I am new, going in for surgery Feb 11th

[SarahL]

I have been using a spray bottle of water on my dog and it works so far.

Today i took my children to their psycologsit for medication refills for their bipolar. My 10 year old has really been acting up alot lately and being very clingy to me worse than usualy. the doctor had a long talk with them, while i wasnt in the room. And both my sons told the doctor they were really scared about me going in the hospital. and scared i wouldnt come out. He also said that children have a different way of showing their fears then we do and that my 10 year old has alot of anxiety about my surgery and alot of fears. I know he has been acting worse this past month, and as the surgery date gets closer and closer. The psycolgist said this is his way of saying he is scared he will lose me. I have been so caught up in how i felt, that i didnt even realize that this whole thing was affecting the kids also. So he counseled me and them today, and he wants to counsel us everyweek up until the surgery, he wants to counsel them while im in the hospital and after. I think it is a great idea. All of us had the c hance to talk about how we felt and the children felt alot better. and so did i. It made us all feel better today.
God bless everyone.

 

[Susan]

Go easy Sarah

Go easy Sarah

Sarah please take it easy and be kind to yourself until you go in for surgery. This is not the time to overdo. Housework can wait. Taking care of yourself is the kindest thing you can do for your children as you await your surgery.

My husband was also very fearful. He was afraid that he would not survive the operation. He did not schedule surgery and just waited. He was admitted to an area hospital in failure.

Facing certain death he revisited his decision and had the OHS.

We live 15 minutes from the Cleveland Clinic. Circumstances took him to another hospital in an urgent situation.

He went thru the surgery OK but the luck of the draw with the hospital and surgeon did not serve him well. He died 23 days post-op. They were just not ready for prime time.

Every day as I grieve for him I think that the number one hospital in the USA was within walking distance of the place he landed. I am beating myself up for not just puting him in the car and taking him to CCF.

His symptoms were very similar to yours. His aortic stenosis was severe. He was just too scared and pushed himself to hard before going into failure.

Be good to your kids by being good to yourself until Feb 11. Nothing is more important than a good outcome for you.

I want to check the forum in February and know that your are well post-op.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

It sounds like you have a good counselor for your kids Sarah.

One Dad let his kids hear his heart before and then after surgery. If you have an audible murmur or irregular heartbeat, point that out and tell them the Doctor is going to Fix It so you will be better. Kids seem to get a kick out of hearing their parents 'click' like a clock (assuming you get a mechanical valve), like the Crocadile in Peter Pan.

You may want to also tell them you are 'talking' with Lots of people on the internet who have had similar surgery and are doing GREAT after their surgery.

It sounds like you are doing a good job of preparing for your surgery.
Keep up the Good Work!

'AL Capshaw'

 

[Praline]

Sarah,
Two years ago tomorrow, I was having OHS. I was so scared too so I know how you feel. These people on here literally kept me sane!
I had no idea that there was anything wrong with my heart. I went for a yearly checkup and when my Primary Care Physician listened to my heart, she heard an irregular beat. I had an EKG, saw a cardiologist, had an echo cardiogram ,and within a matter of 3 hours, I found out I had mitral valve regurgitation. That appointment was November 3. January 18, I was having OHS.
The interesting thing is that when they did my angiogram, they found an 80% blockage in the main artery to my heart. No doubt in my mind that the OHS saved my life.
I agree with everyone who said that the worse part was the wait. They will take good care of you and you will be just fine.
I will pray that everything goes smoothly.

 

[witzkeyman]

Sarah, I feel your pain, although I'm so SO SO happy my symptoms will be gone. I'm already planning on working around the Coumadin. I'm having my severe aortic stenosis cut out next Thursday. YIPEE!

 

[Cooker]

Sarah....welcome to vr.com....This is a great place for support.....many knowledgeable people to help answer your questions......Wishing you the best.....Godspeed.

 

[VikiVix]

aortic stenosis

aortic stenosis

Hi Sara
I too walked around all my life not knowing how severe of a problem I had. I didn't find out till a little over a year ago that I needed aortic valve replacement immediately This also was a problem from birth that no one detected. At 60 years old, I was told I had to have the surgery or would drop dead. I was in shock! I was wheeled into emergency and a week later had the valve replacement. Today, a little over a year later, I feel fantastic and have rosey cheeks and lips which I never had before. I am extremely thankful to be alive.
So you do what the doctors advise and don't be afraid. You're being given the gift of a second chance at life like me.
Viki

 

[ruth]

Welcome Sarah!

Take it easy, please, the housework can wait, the goal is to get into surgery before anything bad happens so don't push your luck.

I understand the fear, the nesting, the kids' fears and acting out, it's all a part of the tapestry of this experience. You'll do great, just focus on getting better and stronger. Sounds to me like your surgery is overdue. I neglected my cardiac situation too after my 2'nd was born so I know how it feels to get a cold slap in the face with this reality.

I wish you all the best for a successful surgery and uneventful recovery. We'll be here for any questions you have and any support you need.

Peace,
Ruth

 

[jkn2kids]

Susan-
I'm 48 years old and just had open heart surgery for a new mechanical aortic valve and an aneurysm repair in March 2007.I went to John's Hopkins in Balt to have my surgery.I'm originally from Newport News where I lived for 33 years.All of my family still lives there now.Are you going to have the surgery done at Riverside or Mary Immaculate hospital? Or Sentara? I might have missed where you said you were having your surgery.My brother lives right off of 17 about 3 miles from Riverside.I know MCV has a great heart hospital.I didn't have any sleeping or unusual pain problems once I came home.I think you will be just fine because of your age.One thing I would advise you to talk to your surgeon about would be to tell him to check for holes in your heart while he has you in surgery.Thankfully, my surgeon checks all of his patients for heart holes during surgery.I have probably seen you at the restaurant where you work as my family eats out frequently when we visit them.If you need to know anything else,just contact me.

 

[SarahL]

Yes i am having my surgery at Riverside hospital. They have come along way. they have a great cardiac until. Ihave to go on friday Feb 8th for all my pre-op blood work , chest xrays etc. and to pre -register. I was told they would also give me atour of the cardiac unit . My father was patient in the cardiac unit several times and they were wonderful to him and the family and he received great care. Ive been admitted to Riverside a few times over the years for other problems and i was very happy. so i feel comfortablewith them. Plus both my surgeon (Dr. Paul Evans) and my Cardiologist, (Dr. Paul Micale) work out of RIverside. My surgeon talked at first about sending me to the Heart Hospital in Norfolk, but River side is just down the street from where i live, and my mom will be able to see me and bring the kids alot easier. She cant drive very far by herself so Riverside is best for us. Pllus i like the hospital.

 

[SarahL]

another question

another question

Does anyone else have this problem. For awhile now my feet stay freezing all the time. I wear a couple of pairs of socks with my slippers at home. I wear a couple pairs with my shoes too. My mom told me my dad had this alot with his feet, and his heart problems, didnt know if it was related to my heart. Ive always loved to go barefooted and never had this problem before now.

 

[VikiVix]

same as me again

same as me again

Sarah,
Right before my surgery my lower legs and feet were icy cold. Since the surgery my hands and feet are much warmer. With better blood pumping normally now (before there was only a pin hold of blood making it thru my aortic valve) I have more oxygen flowing thru my body which has even improved my memory and I'm able to focus better on whatever tasks I'm performing. Everything is better!
I'll be so glad to hear all the things that improve for you after the surgery and during your healing process.
Viki

 

[cp172]

Sarah,
I have found that my memory has gotten terrible,I have trouble concentrating and while I was once very hot natured now I am more cold natured. I thought these problems were related to the warfin or sotalol I am taking but I now think it is a sympton of my mvp. Your in my prayers.

 

[Debbie]

sarah

sarah

Dear Sarah, I've always had cold hands and feet and I've always lived in warm So.Cal. My feet and hands when it's cold 60's and below also get a purple color, I'm looking forward after surgery to see if I'll have normal color. Debbie

 

[ruth]

Hi SarahL,

Yes, I've had frigid feet my whole life. I'm 1 yr post op and strangely for me I've been kicking off my socks and slippers lately even though it is winter here in D.C.

I think there's a connection, as there is to so very many aspects of our lives that our hearts affect. The Dr.'s don't always recognize these tangential effects the way us 'survivors' do. I hope you'll be pleased after the surgery.

Peace,
Ruth