Getting to the front of the waiting room

[Paleowoman]

I saw my new cardiologist again this afternoon and had a repeat echo done as the previous cardiologist hadn't committed his to CD or the system. The technician who did the echo was tons better than I've ever had before, did a lot more investigations using the echo. But the cardiologist doesn't think I'll be able to wait till after Easter to have my OHS I'm not too happy about this as I had plans which I'll obviously have to scrap. I'll be seeing the surgeon next week or the week after to see what she thinks.

One nice thing, the technician asked if I do exercise like weight lifting because my heart muscle is so strong ! And yes I do, or yes I did until three weeks ago when my pressure gradient got too high. I was doing SuperSlow High Intensity weight lifting - slow lifts and lowers with high enough weight to do only three or four reps to failure. It was nice to hear that type of weight lifting had benefitted my heart so much the echo technician could see it.

 

[maisiejane]

I saw my new cardiologist again this afternoon and had a repeat echo done as the previous cardiologist hadn't committed his to CD or the system. The technician who did the echo was tons better than I've ever had before, did a lot more investigations using the echo. But the cardiologist doesn't think I'll be able to wait till after Easter to have my OHS I'm not too happy about this as I had plans which I'll obviously have to scrap. I'll be seeing the surgeon next week or the week after to see what she thinks.

One nice thing, the technician asked if I do exercise like weight lifting because my heart muscle is so strong ! And yes I do, or yes I did until three weeks ago when my pressure gradient got too high. I was doing SuperSlow High Intensity weight lifting - slow lifts and lowers with high enough weight to do only three or four reps to failure. It was nice to hear that type of weight lifting had benefitted my heart so much the echo technician could see it.

Hi Anne,
Glad to hear that the cardiologist was thorough and its good that your heart is strong, I think I may be in before you, I got another phone call today asking if I could go in for surgery next Friday, I had already told them I wasn't free until after the 8th November so that is twice they have phoned me in a week, what plans had you arranged, can they be changed or postponed? we had booked a holiday next week for our 30th Anniversary, so didn't want to cancel it, want to make it special!.
You should know more when you have spoken to your surgeon and being private he should be able to give you a date. Keep me informed. Deb x

 

[Roberta]

Good luck with your surgical consult. Hopefully, the surgeon will be able to give you a more accurate prediction of when you will require surgery!

 

[Paleowoman]

Hi Deb,

I'd planned to go to France in March - it's beautiful there then and I wanted to do lots of my favourite walks. My parents lived in France and when they passed on their house came to me and my family and my brother and his. It's just a small house in a town in the south but it is surrounded by the most beautiful hills and a lake. It's quite a trek to get there, two days drive each way, so it's not something I want to do after surgery until I'm very well....hence I wanted to do it before. Plus I don't like the idea of have OHS in winter when it's icy and cold...... I shall just have to see. I'm getting quite resigned about it being done and very scared becasue I have osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures are a real risk in this kind of surgery...will I wake up disabled as I read on an osteoporosis forum that one woman having OHS did. But what can any of us do anyway ? It's a metter to going into surgery and hoping for the best becasue that's all we can do.....
Anne x

 

[maisiejane]

Hi Deb,

I'd planned to go to France in March - it's beautiful there then and I wanted to do lots of my favourite walks. My parents lived in France and when they passed on their house came to me and my family and my brother and his. It's just a small house in a town in the south but it is surrounded by the most beautiful hills and a lake. It's quite a trek to get there, two days drive each way, so it's not something I want to do after surgery until I'm very well....hence I wanted to do it before. Plus I don't like the idea of have OHS in winter when it's icy and cold...... I shall just have to see. I'm getting quite resigned about it being done and very scared becasue I have osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures are a real risk in this kind of surgery...will I wake up disabled as I read on an osteoporosis forum that one woman having OHS did. But what can any of us do anyway ? It's a metter to going into surgery and hoping for the best becasue that's all we can do.....
Anne x

Hi Anne,
Yes that would be wonderful, especially in March not too hot, but if the surgeon feels it would be better to do it sooner then he is the boss. I too am scared, I try to rationalise it but am not doing very well, I take HRT and they say I should stop it 6 weeks prior, but then they have said that if I don't it doesn't matter but they will make me wear flowtrons whilst I am in bed to prevent thrombosis, I never even thought about that risk, maybe we should stop reading and researching, I tend to stick to the happy stories on post surgery I will have fingers crossed for both of us. Take care, and take a little bit of comfort knowing you are not alone. Deb x

 

[Paleowoman]

I take HRT and they say I should stop it 6 weeks prior, but then they have said that if I don't it doesn't matter but they will make me wear flowtrons whilst I am in bed to prevent thrombosis, I never even thought about that risk, maybe we should stop reading and researching, I tend to stick to the happy stories on post surgery I will have fingers crossed for both of us. Take care, and take a little bit of comfort knowing you are not alone. Deb x

I'll have to stop my Strontium Ranelate before surgery, I'm not sure how long before, but there is a theoretical risk of blood clots with strontium when a person is immobile. I shall ask another consultant who knows about it.

What are we going to do about Christmas Deb ? I already haven't bought any fireworks for Guy Fawkes and I always buy my own. This is the first year I have not got round to it with all this going on. Does it take up everyone's mind and time ?

Thanks for having your fingers crossed Deb ! I shall keep mine crossed for both of us too !

 

[maisiejane]

I'll have to stop my Strontium Ranelate before surgery, I'm not sure how long before, but there is a theoretical risk of blood clots with strontium when a person is immobile. I shall ask another consultant who knows about it.

What are we going to do about Christmas Deb ? I already haven't bought any fireworks for Guy Fawkes and I always buy my own. This is the first year I have not got round to it with all this going on. Does it take up everyone's mind and time ?

Thanks for having your fingers crossed Deb ! I shall keep mine crossed for both of us too !

Anne,
I have already started my Christmas shopping, and we don't bother with fireworks as we have dogs and 1 of them doesn't like the noise. the whole surgery thing is completely consuming, I really appreciate this forum, it is a place where you can express your fears without thinking you will upset someone, I try to be positive with my family coz I think that if they see me un nerved it will do the same to them. Am here for you if you need to off load and I appreciate you listening to me, thank you. Deb x

 

[Paleowoman]

I have already started my Christmas shopping, and we don't bother with fireworks as we have dogs and 1 of them doesn't like the noise. the whole surgery thing is completely consuming, I really appreciate this forum, it is a place where you can express your fears without thinking you will upset someone, I try to be positive with my family coz I think that if they see me un nerved it will do the same to them. Am here for you if you need to off load and I appreciate you listening to me, thank you. Deb x

Good idea to start Christmas shopping now.

I do the same as you with my family Deb. i don't want them to see me in a state so I tend to keep it to myself...and I know we can talk about these things here without 'worrying' each other. I haven't even brought my husband with me to any appointments yet ! I will when we see the surgeon as I know he'll have to get involved more practically in my care post operatively. I know that he gets stressed to and perhaps he will feel better seeing the surgeon....but that will be a first for me.

I'd best get to bed now I think.....I'm worrying about what pj's to take to hospital and looking on the net I'm not inspired. I want to look 'good' as I don't think I'll feel too good post surgery so if I'm at least looking good it will help my morale...silly, I know, but...

Anne x

 

[maisiejane]

Good idea to start Christmas shopping now.

I do the same as you with my family Deb. i don't want them to see me in a state so I tend to keep it to myself...and I know we can talk about these things here without 'worrying' each other. I haven't even brought my husband with me to any appointments yet ! I will when we see the surgeon as I know he'll have to get involved more practically in my care post operatively. I know that he gets stressed to and perhaps he will feel better seeing the surgeon....but that will be a first for me.

I'd best get to bed now I think.....I'm worrying about what pj's to take to hospital and looking on the net I'm not inspired. I want to look 'good' as I don't think I'll feel too good post surgery so if I'm at least looking good it will help my morale...silly, I know, but...

Anne x

LOL, I have done the same, I have been to every appointment and every test by myself, My husband demanded that he came to see the surgeon with me and I thought I better let him come then he will have a rough idea what is happening. I have looked on every web site for PJ's and like you I wasn't inspired, I have now bought a lovely pair in navy very silky and totally impractical but at least I will look semi stunning hobbling around the ward
I am currently looking for a front fastening sports bra to take with me so if you find one on your travels let me know. Sleep well. Deb x

 

[Paleowoman]

LOL, I have done the same, I have been to every appointment and every test by myself, My husband demanded that he came to see the surgeon with me and I thought I better let him come then he will have a rough idea what is happening. I have looked on every web site for PJ's and like you I wasn't inspired, I have now bought a lovely pair in navy very silky and totally impractical but at least I will look semi stunning hobbling around the ward
I am currently looking for a front fastening sports bra to take with me so if you find one on your travels let me know. Sleep well. Deb x

Wow ! That is so nice to know that I'm not the only one going to appointments on her own ! I've been seeing docs for my heart, my diabetes, my cough and my osteoporosis always on my own for the past seven years, yet I know so many women and even men (my bro for example) who have their partners always come to appointments, and I'm not talking about heart appointments, just any appointments, even if they're just seeing a GP ! It's not that I want to exclude my husband, I adore him to bits, it's just that I know that if I have him come along that part of the consultation I will be trying to 'protect' him from my worries. I feel I can ask a doctor things I'm worried about, no matter how minor, without my husband being worried that I'm worried. Yes, I'm sure he knows I'm worried and I do tell him that, but I try and be positive as much as I can because I want him to be STRONG for me. When I had my son (24 years ago now) I had to have an emergency caesaren (pelvis too small) and my husband watched me going through 24 hours of hell and watched the caesarean and he was affected quite badly for at least a year after....for which I don't blame him. But I want him to be strong now so he doesn't need to be over worried now, I can do the over worrying and then know that he's there for me when things are too bad. He'll be coming with me when I see the surgeon and when we go to see round the cardiac unit of the hospital, and he's read the books I have on heart surgery so he knows it's going to be stressful for him too...and I'm going to encourage him to ask friends for help too.

I haven't got a front fastening bra, I haven't even got a bra as I never wear one....I haven't got enough to need one ! I would love to find a front fastening vest or front fastening tee shirt but they are all pull over the head as usual so I'm a bit stumped as to underwear. I would guess a maternity bra might fasten up the front ? That's the only time I ever wore one ! All the sports bras I've seen are pull on or back fastening.


Where did you find your pj's ? I've been looking in John Lewis and M&S.....no luck.

Anne
x

 

[Agian]

Anne, I always go to appointments alone. I only found out about my BAV in adulthood, and I'm glad. My parents have no idea I'll need OHS. When the time comes, I'll make it sound like it's no big deal. Had they known this from when I was a kid, they would have driven me bananas. My father, especially, is an anxious man. The wife and kids know, but my parents are frail and don't need the extra stress. Who knows, my valve may outlive them.

 

[maisiejane]

Wow ! That is so nice to know that I'm not the only one going to appointments on her own ! I've been seeing docs for my heart, my diabetes, my cough and my osteoporosis always on my own for the past seven years, yet I know so many women and even men (my bro for example) who have their partners always come to appointments, and I'm not talking about heart appointments, just any appointments, even if they're just seeing a GP ! It's not that I want to exclude my husband, I adore him to bits, it's just that I know that if I have him come along that part of the consultation I will be trying to 'protect' him from my worries. I feel I can ask a doctor things I'm worried about, no matter how minor, without my husband being worried that I'm worried. Yes, I'm sure he knows I'm worried and I do tell him that, but I try and be positive as much as I can because I want him to be STRONG for me. When I had my son (24 years ago now) I had to have an emergency caesaren (pelvis too small) and my husband watched me going through 24 hours of hell and watched the caesarean and he was affected quite badly for at least a year after....for which I don't blame him. But I want him to be strong now so he doesn't need to be over worried now, I can do the over worrying and then know that he's there for me when things are too bad. He'll be coming with me when I see the surgeon and when we go to see round the cardiac unit of the hospital, and he's read the books I have on heart surgery so he knows it's going to be stressful for him too...and I'm going to encourage him to ask friends for help too.

I haven't got a front fastening bra, I haven't even got a bra as I never wear one....I haven't got enough to need one ! I would love to find a front fastening vest or front fastening tee shirt but they are all pull over the head as usual so I'm a bit stumped as to underwear. I would guess a maternity bra might fasten up the front ? That's the only time I ever wore one ! All the sports bras I've seen are pull on or back fastening.


Where did you find your pj's ? I've been looking in John Lewis and M&S.....no luck.

Anne
x

Hi, yes when it comes to my health and telling my hubby it is always on a need to know basis. One day, when I was at work, he became curious about this forum, and as I have saved it on my desk top, he had a peep and he read a thread with pics that showed the stages of one of the members recovery from post surgery day 1 tubes and all, when he told me my first reaction was anger coz I felt like he had been reading my diary, but it opened up a conversation of the process I will be going through and he, as an onlooker would know what to expect, so we now have an agreement that he doesn't read it unless I show him useful info, maybe the forum should have a section that enables relatives an area to off load!.
I got the PJ's from BHS so they weren't too expensive, to be honest I would normally go for comfort in normal situations, but we will be the lead in this production and deserve a bit of flash!
It wouldn't bother me being braless but I did read that it helps to reduce the pressure on the incision, I will keep looking and let you know if I find a suitable one. Deb x

 

[maisiejane]

Anne, I always go to appointments alone. I only found out about my BAV in adulthood, and I'm glad. My parents have no idea I'll need OHS. When the time comes, I'll make it sound like it's no big deal. Had they known this from when I was a kid, they would have driven me bananas. My father, especially, is an anxious man. The wife and kids know, but my parents are frail and don't need the extra stress. Who knows, my valve may outlive them.

Hi Agian
It seems that we are all a little bit guilty of trying to protect those we love, to be honest I think it is a nice trait, but if my hubby kept info from me and I found out I would not be too impressed. Deb x

 

[Paleowoman]

maybe the forum should have a section that enables relatives an area to off load!.
I got the PJ's from BHS so they weren't too expensive, to be honest I would normally go for comfort in normal situations, but we will be the lead in this production and deserve a bit of flash!

I love that "we will be the lead in this production" ! Love it. And I think that's a brilliant suggestion that they could have a section on the forum for relatives !

 

[AZ Don]

Anne,
If your surgery turns out to be this year I would think you would be well enough to travel before March. Something you could discuss with your surgeon.

 

[Lynlw]

I love that "we will be the lead in this production" ! Love it. And I think that's a brilliant suggestion that they could have a section on the forum for relatives !

I know I'm a little late but there is one http://www.valvereplacement.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?18-Significant-Others-Forum Its pretty slow, but usually if someone posts people respond

 

[Guyswell]

Anne,

I agree with AZ Don. If you have your surgery this year, why would you cancel your trip to France in March? By then, you should be feeling very good. When I was allowed to drive again (six weeks after surgery), I felt well enough to get back on my bicycle and ride for an hour. As you can see in my profile, I have a mechanical valve, an aortic graft and a pacemaker. Having OHS twice with all the subsequent hardware hasn't slowed me down. If you're that close to needing surgery, get t done as soon as possible so you can get on with your life.

 

[Paleowoman]

Anne,

I agree with AZ Don. If you have your surgery this year, why would you cancel your trip to France in March? By then, you should be feeling very good…...If you're that close to needing surgery, get t done as soon as possible so you can get on with your life.

Surgery is now booked for 6th January. That means it will be two months till March, so we'll leave it open and see how I feel then ! I wouldn't want surgery this side of Christmas, I mean if I had it next week or the week after then I would be in recovery over the Christmas period and, I don't know the US, but over this side of the pond most of the consultants are away on holiday - both my cardiologist and endocrinologist are, in fact surgery was changed from 3rd to 6th January because they wanted to be around for it and were away on the 3rd. Our GP surgery will also be working with a 'skeleton' team over the two weeks of Christmas, and I bet A&E will be full of drunks ! So surgery in December is not good for me unless things become an emergency…..even the surgeon may be on holiday at Christmas ! Fingers crossed that by March though I will be fit enough to enjoy a holiday

 

[Duffey]

January 6th will be here before you know it! Congrats on getting a date and best wishes going forward.

 

[Lynlw]

Surgery is now booked for 6th January. That means it will be two months till March, so we'll leave it open and see how I feel then ! I wouldn't want surgery this side of Christmas, I mean if I had it next week or the week after then I would be in recovery over the Christmas period and, I don't know the US, but over this side of the pond most of the consultants are away on holiday - both my cardiologist and endocrinologist are, in fact surgery was changed from 3rd to 6th January because they wanted to be around for it and were away on the 3rd. Our GP surgery will also be working with a 'skeleton' team over the two weeks of Christmas, and I bet A&E will be full of drunks ! So surgery in December is not good for me unless things become an emergency…..even the surgeon may be on holiday at Christmas ! Fingers crossed that by March though I will be fit enough to enjoy a holiday

I think having a nice holiday booked a few weeks month or so out is a good thing. Especially if it is as relaxing a place as I am imagining, with beautiful scenery to gt all your post op walking thru. I think it can help and be even more motivating to have something special to look forward to weeks after surgery. I know one of justin's surgeries, he had a trip to Cooperstown for Cal Ripkens Hall of Fame ceremony booked months before we ever thought he'd be needing surgery, it was very important to him and not something we could reschedual for a later time. Justin always worked very hard at his recoveries, and even tho he ran into some post op problems and another surgery, having a goal really helped mentally since he focused on that and not being bummed when things sucked. We of course made some arrangements when we knew he'd be post op, like breaking the drive up more and getting him on the list incase he needed a wheelchair since the lines would be long and it was an outdoor event in August, and hot type things, but planned on going if at all possible.
About a month after the 2nd surgery (which was 10 days after the main one) he was watching Cal be inducted to the Hall of fame. AND he was able to enjoy himself , actually while he said having an unplanned surgery stunk, IF he had to have it, it was nice having the best seats at the place since he did take a wheelchair to sit in when he was tired, the friends he was with appreciated being able to stand in the shade next to the stage too) . I know justin and know he always works hard and recovers pretty quickly, but having that to look forward to really helped get thru everything.

The only thing i would think about, since it is a 2 day car trip, would it be possible for you to fly to the closest airport and have whoever is driving down meet you there to cut most of the ravel off your trip there?