Feeling a little less scared now

[BrownEyes]

When I last posted on here, was so very nervous about my OHS for Bicuspid valve replacement and repair of aortic root aneurism. Since then, and after all the wonderful supportive messages and posts from everyone on this site, I started to feel a little less stressed. When I first found out I needed surgery in 6 months, I was barely sleeping and could only worry about my surgery. Now I only think about it every now and then and am keeping busy.

I met with my new cardiologist last week about my upcoming pre-surgical tests, one of which is an angiogram. I have been so stressed about that too. When I met with him, he immediately put me at ease. When he discussed the procedure, he made it sound like he was doing something as simple as making coffee. He will be going in through my wrist, and I will have no real restrictions afterwards except to have someone stay with me for 24 hours and then not being able to lift anything heavier than 9 lbs for 5-6 days.

I scheduled my surgery for the week of April 28th. I will get a definite date once my results come back from my angiogram. I am busy working on preparing my home for the post surgery time recovering, and getting my life in order should where be any complications. I'm most dreading the days in ICU since all the stuff about breathing tubes, chest tubes, IV's stress me out more than the surgery but I recently had an epiphany. I reminded myself that I have no choice other than to have this surgery, and that I have to go through all of this and yes its going to probably suck for 2 or 3 days. But I can't change anything and all I can do is deal with it as best I can. And surprisingly that realization has made me less stressed.

I will provide another update after my angiogram. Until then, I keep reading all the posts on here that have helped me calm down and I thank you all so much for your words of wisdom.

 

[JH51]

When I last posted on here, was so very nervous about my OHS for Bicuspid valve replacement and repair of aortic root aneurism. Since then, and after all the wonderful supportive messages and posts from everyone on this site, I started to feel a little less stressed. When I first found out I needed surgery in 6 months, I was barely sleeping and could only worry about my surgery. Now I only think about it every now and then and am keeping busy.

I met with my new cardiologist last week about my upcoming pre-surgical tests, one of which is an angiogram. I have been so stressed about that too. When I met with him, he immediately put me at ease. When he discussed the procedure, he made it sound like he was doing something as simple as making coffee. He will be going in through my wrist, and I will have no real restrictions afterwards except to have someone stay with me for 24 hours and then not being able to lift anything heavier than 9 lbs for 5-6 days.

I scheduled my surgery for the week of April 28th. I will get a definite date once my results come back from my angiogram. I am busy working on preparing my home for the post surgery time recovering, and getting my life in order should where be any complications. I'm most dreading the days in ICU since all the stuff about breathing tubes, chest tubes, IV's stress me out more than the surgery but I recently had an epiphany. I reminded myself that I have no choice other than to have this surgery, and that I have to go through all of this and yes its going to probably suck for 2 or 3 days. But I can't change anything and all I can do is deal with it as best I can. And surprisingly that realization has made me less stressed.

I will provide another update after my angiogram. Until then, I keep reading all the posts on here that have helped me calm down and I thank you all so much for your words of wisdom.

I was in your position: aged 73, no real symptoms to speak of, but my moderate/ severe stenosis apparently progressed to the point where my life expectancy without surgery was 1-2 years. As daunting as the idea of open heart surgery was, there really was no other option if I wanted to see my grandchildren grow up….
My aortic valve was replaced on January 22, along with the aortic root enlargement,& I can honestly say that the anticipation was far far worse than the reality.
Yes, the first couple of days in ICU weren’t pleasant, but I honestly can’t remember much until I was back in my room. The last thing I can recall clearly was being wheeled into the anaesthetic prep room, chatting to everyone, feeling strangely calm. The next thing I remember was waking up in ICU, sitting up in a chair, no breathing tubes,& my wife and sister watching me.
Getting mobile was the key thing, but the staff were so good, and patient….
I’m now 6 weeks post op,& the recovery has been slow and steady, but positive. The main issue for me has been sleeping, or lack of it, but that has started to improve.
Again, the key thing is to walk little and often.
The pain has been far less than I expected: I was sent home with a Postthorax sternal support, which I’m convinced has played a major part in this.
Coughing and sneezing aren’t fun, but I managed to avoid these for 3-4 weeks by ‘houghing’ rather than coughing ( shown to me by one of the lovely physios),
You’ll be fine… a massive event for us, but just another day at the office for the super heroes in the surgical team.
Take care,& I look forward to your next update.

 

[Chuck C]

I reminded myself that I have no choice other than to have this surgery, and that I have to go through all of this and yes its going to probably suck for 2 or 3 days. But I can't change anything and all I can do is deal with it as best I can. And surprisingly that realization has made me less stressed.

That is a great mindset going in. Even in those challenging 2 or 3 days, there can be great psychological victories. Each day you will make significant advancements and you will move one step closer to full recovery. Right after surgery I had 2 fully loaded IV trees in ICU, and two large drainage pumps that I needed to lug around with me on my walks around the ICU. Every time they took away an IV or drainage tube, I did a little victory lap in my head. The entourage of stuff attached to me gradually got smaller, and with each step came increased mobility and comfort. So, rejoice in each little victory, no matter how small. Before you know it you will be fully recovered and feeling great.

Wishing you the very best in your upcoming procedure! Please keep us posted on your journey.

 

[Chuck C]

I met with my new cardiologist last week about my upcoming pre-surgical tests, one of which is an angiogram. I have been so stressed about that too. When I met with him, he immediately put me at ease. When he discussed the procedure, he made it sound like he was doing something as simple as making coffee.

It really is that routine for them. An experienced cardiologist does many angiograms per month and they can practically do it in their sleep. Same with your surgery. For your surgical team, this is just another day in the office doing what they do every day. Trust in their experience and relax knowing that you are in very experienced hands.