Almost here

[TiredTickerInTx]

Well it is really starting to set in now. In about 24 hours I will be on the table.
Starting to kind of freak out right now. I know I'm going to be in good hands and all, I just feel the anxiety really starting to rise.
I have had my share of surgical procedures before this but to be honest I think this one has me feeling the most nervous. The thing is, this valve replacement is so much more common than all of the abdominal surgeries I have had in the past. My wife keeps telling me that this will be a lot easier on me than being cut from sternum to pubes where they had to go through all of the tissue, muscle, and fat of the abdomen,and then do the actual procedure. Hopefully she is right. I'm sure that my recovery time will definitely be shorter as I am still not completely over the last one in July.
One of my main concerns is that when this is all said and done that I will be able to breathe easier and I won't fatigue so easily. It has been really hard on me to have to sit back and watch my wife do all the things I should be doing. Things like yard work, which I love to do, climbing up to the attic to haul down all the Christmas decorations and so on and so on. I used to be such an active guy, but since all of these gut issues started a few years ago and now this with my heart, it has been really difficult to get to that point.
Anyway, enough of that. I want to thank you all for taking the time to keep this place going as you have made me realize that I am not the only one going through this and there are people out there that care and are willing to share their knowledge to help others as much as possible.
I will let you all know how things go as soon as I can. Take care and Thanks again for your help and support.

Kevin

 

[BlindFaith]

Yup... the last few days are tough. I can tell you that the last 24 hours became calm for me... I think I was numb and finally reserved to the fact that there was nothing I could do anymore. I took a sedative the night before and slept OK. In the morning, I went through the motions and when I got to the hospital, it was OK.

Really, the biggest worry I had was waking up to the breathing tube down my throat. And as my father told me, you won't remember it... and I don't.

Hang in there. Good luck and we'll look forward to your posts after the surgery.

 

[coach14]

Kevin,

I will be thinking about you tomorrow. Everything will go fine and you will be amazed at how well you feel once everything is done. You are still very young and I am sure you will bounce back quickly. I am 42 and went with a tissue valve and feel great. If you are like me and many others on this site, the day of the operation will be more of a relief than a worry. Try to stay relaxed and I look forward to hearing how you are doing.

 

[jax]

U will probably calm down soon. U will do just fine. Just think this time in a couple days it will all be over and and you will be on the road to recovery. Wishing u the best possible outcome with your surgery and recovery. Please update as soon as possible.

 

[escargome]

Kevin,
Just set your sights on feeling better. Take a deep deep breath, give your wife and family a hug and just remember that getting through this is gonna give you the energy and strength to be able to get back to doing all the "guy" things you used to do. The going might be slow at first, but each and every day that you have after your surgery is one more day with your loved ones. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers for a successful surgery and smooth recovery. I shall look for your post-surgery news.

 

[nngbwh]

We all know how you're feeling. You will be fine.

 

[Freddie]

Kevin, do try to relax and enjoy your day.

We'll all be thinking of you and sending you special prayers, If your good wife could up-date us when she has a moment that would be great.

Oh Yea, if you have a chance, try to get that license number from that Mack Truck - no one here has been able to

 

[Danny]

Good luck Kevin, you will do fine.

 

[rckrzy1]

make sure to tell your anesthesiologist you want something for the ride down to the OR. Mine sent me to the room stone cold sober. And ever since my other minor surgeries I always ask for something for the ride down.

See you later.

 

[hall]

Praying for a successful surgery and recovery. See you on the other side Kevin.

 

[deano89]

certainly identify with your feelings its one hell of an emotional rollercoaster we step on! i am just over 5 weeks post op i was counting down from about 2 weeks out and it was hard on me and my family, the waiting is the hardest part ,as many on here will tell you ,the day i walked through the hospital doors every thing seem to be calmer and the morning of the op i was ready to get it done which surprised me .thought i would be in a right state. but i was calm, hope its the same for you .concentrate on the fact these surgeons are no less than brilliant at what they do and although its major surgery they have it down to a fine art, i was quoted a 1% risk .
you will be fixed soon good luck with surgery

 

[river-wear]

Good luck tomorrow, Kevin! We'll all be thinking of you.

Michele

 

[torreypines]

Kevin,
You'll be in our thoughts and prayers. Best wishes to you and your wife during this unnerving time. We're right behind you on the 16th.
~Christine

 

[netmiff]

Kevin, lots of us have been where you are now, it is not the easiest place t be. Do what you have to to get some sleep tonight. Once you are in the hospital, give yourself over to the routine, and just go with the flow. Take any meds they give you, don't fight them on that one, and you'll float through this.

Oh, yeah, as Freddie says, if you get the number on that truck, you'll be the first!

 

[Danny]

Yeah Kevin, because i sure did miss the number on it..lol. You will be in our thoughts, and prayers.

 

[Cris N]

Kevin, I wish you a very successful surgery, I wish you a smooth recovery, and I wish you peace and serenity tonight. See ya on the other side.

 

[Guest]

See you on the other side. You're going to be just fine and before spring gets here, you'll be itching to get out into the garden. Then you'll say "I wish I didn't have to do the yardwork, I'd rather be golfing."

Take it easy and do as the doctors say once you are sprung. Nap when you are tired, take your meds, use your breathing thingy, and heal.

God speed.

 

[Dale]

Kevin - wishing you all the best. The waiting is awful -- but you are almost over that mountain! Hang in there,

Dale

 

[Bridgette]

You are ready to get this over and done with Kevin. Wishing you the very best of luck for your surgery and recovery.

Bridgette

 

[Luana]

Hi Kevin,
My thoughts and prayers will be with you. Wishing you all the best and a very smooth recovery!
Luana