Day of Discharge after surgery?

[Christina]

Hi Christina,


I also believe you are better off by staying an extra few days. I had two AVR's in August 2000. Second one was a redo due to a blood clot that had developed underneath the new mechanical valve. With the first surgery I was home on the 6th day, the 2nd surgery they finally sent me home the 9th day. It all depends on what's going on.

Wishing you all the best.

 

[LKC]

Christina,

I had an AVR at Cleveland Clinic in January 2002, and flew home 5 days later, on the day of discharge. I don't disagree with any of the comments here, though, and would go along with what Dr. Cosgrove's assistants tell you. One thing that helped me on the trip home, especially as I had to change planes in Atlanta, was to arrange to have wheelchairs meet me at every airport, including Cleveland. No matter how well the surgery goes, you are not going to feel much like strolling down airport concourses. I believe if you call the airlines, they can arrange for the wheelchairs. Also, I traveled in a comfortable jogging suit and kept my pillow at hand the entire way.

Good luck.

Landon

AVR - January 2002

 

[Christina L]

Thanks Landon. You must have ESP or something. Wayne and I were just talking about the return trip home. Dr. Cosgrove's assistant did tell me I could fly home the day of discharge, but I am taking others' advice on the board here - we will wait TWO days after discharge before I attempt the flight home. We are anticipating use of wheelchairs frequently.

Thank you for the encouragement. I'm glad your surgery went without complications and you made it home safely.

It doesn't help that I am fearful of flying! Hee! I think after heart surgery, the fear of being on the plane will not even phase me. Ya think?

Chris

 

[Georgia]

I think you'll have enough pain killers in you that you might still be afraid of flying but you just won't care.

You're teeth may be chattering, but you're a different person than you were when you first joined us. Good for you. This is a terribly hard time and I think having to make travel plans, etc., would complicate things tremendously. I know we just do what we have to do; but you're doing extra.

Hang in there. Enjoy Halloween; spend the next 3 weeks getting your Xmas ducks in a row as much as possible, so you can enjoy the holidays.

I think if I were you I'd be printing my address labels for my cards and getting my cards written and stamped and ready to go. Then everyone would think I was a miracle worker when they got their cards the week after T-giving.

Decide what you're going to want to have done for decorating and make sure you can find it BEFORE you go because you're not going to be much help after; and it's going to irritate you no end if things aren't right.

If you need any more suggestions how to keep busy for the next three weeks, let me know.

 

[Christina L]

Georgia,

Thanks for your advice, BUT my surgery is next Wednesday, on the 5th of November!!!! Only a week to get my X-mas ducks in a row. Hee!

I am doing much better now with the anticipation of the surgery, as I know it is inevitable and have resigned myself to the fact of it.

Also, reading the posts, like the one today from Susan - reassuring those of us still waiting to climb the mountain, that the actual surgery isn't as bad as the anticipation of the surgery, makes me feel a bit better.

I am just anxious to have it over with - VERY anxious. I am still scared, of course, but ya do what ya gotta do, right?

Thanks for your help. I appreciate it very much!

Chris

 

[bvdr]

Hi Chris,

I truly believe the the wait is the hardest part. It seems like everyone has some unexpected glitches after surgery but don't let that throw you. Everyone's experience is unique but over and over you will hear how glad they are that the mountain is behind them and that the mountain wasn't as big as it as first seemed.

 

[Ross]

Incoming Message From The Great Big Head!

Incoming Message From The Great Big Head!

I AM The Best!

 

[MelissaM]

Almost didn't recognize Da Man in his street clothes. He cleans up nice. . .

 

[Christina L]

All I can say, Dr. Cosgrove, is I hope you ARE the best, as I am sure paying you enough!!!

As for the coffee and donuts with "de man" this morning, Ross, were they Krispy Kremes??? Not very heart healthy for a heart surgeon to be noshing on!!

Well, I will take your word for it, Ross, and Dr. Cosgrove's word (that he gave YOU this morning over that healthy breakfast) - that a repair of my mitral valve is a sure thing. I think God will have the last word on this, though.

Chris

 

[tommy]

Christina,

I didn't feel like walking more than 100 yards for my first few days. I agree with hanging loose for a few days.

The wheel chair sounds like a dandy idea. Take advantage of all the special attention that the airline will give you. There's no shame in asking for help. This is not a time for heroics.

Are the elk starting to come down out of the mountains yet? My bet is that you will soooooo enjoy the ride over the mountain in Cleveland and the ride over the pass into Estes.

 

[Ross]

My bet is that you will soooooo enjoy the ride over the seagulls in Cleveland and the ride over the pass into Estes.

Fixed!

 

[Bill Hall]

Hey - I never did get to meet Cosgrove, but that is a good picture of him (I think!). Anyway, Cosgrove did a great job on me and I am still very healthy, only one aspirin per day (2 1/2 years now). So Christina, I don't think you will need a wheelchair, just take it easy when you leave the hospital. I even let my wife carry my bags. The extra two days are very conservative, but that is OK with me.