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J

jaydee

I haven't posted here too much - most of you probably know me as Christian's wife. Anyway, I got my date for my MV repair today: November 1. It's a little sooner than I expected but at least I'll be feeling good for the holidays!

So, what's the recovery like? How long before I can drive? How long before I can pick up my son who turns a year old this weekend? I am open to any info you can give me!
 
Well now, it's about time! :D

Recovery is slow going and you'll be in pain for a little while. Nothing you can't handle, but your not going to want to do much but rest and relax.

Figure 6 weeks until you can drive and depending on how well your sturnum is healing, probably about 3 months before you can think of really lifting your son. Maybe sooner, but I don't want to get your hopes up.

I put you on the calendar since these other SLACKERS didn't!
 
Gotta say - you've got one very large extended family here! We've been through your pregnancy with you, the birth of that gorgeous little boy and now we're here for you for your repair. Wishing the best for you. Sooner is really better than later, might as well get in there and get it fixed.
 
As far as picking up the little one, I'd say for sure by 3 months. But at least you'll be able to snuggle with him sooner :D Given that you've got a few weeks before the big day, I would use some of that time to start teaching him how to be gentle with Mommy. The last thing you'll need with a sore chest is for him to bang his head against you :eek: :eek:

Cris
 
I agree with the others - 3 months for the lifting. Even your son sitting in your lap will be a problem for the first couple of weeks as he might push on your incision. I am sure this will be much harder for you than the pain. The emotional part can be awful.

Other than that, you will be mostly out of it for a couple of weeks. The first week will be a blur and you will be quite medicated. Get a recliner if you don't have one as it will be difficult for you to get in and out of bed. Make sure you have plenty of easy to prepare meals.

Driving should wait for at least 6 weeks. You might feel like driving but you need to protect your chest from injury and the chance of an accident with air bags, seat belt tightening and steering wheels, just isn't worth it. Talk to your surgeon and doctor for their recommendations as well.

I am happy you will have all this fixed so you can have the energy for your toddler. Looking forward to hearing how well you are doing.
 
I am definitely dreading the recovery because of Colin, more than anything else. I am still nursing him, but have been weaning him the past few weeks in anticipation of the surgery. Next week is going to have to be the end of that - I want him totally comfortable with the end of nursing before the surgery. I just can't believe I won't be able to pick him up for 3 months! I am really having a hard time with that.

And, I have to say, my boy is still so gorgeous!!! :D
 
congrats for getting a surgery date...
I too look forward to this day and shall be eagerly awaiting a new lease of life...

Its great to be part of such a caring community like VR ...
 
jaydee said:
I am definitely dreading the recovery because of Colin, more than anything else. I am still nursing him, but have been weaning him the past few weeks in anticipation of the surgery. Next week is going to have to be the end of that - I want him totally comfortable with the end of nursing before the surgery. I just can't believe I won't be able to pick him up for 3 months! I am really having a hard time with that.

And, I have to say, my boy is still so gorgeous!!! :D
Click to expand...

Jill,
Since you're having a repair, the time frame might be shortened for driving and lifting. I had replacement and I was allowed to drive at 5 weeks (when I had my postop surgeon's appt.). I was told to pick up no more than 10 pounds until 8 weeks, but after that there were no restrictions. I started lifting my 2 1/2 granddaughter at that time.
Maybe a few of the repair people will chime in and let you know their experiences. :)
 
one less hurdle

one less hurdle

jaydee said:
I haven't posted here too much - most of you probably know me as Christian's wife. Anyway, I got my date for my MV repair today: November 1. It's a little sooner than I expected but at least I'll be feeling good for the holidays!

So, what's the recovery like? How long before I can drive? How long before I can pick up my son who turns a year old this weekend? I am open to any info you can give me!
Click to expand...
Great! I know how relieved I was just to have it scheduled! I have all the same questions, we'll stay in touch.
I am actually looking forward to a little "vacation" while I recoup. Might not try to go back to work before the first of the year.
Where is your surgery?
 
dbuenting said:
Great! I know how relieved I was just to have it scheduled! I have all the same questions, we'll stay in touch.
I am actually looking forward to a little "vacation" while I recoup. Might not try to go back to work before the first of the year.
Where is your surgery?
Click to expand...

I am having my surgery by Cosgrove at the Cleveland Clinic. I am also planning on taking off through the holidays and going back to work after the first of the year. I actually thought the surgery would not be until the second week of the month. Anyway, it should be a nice Christmas - we should both be feeling good by then! This will be the second year in a row that I have November and December off - last year, I was on maternity leave!

Good luck!
 
Jill,

I feel like we already know you after following the posts on your pregnancy! Colin is so adorable.

Glad to hear you have your date. Looking forward to post-surgery posts.


You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Michelle
 
jaydee said:
I haven't posted here too much - most of you probably know me as Christian's wife. Anyway, I got my date for my MV repair today: November 1. It's a little sooner than I expected but at least I'll be feeling good for the holidays!

So, what's the recovery like? How long before I can drive? How long before I can pick up my son who turns a year old this weekend? I am open to any info you can give me!
Click to expand...
Hi Jaydee,

Recovery is different for everybody. I'm 4 weeks post op and am have been going to work and doing cardiac PT for 2 weeks. Yes, I also drive (but don't tell anyone!). I'll send some positive thoughts your way for a speedy recovery!

Good Luck!!
 
Congrats on getting your date!

Recovery can be very painful ... and yet, character building ;).

Driving ... none for a while.... Though, I stayed up until midnight just to drive the moment I was told I could drive again ;). My last surgery was January 3, 2003 ... I was driving my then daily driver at 12:01am February 10 ;).

BTW, when I first read "got my date" as your subject line ... I thought, 'Gosh darn it ... I need one of those'. Course, I quickly realized, given the forum, that you were talking surgery date ... he he he.

Good luck ... remain calm ... and know that thoughts/prayers are coming your way!

And, your son is so adorable!


Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 32swm/pig valve/pacemaker
MC:family.IL.guide.future = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/
chdQB = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/quilt.html
"I'm just out to find the better part of me" ... 5 For Fighting ... 'Superman'
 
Just wanted to say hi...........

Just wanted to say hi...........

and send hugs. Many of us on here already feel like we know you, thanks to Christian's posts. We will add you to our prayer list. Many hugs. J.
 
Thanks for the warm thoughts everyone! It's nice to have all this support from people who have already been down this road.
 
The others have covered most of the questions regarding the driving and lifting. The driving is especially important do not do it until the doctor clears you to. ;) Even if you feel OK you wouldn't be even wearing a seat belt if you happened to be unlucky enough to be involved in an accident. :eek: With your son so young you will also have to be careful with him banging the incision area or pulling your arm in the first few weeks. :(
Good luck with the surgery on the 1 Nov, I will be thinking of you on the day as it is a public holiday in Melbourne. :)
 
You've got a good plan, Jaydee. You should be feeling great by the holidays, and ready to go back to work in January. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Toby Cosgrove has banned smoking and fast food at the Clinic - so if Christian needs a smoke and a burger, have him visit the VR.com chuck wagon.

wagon.jpg


Mary will be driving the first week of November. ;-)
 
Jaydee,
Good Luck with you upcoming surgery. It is almost a relief to have a date set, isn't it. The waiting is the worst part of the whole thing. I can imagine how difficult it is having that beautiful baby at home while you have to have your repair done. Just because you can't lift the little guy, someone can put him in your lap just becareful because he is too young to understand what you have been through. My grandson was born two weeks after my surgery and there was no way that I was not going to hold him.
Try to take some time for yourself and remember you are doing this to help yourself have a more active life style. ;)
Kathy H.
 
Jaydee,
As I'm sure you've already been told, the hardest part truly is the anxiety before surgery. Many of us, myself included, experience a feeling of calm the last day or so before surgery. You'll have the support & prayers of this forum with you. You'll come out a bit sore, but able to hold that baby soon enough. You'll do just fine!
Regards, George
 
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