Can’t Wait to Have Surgery

[BrownEyes]

I am a 56 year old female waiting to have bicuspid valve replacement with ascending aortic aneurism repair end of April. I have moderate stenosis of my valve and my aneurism is 5.0 and has grown quicker in the last 6 months.

The nervousness has now subsided and I am more in a period of frustration. Not being able to lift anything heavy (as a single woman who has a hard time accepting help from anyone) is getting frustrating, I feel inadequate and helpless.

Yesterday I put together a lightweight IKEA closet organizer and had brief chest pain after I tightened the screws which of course made me panic but I stopped and rested. Tired of thinking my chest is going to explode any moment.

Lastly..I am NOT a girl who takes naps. Never have been known to nap except when I sit. Lately, I have zero energy and get tired at a moments notice. Can’t make it through the day without napping at least once.

Just want to feel normal again soon.

Thanks for listening to me complain. I know many of you have probably had similar feelings and can relate.

 

[3mm]

waiting to have bicuspid valve replacement with ascending aortic aneurism repair end of April

I appreciate that today the "end of April" seems to be far away, but the time can pass quickly. Plants will start growing, birds will migrate, and the world will awaken.

Have you considered how your home will support you during your recovery after surgery? Locations of commonly used kitchen and bathroom items? Sleeping arrangement, and a comfortable spot to relax? Transportation after surgery before you are cleared to drive?

 

[Chuck C]

Welcome to VR!

What you describe are aortic stenosis symptoms, so I'm glad to hear that you will be getting valve replacement surgey in a few weeks.

Just want to feel normal again soon.

You will. Hang in there. For people who are symptomatic, getting your diseased valve replaced is usually a huge game changer. At 56 you are young and have a lot of symptom free life to look forward to.

Good luck with your procedure and please keep us posted.

 

[dornole]

I can definitely relate!! You will soon be on the other side. You will feel like even more of an invalid for a while after surgery … but soon enough you’ll feel fully healthy, sturdy and capable again.

 

[Zoltania]

I found that many people really like to help and are happy to, especially if you ask them for something specific like lifting a heavy object or going grocery-shopping for you. At the time of my surgery I was used to being very independent, and I was surprised and touched by how helpful and kind people were, even some coworkers and neighbors whom I hadn't thought I was particularly close to.

@dornole is right, it will probably take months, but you will feel like yourself again.