learn volumes about what is going on. Right now she is as basket case, i will continue to try and explain everything i can and hopefully it will ease some of her anxiety over this. I do have one question though, i am scheduled for pre op on Aug. 1. Sounds like it will be very involved and am wondering if anyone could share some experiences on that process. Thanks Much

Rich

 

[WayneGM]

I didn't find the pre-op too bad. However, I've read here that some have had a cath done during their pre-op while I had mine months before. Obviously having a cath is more complicated.

In any event, at my pre-op there were the usual blood tests, urine, weighed you, etc. I attended a class on what to expect the day of surgery, during surgery, and post surgery. They gave us (there were several in the class) our spirameters and showed us how to use them. They gave a kit with instructions on what to do the night before, including a suppository to use the night before. Also included a list of things to bring/not to bring. Then I met individually with various members of the medical team - the anaesthesiologist, doctor from the step up ward, etc. I also met with a volunteer who had OHS who told his story on what to expect. I met with an administrator and signed lots of forms and confirmed room "options". Finally, as I was having my surgery at a univerisity teaching hospital, I met with various researchers who pitched whether I'd agree to participate in various studies. These usually meant allowing them to use samples of blood or be surveyed post-op. It took about 2/3 of a day.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

You sound GREAT Rich!

Several of our members have reported reaching a "sense of calm" after 'accepting their fate'. This allows you to look forward to recovery and renewed sense of vigor in your life.

If you have not had a heart catheterization recently, the surgeon will likely request one so that he will know ALL about your heart and whether he should perform any By-Passes "while he is in there". I remember being scared out of my mind BEFORE my first cath. I viewed the video 3 times, and by the time it was over, I had one of those "is that all there is" kinds of reactions. It was actually pretty interesting watching the catheter being threaded through my coronary arteries. (With enough Versed, you Don't Care what they do . The only thing most of us feel is the tiny needle as they inject the Novacaine (or whatever local anesthetic they will use). It's like getting a few mosquito bites. You will also feel a "warm sensation" when they inject the dye. Bottom Line: It's NO BIG DEAL. (FWIW, I've lost count of my heart cath's) (SEARCH "cath" or "catheterization" to find links to MANY posts on this topic)

I suggest letting your wife read your posts and responses. I hope that she too will join VR.com to find the support of other spouses. In many ways, your OHS will be harder on your wife than on you. You will be asleep and obviously you are 'ready to get fixed and feel better'.

One of our more active members is EVELYN who was a self admitted "basket case" before her husband's surgery. She credits VR.com with guiding her 'over the mountain' and has stayed on to help others on the same journey. I'm sure she would be trilled to communicate with your wife as she learns to cope with this life saving event.

'AL Capshaw'

Thank You
For all of your warm wishes, I will carry them with me all the way into the O.R.The surgeons office called late in the afternoon of my last post. They gave me my surgery date of Aug. 8th which is a magnificent day to reach the top. Am relieved it is sooner rather than later, gives me far less time to think about things. Of course my wife says I'm impatient, but i have no idea what the woman is talking about . I felt quite sick to my stomach all that night, probably just a release of all the tension over the past weeks and months. Feel fine now and am feeling a kind of peace and calm about the whole surgery and recovery to come that i have not really felt before. My wife asked how i can be so calm with what is about to take place,and i told her one big thing is that i know i am not alone in this. I said that she has and will always be my number one fan as well as my children. But i also told her that there are countless others on this site who have gone on this same journey and that VR has been a great support for me as well as a learning place.

I tried to tell her to not only go onto this site but others as well and she will learn volumes about what is going on. Right now she is as basket case, i will continue to try and explain everything i can and hopefully it will ease some of her anxiety over this. I do have one question though, i am scheduled for pre op on Aug. 1. Sounds like it will be very involved and am wondering if anyone could share some experiences on that process. Thanks Much

Rich

 

[Cooker]

Rich,

I am wishing you a smooth trip. I felt a calm before and when I got to the hospital they gave me a calm shot Recovery was not NEAR as bad as I thought it would be. Many will lift you up in prayer. All will be well.

Tom

 

[Jim P]

Rich,

My pre-op visit was much like Wayne's. It was informative and left me with the impression that the hospital staff were quite competent and that they cared about my well-being. Not only that, it made the admission process the next morning a breeze -- all the paperwork was done the day before.

 

[Phyllis]

Late to this thread, Rich. I will put you on the calendar for August 8th if you are not already there. Hope your wife decides to join us. I didn't find this place until after Dick's surgery, but I sure could have used the reassurance during it all. We wish you the best of surgeries and easiest recoveries and will be here for you as you climb the mountain and down again.

 

[ruth]

Hey there Rich!

Glad to hear that you've found some peace of mind, and so quickly too! I hope your wife can find some peace with it too, my dear husband had a tough time in the days beforehand, more than me I think. I had to have one good panic first, we're all different. The waiting, it's the worst part, for sure.

I had a cath and a bunch of paperwork as my pre-op. The cath was *much* easier than I thought it would be and the versed helped make the view of the arteries on the screen all the more entertaining. It looked like lightning bolts, blue ones, really cool. Seriously, it was no biggie.

We'll be here if you want to ask questions, chat, or just blow off some steam.

All my best,
Ruth