How long in the waiting room?

[Senna]

Hello, everyone. This is my first post. Thanks to this site I have learned a lot already that I haven't found elsewhere in the internet. I can't help wondering why so many young people here? - I am 84. I have lots of comorbidities so I am not looking forward to the aortic valve replacement which is coming up within two months. I don't have a date yet. I live 100 miles from the hospital where this will be done and mainly I am thinking about how to go about the more practical parts of this procedure. For example, I have just had a knee replacement postponed because of this, due to a previous ski injury. I get up and down by pushing myself up with my arms, so as not to put weight on my knee. That, from what I read here will be impossible after the event. I have one child on the east coast and one on the west coast with a third living a ferry ride and long drive away. Of course they all say they will help me, but I feel that they don't know how weak I will be afterwards, or how long recovery can be - another thing I found out here. Thanks for this website where I can at least read about how others solved their problems. I live in Canada.
June

 

[Phyllis]

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QUOTE=Senna]Hello, everyone. This is my first post. Thanks to this site I have learned a lot already that I haven't found elsewhere in the internet. I can't help wondering why so many young people here? - I am 84. I have lots of comorbidities so I am not looking forward to the aortic valve replacement which is coming up within two months. I don't have a date yet. I live 100 miles from the hospital where this will be done and mainly I am thinking about how to go about the more practical parts of this procedure. For example, I have just had a knee replacement postponed because of this, due to a previous ski injury. I get up and down by pushing myself up with my arms, so as not to put weight on my knee. That, from what I read here will be impossible after the event. I have one child on the east coast and one on the west coast with a third living a ferry ride and long drive away. Of course they all say they will help me, but I feel that they don't know how weak I will be afterwards, or how long recovery can be - another thing I found out here. Thanks for this website where I can at least read about how others solved their problems. I live in Canada.

Senna,
Welcome to the forum- just found this post and I would like you to repost it in pre-surgery or maybe Ross can move it for you as there more people will read it and respond. We would love to help with any and all questions- please keep us up to date as to when you will have your surgery. Best wishes to you!

 

[Phyllis]

Hello Senna,
Now that Ross moved this thread to pre-surgery, hopefully you will get more replies. Here is a thread on how to prepare the house for homecoming:
http://valvereplacement.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23163
If one of your children will not be able to stay with you at home for two weeks or more, you might consider a rehab place for after the surgery. You will definitely need some help in those first few weeks. As one of the suggestions you will find in the thread, a recliner might help with getting up and down- many have slept in the recliner for a period of time after coming home. Best wishes to you.
Phyllis

 

[Jkm7]

Hi Senna and Welcome to VR. Happy you found this wonderful group. So many very knowledgeable, extremely helpful folks.

Many heart valve problems can be congenital so repairs and replacements can be necessary at about any time after birth. Many members here had Rheumatic fever or were born with their heart valve problems.

Please let us know how you are doing and ask any questions. I'm sure members will do their best to help.

 

[maka]

Senna

I don?t know how things work in Canada compare to the US Medicare Insurance, but I was also very concern about being by myself right after my OHS. I told that to my surgeon and he kept me in the hospital for a week and made arrangements with the hospital?s social worker to have me admitted to a rehabilitation nursing home after discharge I stayed there for a week after the operation but actually Medicare would have paid up to 21 days. Maybe you can find out with your doctor whether similar arrangements can be made.

 

[Curtsmum]

I can't help with your questions, just wanted to say hi and welcome. wishing you lots of luck for when you get a date and hope you can get the help you need with recovery.