AVR on Monday Nov 15th

[bawelp]

I had my Angiogram on Tuesday, and am scheduled for AVR on Monday. I will be getting the St. Jude Valve.

I just wanted to thank everyone for all the wonderful information posted on this site. I felt so prepared while talking things over with my surgeon.

The only question I have left is about these heart pillows I have read so much about. Do hospitals provide them or is it something I should buy this weekend and take with me?

Thanks for all the info,

Brad

 

[geebee]

Brad,
First off - best wishes on Monday. I will send good vibes your way.
As far as the pillows - I think a lot of the hospitals now are providing them (or some semblence thereof). You might try calling and asking unless someone on this site knows the hospital and can tell you.
If your hospital does not - you should pick up a pillow. You would need one that just covers your chest area and of a size that is comfortable holding with your arms crossed over it. It should be about 5 inches thick and fairly firm. I am sure you know the idea is to provide support for your chest while coughing.
Good luck and Godspeed.
Smiles,
Gina

 

[bawelp]

Gina,

Thanks. For everyone else the hospital is Sierra Medical Center in El Paso, Texas.

Brad

 

[twoboysdad]

Heart Hugger

Heart Hugger

Brad,

I am 3/12 weeks post op from my AVR. This was my second surgery. My first surgery was 21 years ago and I was only givin a pillow. My recent surgery the hospital provided me with a device called a Heart Hugger.

I have noticed that not many other hospitals are providing these yet. They are FANTASTIC for the recovery while in the hospital and for the first couple of weeks out of the hospital.

Basically its a harness that sort of resembles a bra. In the front there are two handles. When you need to get up or down, cough, sneeze, etc. You squeeze the handles together and it tightens the strap around your body and holds everything in.

These are a God Send! I am sure as they catch on, other hospitals will provide them too.

Here is a link to the Heart Hugger Website. You can purchase them from thier site. If you can get a rush delivery, i would recomend it!
http://www.hearthugger.com/flash.html

Good luck on Monday! We will be waiting to hear from you! Have someone post your condition if you can.

Jeff

 

[hensylee]

Brad, I think it is rare these days to find a hospital that does not provide the little pillow. It was handed to me almost immediately when I woke up. They told me to carry it everywhere, including and maybe, especially, the bathroom. It is such a help. Take it home because you will need it for a while during recuperation - especially when you experience the evil sneeze. (try not to sneeze - you think you will expire on the spot).

As you approach the mountain to make your climb, we will be thinking of you, sending prayers and waiting for you on the good side. Please ask somebody to let us know how you get on because we are always concerned for our fellow heartbuddies. Blessins....

 

[bvdr]

Brad, soon this will all be behind you and on the road to recovery. You will be in my heart and prayers this week-end and especially on Monday.

Duke Univeristy Hospital provides a really firm oval pillow and has a pen attached to it for people to autograph. It really came in handy but the heart hugger sounds wonderful to me.

If possible, have someone post for you so we know how you are doing, OK?

 

[tobagotwo]

If you don't get one in time, you will survive. I didn't have one and did just fine.

Regardless of whether you have a "heart pillow," a kinky, strap-on device with handles (Jeff, this is a whole new side of you! ), or nothing but an attitude, one of the primary laws of the first month post-AVR is, "Thou shalt not sneeze." Coughing is bad. Sneezing is unbearable.

Very best wishes for your upcoming surgery and recovery,

 

[Ross]

Will there be anyone that can post on your behalf till you get back? Hope so.

Good luck and God bless, see ya when it's over and your all new again.

No special pillow for me either. Nurse just handed me a full size pillow and said take it, so I did!

 

[Tom F.]

I expected to get a pillow when I woke up, but they never gave me one. I went to a major heart center hospital, and they say that they generally do not use them. I was just fine without one.

 

[KathyH]

Good Luck with your surgery Monday. I will have you in my thoughts. Don't worry about the pillow. I didn't get one either- used a folded flannel blanket they gave me. It came in handy for the ride home to put under the seat belt. Friends of mine did give me a nice soft teddy bear that I did use once I was home. Please have someone post for you post op.
Kathy H

 

[Bryan B]

I got one while in the hospital, but it was so hard it didn't feel very good on my fresh incision. I folded over a regular pillow and that worked for me. When I got home I used a throw pillow that my mom had on one of the couches. It fit my chest perfect and was just the right firmness. You'll find something that will work well for you...don't worry about that. Good luck tomorrow and my thoughts will be with you!

 

[bawelp]

Thanks for the support, I leave in about 2 hours. My mom will try and post an update.

Thanks,

Brad

 

[tobagotwo]

Brad,

You've already left for the hospital, but you will be on my mind at work today, and undoubtedly on many others' as well.

Best wishes,