For all in pre-surgery: from a 7+ year Ross patient

[Lutesj]

Hi all,

Right now, you're sitting down in front of your computer, wondering what life has in store for you as your impending surgery awaits. Some of you, like I was, are scared to death that you might not wake up the next day. Some of you, like I was, are leaving children at home and dreading the day you say goodbye to them as you leave for surgery. Some of you, like I did, are preparing wills, farewell letters, etc.... Some of you, like I was, are having long stares in your office or at home, taking in the richness of life around you. Some of you, like I was, break out in tears at the drop of a hat. Some of you, like I was, have shut down emotionally and are afraid to talk about the what-ifs of your surgery. Some of you, like I was, are nearing your date and starting to experience a strange, unexpected calm.

All of you, like I was, will go to the hospital and be at peace with your surgery (trust me, you really will). All of you, with God's grace, will wake up the next day and see the beautiful sight of a loved one standing over you. All of you, like I was, will be up and walking in mere days from your surgery. All of you, like I was, will cherish the day you hug your children or loved ones for the first time. All of you, like I was, will come home, put your feet up, and enjoy life like you never have before.

All of you, will someday look back in 7 years like myself, and thank God for the wisdom and skills that he puts in the hands of heart surgeons every day.

John Lutes, 42
RP 2/99 for AVI
Dr. Don Doty (retired)
Salt Lake City
Reside in Atlanta, GA

 

[Leah35]

Wonderful!

Wonderful!

Awwww - what a wonderful post! and I think you hit the nail right on the head! My surgery isn't until next friday and I am still in the very emotional stage. I have not experienced the strange sense of calm yet, but I can say that I'm looking very forward to that feeling! I, like you, cannot talk about the what-if's because it might just open up the flood gates and I'll never be able to get them closed. I am really looking forward to feeling better and putting this all behind me.

But thanks again for such a wonderful post...there are lots of us that are in the waiting room right now and I think you've helped us alot.

Take care of yourself!

 

[catwoman]

Leah:

John is correct -- you do reach a sense of calm, able to go with the flow and trust everything to a higher power.

Bon voyage on your surgery!

 

[pfsinger]

What a beautiful post. My surgery is in 3 days and I'm waiting for that sense of calm. I'm feeling all of the other emotions, though.

Maybe the calm will happen when they give me a sedative after I'm checked into the hospital.

Thanks so much for thinking of us and offering that wonderful post. I'm going to print it out and bring it with me on Friday.

Thank you.

 

[Sherry]

John, what a wonderfully insightful post. Being nine years post-surgery myself (and your age), I would concur with all that you've said.

 

[lopearredlady]

My Reflections

My Reflections

John,
What blessed timing for me to log on for the first time following my RP surgery and read your insightful message.
I have experienced all of these feelings. I thank you,
Terry

 

[aussiemember]

As someone in the waiting room I found this post very inspiring and reassuring. Thankyou!!

 

[marky]

Very true John..great post!

as for that calm, It hit me the morning of surgery.. and I felt as though I was being caried through the process on wings, most likely the wings of prayer!

 

[jonesie]

Thank you for that wonderful post. In exactly 7 hours I will be checking into the hospital for my surgery. I am feeling VERY nervous right now. I just took a shower with the nasty soap the hospital gave me. Hopefully all goes well and I will be talking to you all soon.
KJ

 

[Leah35]

Good Luck!

Good Luck!

Good luck to you! We are sending our positive thoughts and prayers your way.....we'll see you on the other "brighter" side of the mountain.

Hugs

 

[epstns]

Thank you, John.

Each and every one of the members who post stories of their own experiences, especially those as insightful as yours, is an inspiration to those of us still in The Waiting Room.

Thanks for sharing your private feelings. It makes us feel even more like family.

 

[denobobeno]

John,
Thanks for the encouraging words! I'm off to Baylor! See ya'll on the other side of the mountain!
Deana

 

[kimfusca]

Thank you!

Thank you!

Thank you. Thank you, Thank you. I met the surgeon in less than a week and I have been feeling cranky, anxious, unable to concentrate and all the other emotions you've described. Your post came in the nick of time for me. I really needed to hear that. I know my surgery will be scheduled very soon after my initial meeting and my meeting pratically feels like a surgery date. Thank you again.

 

[francie12]

Thanks, John.

 

[lichelle]

Wow!!! You have really hit the nail on the head! My Ross is scheduled for Sept 19th. I have felt like it has been a rollercoaster ride so far. I've known since I was 18-19 that this day would come, just not so soon. Ha! Ha! I've caught myself looking at my daughter like I may never see her again, or enjoying the clouds like they may never be in the sky again! I've even been eating at my favorite restaurant weekly (unheard of for me!). I have been taking every breath with a thankfullness that I am still here to take it and hope that it will continue. God willing, my life will be enriched by having my heart fixed! I WILL have more babies, and I WILL swim more than 15 feet! Someday I plan on looking at my life and knowing with all certainty that I have come along way from this point, and am better for it. Someday, I plan on having a wedding, cuddling my grandchildren, and finishing my bachelor's degree. God knows I won't do any of this without my valve being fixed, so here I am standing at a crossroads waiting to see which path I am led down. I choose the path with life enrichment!

 

[SpoDeb]

Surgery scheduled

Surgery scheduled

HI!
I've been trolling these posts for the past 4 weeks hoping that I wasn't going to need all of your support for another 6 months, but both surgeons I met with (and my cardio) think sooner is better, and since I'm getting married November 11 we decided while there is NEVER a good time let's get it over with so I can dance (and drink) come November.

The Big Day is Monday Aug. 14 with Dr. Trento at Cedars Sinai.

Now I have to figure out whether I'm going to accept his recommendation that he try to do a Ross Procedure or just stick with a tissue valve.

18 days to go!

Any suggestions for how to mentally prepare are MUCH appreciated.

Best

Debbie

 

[Phyllis]

I tookl the liberty of putting both SpoDeb and Lichelle on the calendar. Welcome to the forum and I hope you find all the information and support that you need here. Sending you both our best wishes.