8 days post Ross and all is well

[andyabernethy]

Hi Everyone

Well it feels good to finally post on the post surgery forum. After 3 cancellations (one less than 12 hours before surgery was due to take place) I finally had my Ross Procedure on 3 March 2011 at the Royal Brompton in London. The operation was a success with no complications. The tips of my lungs are still collapsed (which is supposed to be fairly common) but apart from that my recovery thus far has been fairly stress free. Sleep is a major problem but then it seems that way for everyone. I am taking cocodomol for the pain and atinilol for BP , apart from that med free.

Thanks again to all you regular posters for your insight over the past few months. It's time to pay back so any pre surgery posters (especially those considering the Ross Procedure or are under the care of the Royal Bropton) please feel free to get in touch.

Kind Regards to All

Andy

Severe AS
Ross Procedure - 3 March 2011 - R Brompton London

 

[Lynlw]

Thanks for the update, glad to hear you had the surgery and things are going well. I know how frustrating it is to have surgery postponed a couple times. I actually got the point of not believing Justin was having surgery until he was being wheeled down the hall into the OR.
Keeping doing your walking and breathing excersises and remember to use good posture and hopefully your lungs will be back to normal soon.

 

[ottagal]

Great to hear from you Andy and welcome to the other side. Wishing you a continued, smooth recovery. One day at a time...

 

[Allisoninoz]

Hi Andy,
I had my Ross done on February 22 so am now 18 days post-surgery. The sleeping is still tough - I'm not sleeping in more than three-hour stretches, although last night I think I might have made four hours (whoo-hoo!). I nap every afternoon for at least 30 minutes. The toughest thing has been associated neck, back and shoulder/arm pain. I'm having physio and use heat packs to help that. And trying to keep a good posture.
I'm taking eight Paracetemol tablets a day (4 x 2) for pain, but that's it. I'm going to try to reduce to six from early next week.
I'm walking about 20 minutes a day at the moment. Sometimes I've done a bit more but have paid for it the next day. Take it easy and DON'T OVERDO THINGS even if you feel ok.
Good luck.
Alli

 

[DeuxofUs]

Wow!

Wow!

I am considering the Ross Procedure and it's great to see the success on this forum. It really makes me feel good. I am looking at the two top docs in the nation for my surgery.

 

[Greg a]

Andy you are awesome

congratulations and here is to smooth roads ahead

 

[Jeri]

HI andy,

So happy to hear about your positive recovery.....this all sounds great....keeping you in my prayers for continued recovery....take it easy and listen to your body....I think my surgery will be in April sometime....TBA!!! Take care and have a restful weekend.

Jeri

 

[nngbwh]

Thats the news we all like to hear. Thanks for the update.

 

[epstns]

Andy - It sounds like you've gotten a lot of it right the first time, and I congratulate you in that! I'm glad that your surgery went so smoothly. It helps the members in The Waiting Room when they hear of great stories along with some of the "speed bump" and "trainwreck" stories that are commonplace, too.

Keep up the good work, but let's not overdo it -- don't want to do the "one step forward, two steps backward" thing, do we?

 

[spartangator]

Great to hear, Andy. This first stretch has its challenges, but as you heal, things will get easier, including sleep. Keep up the positive outlook.

 

[Barry]

I think that Physically its a case of gradually building up, my frustration has been a reduction in concentration span. Its been 4 weeks since my Ross, Sleep is not a problem, I used a plastic breathing gadget that measures/improves the lung capacity in the first couple of weeks post op. Still have the occasional cat nap in the afternoons and walking to drop off and pick up kids (2x 1 mile).
Back to hospital for check up later this week, although this is in Newcastle, my cardiologist (in Northampton) recommended there when we discussed surgical options (he used to work there and knows the team) although did mention the Royal Brompton - out of interest who was the surgeon there that you had?