Help wanted!

[Sevgi]

I'm going to the hospital Sunday 7/11 and will have minimally invasive surgery at DMC to replace my aortic valve. I have had anxiety issues on and off for 20 years. I'm getting very nervous and scared now. My Dr. has me on meds for anxiety but I could really use some encouraging news from those who have been where I'm going. Can anyone help me?

 

[Mentu]

Sevgi, you are a passenger in our boat. Anxiety is part of the baggage we end up carrying around. The good news is that for most of us who have had AVR our fears proved unfounded. Everything that I worried about during the time waiting for surgery just never happened. I can't tell you not to worry but I'll can give you reassurance that things will probably be a lot better than you expect. These surgeons are really good and if you are otherwise healthy the risk involved is small. Then there are the teams of people who will help get your recovery on track when you are moved out of the ICU. They know what they are doing and will give you a lot of encouragement. I was amazed at how well it all went. 7 days after my surgery, I was walking around my neighborhood feeling better than I had in a long time. Take care.

Larry

 

[Sevgi]

Thank you so much for your response. I'm very encourage by your ability to walk around the neighborhood in 7 days. I haven't read or found any story from anyone who has had the minimally invasive procedure I'm having. My Dr. has performed over 800 of these with great results but I would like to hear from a patient too. My Mother had her Aortic valve replaced 4 years ago but she had the full sternom incision. I'm hoping for a quicker and much less painful recovery. I hope I can walk around my neighborhood 7 days afterwards.

 

[Ross]

Waiting is the hardest part of this whole ordeal. Do some things that you've always wanted to do and haven't while your waiting. Helps keep your mind off of things and is sort of rewarding yourself before it's over.

 

[Sevgi]

Unfortunately, I love being outdoors swimming or taking pictures but with the heat wave we're experiencing, I can't go outside. Before it got so hot, I spent daylight outside and I loved it. Now I stay indoors and communicate with friends on the computer and watch tv. Well, I've been waiting since April so it's not going to be as long as it has been and I hope by this time next week, I'll be home and recovering. Thanks!

 

[Lynlw]

Unfortunately, I love being outdoors swimming or taking pictures but with the heat wave we're experiencing, I can't go outside. Before it got so hot, I spent daylight outside and I loved it. Now I stay indoors and communicate with friends on the computer and watch tv. Well, I've been waiting since April so it's not going to be as long as it has been and I hope by this time next week, I'll be home and recovering. Thanks!

Can you just float in the water, if the heat it too bad for much else? We live in NJ and if Justin has his surgery in the spring or summer, he tries to go to the shore and weekend before surgery, sice it will be a while before he can go back in the ocean, but even if it is hot or he is too tired to swim, hanging out on a float in a pool is a nice way to relax and get out of the house.

 

[Sevgi]

Thanks Lyn. My Dr has advised me to avoid exertion and heat. I'm in North Carolina. Since our temps are near 100 with high humidity, I'm afraid to even go outside.

 

[Superbob]

DMC? I gather that's Duke Medical Center, very highly rated. Sounds like your surgeon is highly experienced and skilled. I had the full sternum procedure but sounds like your surgeon is skilled at doing the minimally invasive. All of us were nervous going in to some degree or the other, but sounds like you are well situated and that we'll be talking about your recovery soon.

As for the heat and humidity, South Carolina certainly has plenty. I find going out just before sunset is a good time. Just walked the dog around a pleasant swan lake and enjoyed a cool breeze. On the horizon, it looked like some overnight rain might be coming in. Early morning or twilight or evening in a well-lighted area might give you the environment to beat the heat and enjoy the outdoors.

All best wishes to you. We'll all be there with you in spirit and be here to hear about the start of a good recovery.

 

[Sevgi]

Yes, my surgery is scheduled at Duke Medical Center. I feel really confident in my surgeon but I'm 51 yrs old and never had any major surgery before. I've watched my Mother go through 2 valve replacement surgeries. Her first one was 30 yrs ago and her 2nd one was 4 years ago. She is 70 and is amazing! She walks 4 miles each day and when she can't get outside, she rides a stationary bike 8 miles. I'm nervous about going to the hospital and the actual surgery. I know I'll do everything the Dr & nurses ask of me towards recovery when I wake up. It's just getting through the next 3 days that has me all worked up. I can take more anti-anxiety drugs but I try not to take it unless I get too nervous as I know the stress is not good for me. That's why I came here. From reading this forum, I have found some comfort and I thank you all! <3

 

[ottagal]

Hi Sevgi,

Just wanted to add a warm welcome. Yes, the waiting is the hardest part of this whole darn thing. As Bob said, we will all be here for you and cheering you on. To help with my anxiety prior to surgery, I listened to some guided imagery CD's. I found a link with free downloads (sorry can't recall the name now). If you do a search on the upper right hand side 'guided imagery' you should find some threads with the those links. You may want to give this a try.
Hang in there....
This too shall pass...

 

[Sevgi]

Thank you for the suggestion of guided imagery CD. I will check it out.

 

[scott.eitman]

Good luck! Walking around the neighborhood is pretty much a requirement of recovery. I remember many a walk after my first surgery in 1998. That was minimally invasive, but I can't say it was easier or harder than a full incision. I will be able to tell you after July 27th when I get the next AVR. Due to the re-replacement, my surgeon feels that a full incision will be necessary.

I believe we can almost all tell you that you will be fine. Recovery is a process, but does not take that long in the grand scheme of things. With that said, I am pretty anxious as well. Read more of these threads. One guy put it best, we wish to control something that we have no control over. I think this is the root to the anxiety.

I will also add that you will learn of many of us who became very active very soon after surgery. I was 34 at the time, but was able to work out with the local high school wrestling team about 6 months post-op. I also spend many hours riding my bicycle.

Scott

 

[Sevgi]

Thanks Scott! Working out with the wrestling team 6 months post-op is fantastic. I am looking forward to feeling better after recovery and your post makes me feel like it will happen sooner than I thought. I'll keep you in my thoughts and hope your upcoming surgery and recovery will be as successful as your first.

 

[Luana]

I had a minimally invasive AVR with an incision between 2 ribs. Is that what yours will be or a smaller sternotomy?

 

[valerie415]

Hi Sevgi,
That's very good that you can have the minimally invasive surgery! I thought they only do that on very very old patients who are at high risk for the invasive surgery. So that's great! You'll recover so fast. I had my AVR done 8 weeks ago (full procedure) and I'm recovering well and now walking at least an hour a day or more. So recovery is quick and they like to get you up and moving!!
Whenever I get a little anxious about things, like if my heart feels like it's beating too fast or whatever, what always calms me down and never fails is to repeat Psalm 23 over and over, among other things. So here it is for you in case it can help you as well and remind you that God is in control, so why worry?

1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

 

[Luana]

Hi Valerie,
I'm not a very very old person either! Risk is not any lower than with a sternotomy. I don't know why more people don't ask to have it.

 

[AgilityDog]

Nah, the procedure for the older, high risk patients you are thinking of is the percutaneous replacement, up the catheter from the groin with a tissue valve, and mushing the existing valve to the side. Aren't I graphic???

I'm getting MI AVR (if we can) in August. I had the full sternotomy with my MVR and Maze proceedure in 2006. Though I may wind up with a full sternotomy if he also has to ring the tricuspid and can't get at it without a larger incision.

Sevgi, you'll do great. Anxiety is normal. Heck you'd be abnormal if you weren't anxious.

 

[Sevgi]

Luna,
MY surgery is supposed to be a 3 inch incision between 2 ribs. Is that the way your MI AVR was? Can you tell me about your recovery time?
Also, you mention that risk is not lower than with full incision. It is my understanding that the risk of surgery is the same but risk of complications is lower due to less blood loss due to no bone cutting, less chance of infection and faster recovery. I'm not that old and other than my valve issue in good health. I had to search for a surgeon that did MI AVR as none of the doctors in my area do it. That's why I'm going to Duke.

 

[Luana]

Luna,
MY surgery is supposed to be a 3 inch incision between 2 ribs. Is that the way your MI AVR was? Can you tell me about your recovery time?
Also, you mention that risk is not lower than with full incision. It is my understanding that the risk of surgery is the same but risk of complications is lower due to less blood loss due to no bone cutting, less chance of infection and faster recovery. I'm not that old and other than my valve issue in good health. I had to search for a surgeon that did MI AVR as none of the doctors in my area do it. That's why I'm going to Duke.

Yes, that's what I had. You can see a photo of my scar in the photos section. I think overall risk is about the same for either approach for an AVR. Yes, there's likely to be less blood loss (I think it's because of a smaller operative field rather than cutting the sternum which in itself does not cause blood loss). As for faster recovery, I would imagine so, but I have nothing to compare it to since it's my only (and hopefully last) OHS. As far as pain goes, mine was pretty minimal, I'd say about a 2 on a scale with 10 being the highest. It was more sore than painful in the hospital. When I got home and was doing more (reaching, etc.), I probably had more discomfort, so don't worry if you do, and do take pain pills at home when needed.

As I said before, don't know why more people don't ask for this approach. My surgeon was very willing to do this, only prerequisite was that I have a CT scan so he could see how my aorta sat in my chest, and when he got that said there'd be no problem in doing it. Someone here told me it's more painful this way even though he'd never had that type of approach.

 

[Julieaka]

I have to weigh in to say something here - I agree with everyone BUT...

i also think that anxiety is very real and I own the fact that I battle it every day and it came out EXTENSIVELY before this and during

1) I broke down and took anti-anxiety drugs the week before - helped alot

2) I faced two panic attacks while in the hospital and recovering - talk to your doctor about this - they may medicate with either the beta blockers or anti-anxiety drugs

3) I told them how I was going to jump outta my skin preop and they gave me the "good drugs" early to give me the peace of mind to accept what everyone says above

Own your anxiety and face it - don't run from it - it will just catch you anyways!

xoxoxo

Julie