I have my date

[strudell]

Saw my surgeon yesterday and we agreed on a date for my OHS: Monday May 12. I felt sort of better when the date was set till I realized it was only about two weeks away.

Next week I go for my catheterization (Friday)

While I'm happy that its moving forward, the pace is quite unerving. I was only diagnosed in March. I'm not allowed to do anything in the yard so I just sit outside and bark orders to my wife and my mother, trying to stop them from obliterating my garden!

I am getting an ATS Heart Valve. My Surgeon is Dr. Hassan Nemeh at Henry Ford Hospital. He's going to use a smaller incision when opening me.

RIght now I am just counting the days till I can go on vacation with my wife and get back to fishing. Dr. Nemeh said I should be back to work after week six, but I think I'm going to take an extra two weeks so that my wife and I can enjoy some relaxation in Florida (even though its a bit warm down there at the time).

 

[Phyllis]

I will put you on the calendar so it will be official. I'm sure you will be sitting on the beach in Fl before you know it. Best wishes to you.

 

[Smiley2000]

I had mild MVP/regurg in Sept. 2007 and when I went to Cardio for check-up on the 4th of March 2008 I had severe MV regurg was told to have surgery!
I am now almost 4 weeks post-op after Sternotomy, repaired Mitral valve. I was diagnosed with mild MVP/regurg in Dec. 2006 and had surgery 31 March 2008, so I can almost relate to the shock you must've had in March, when you discovered your problem and now you are on your way to having surgery!

Folks on here told me pre-op that the "waiting for surgery period" is the worst part! and it was. You will be surprised how fast this 2 weeks will fly. Speak to your "valve family" about anything you want to know, check out the sticky on what to take to hospital and we'll help you to get to the "other side" of the mountain.

Hugs and blessings,

 

[aussigal]

Normal non-valvers think we are weird to be kind-of excited about OHS...I remember how good it is to have that date set, it gives you some peace of mind. Relax and enjoy the next few weeks.

 

[Karlynn]

I think you'll be happy that you don't have to sit around with the news for a long time. I know you'll do very well.

 

[ctyguy]

Sooner is better when it comes to OHS. I was 15 days from initial diagnosis to surgery and THAT was a long time in my mind. I've read posts about folks who wait and wait and I can't grasp what that would be like. I was a basket case at times during those 15 days but once I was at the hospital for testing the few days prior to surgery I accepted it, became calm, and was actually in very good spirits. The fact that your date is close now is a good thing, you will be through it before you know it and resting comfortably on a beach in FL.

Good luck !

 

[Freddie]

I'm not allowed to do anything in the yard so I just sit outside and bark orders to my wife and my mother, trying to stop them from obliterating my garden!

strudell, sure hope thats a gentle bark. Your wife and mother may have their turn barking at you once your home recovering.

Best Wishes

 

[Curtsmum]

wishing you a good surgery and a speedy recovery, all the best.

 

[WayneGM]

Setting a short date means not having a long wait, which is often the hardest part. Keep busy by preparing your home for recovery, and don't forget to take some time for yourself. Do some fun stuff. Post-op, you'll be very busy with recovery.

Best wishes for a successful surgery and smooth recovery.

 

[pamela]

Sooner is better when it comes to OHS. I was 15 days from initial diagnosis to surgery and THAT was a long time in my mind. I've read posts about folks who wait and wait and I can't grasp what that would be like. I was a basket case at times during those 15 days but once I was at the hospital for testing the few days prior to surgery I accepted it, became calm, and was actually in very good spirits. The fact that your date is close now is a good thing, you will be through it before you know it and resting comfortably on a beach in FL.

Good luck !

I was delayed 3 times for my second OHS. I think all that kept me sane at that time was the fact that someone else was in more dire circumstance than I was.

Take heart Strudell. You'll find the days fly by with all that you find you want to set right before the surgery so that, before you know it, you're looking at the relatively easy walk to a full recovery.

 

[distances]

Moving right along

Moving right along

My surgery experience moved along fast too, very similar to yours. Just hang on, flow with it; and it will be behind you before your know it. It sure beats months and months of worry and stress, and prevents second thoughts and postponements that I've heard from other people. Waiting is the hardest part. You'll be on the other side of the surgery, back home, walking and recovering in no time at all. This is a great website for support. Good luck and don't forget to keep us posted. We're all here for you

 

[Cooker]

Good for you!!...I was glad to get my date and excited as well....The idea of getting it all behind me was a good thing....I'm sure you will do well.

 

[Donnchadh]

Congrats on the op date.
I am almost jealous as I have no date set yet......
SOMETIME in the next month or SO
I almost feel like rocking up to the ER and talking them into admitting me just to get it over with.

 

[MNmom]

Welcome, and good luck! Nice to have a date set. After my date was set, I thought I was relieved, until I opened my mouth to tell people work and I burst into tears. It is odd how the emotions can hit when you are least expecting Do your best to relax, and dont forget to report back!

 

[zipper2]

Hello and welcome,
Wishing you all the best for your surgery and a great speedy recovery.

zipper2

 

[strudell]

My wife and I have been trying to keep is easy since last week. This Friday is my catheterization, then I have a family wedding on Saturday.

My biggest anxiety is not being there for my wife. I know my family will be there to support her, but just knowing that she's going to be worrying all day breaks my heart.

We watched the "So you're going to have heart surgery" video my hospital gave me and I nearly lost it when they showed the wife of some patient right after surgery. I know I'll be pretty much zonked out for a while, but my wife won't. I wish we could just both close our eyes and wake up 24 hours later.