My climb/swim date is scheduled!

[Michaelena]

The surgeon's office called today, I knew it was going to happen sooner or later, I guess I was hoping it was later. The date of the climb will be July 26, a cath will be done on the 25th. Since I already had my mvr, I should not be anxious, but I am, it's amazing what a date will do for you. I have read all pre and post surgery posts, over and over, they have really helped make me feel more positive about the surgery. I wish this site, and all of you good folks had been available 20 years ago when I had my mvr. I am confident with my surgeon, but I must get a few things addressed like my coumadin transition to heparin, ultra sound of my carotid (moderately blockage), and a GI specialist to check out my liver, (any damage due to my tricuspid regurg).

The outcome is in God's hands and the skillful hands of my surgeon and his team. I know from experience the most difficult (for me) was the breathing tube . When I awoke from surgery in the icu, I had a bad response to it, but I was soon OUT (unconscious) and don't remember any more. I remember I could not wait for it to be removed, well actually, I can't remember when they removed it, maybe it was before I woke up again? Oh well, I hope all goes well this time. I can't say I am not expecting it.

I hope the above makes some sense. In the days to come I must concentrate more so that I can get some personal business in order.
Thanks for letting me vent!

God bless all
Michaelena

 

[Mary]

Michaelena,

You said, "It's amazing what a date will do for you," and that is about the most true statement I've ever heard!
By the end of my five week wait, I was wishing it had happened quickly as it has to some of the others. You know, go in, surgery in three days. It was looking very tempting there at the end!

I had a chance to tell the anesthesiologist my concerns about the vent right before we entered the OR. The dear man said he would take it upon himself to dispell all vestiges of a bad ventilator experience, and he was true to his word. I vaguely remember hearing, "Mrs. Stone, we're going to take the tube out", and I lay there and thought, "Hmmmm, wonder what tube?" I only figured it out when I was able to ask them! Then I realized I must be extubated, or I wouldn't be talking!

Maybe you could try that. Tell them that you've had a bad experience and see if they don't work to ensure it doesn't happen again.

Don't forget, you have tremendous support from everyone on the Forum--especially me.

 

[Guest]

Since I already had my mvr, I should not be anxious, but I am, it's amazing what a date will do for you.

AMEN!

Thoughts/prayers coming your way.

BTW, what part of PA are you in? My Dad's family is from the Pittsburgh/Johnstown area.


Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 31swm/pig valve/pacemaker
'72,6,9/'81,7.hobbies.chdQB = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/
MC Guide = http://www.chevyasylum.com/mcspotter/main.html
"We got mountains to climb" ... Rod Stewart ... 'Broken Arrow'

 

[Michaelena]

Michaelena,

You said, "It's amazing what a date will do for you," and that is about the most true statement I've ever heard!
By the end of my five week wait, I was wishing it had happened quickly as it has to some of the others. You know, go in, surgery in three days. It was looking very tempting there at the end!

I had a chance to tell the anesthesiologist my concerns about the vent right before we entered the OR. The dear man said he would take it upon himself to dispell all vestiges of a bad ventilator experience, and he was true to his word. I vaguely remember hearing, "Mrs. Stone, we're going to take the tube out", and I lay there and thought, "Hmmmm, wonder what tube?" I only figured it out when I was able to ask them! Then I realized I must be extubated, or I wouldn't be talking!

Maybe you could try that. Tell them that you've had a bad experience and see if they don't work to ensure it doesn't happen again.

Don't forget, you have tremendous support from everyone on the Forum--especially me.

Mary,

Thanks for the "tube" suggestion, I will most definitely confer with the anesthesiologist.

It must be a great feeling to have your surgery behind you. I hope your recovery is progressing. I look forward to referring to mine in the past tense.
Most of all many thanks for your kind words, you must be one of the beautiful people in Missouri.

Michaelena

 

[Michaelena]

AMEN!

Thoughts/prayers coming your way.

BTW, what part of PA are you in? My Dad's family is from the Pittsburgh/Johnstown area.


Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 31swm/pig valve/pacemaker
'72,6,9/'81,7.hobbies.chdQB = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/
MC Guide = http://www.chevyasylum.com/mcspotter/main.html
"We got mountains to climb" ... Rod Stewart ... 'Broken Arrow'

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers knightfan. I hail from Billy Joel's "Allentown." Although it is not as bad as he describes it in his song. It's a sleepy suburb of Philadelphia, but is growing and getting it's share of traffic woes.

Michaelena

 

[Ross]

Michaelena,

I vaguely remember hearing, "Mrs. Stone, we're going to take the tube out", and I lay there and thought, "Hmmmm, wonder what tube?"

Are you sure they didn't say "Now that your good and stoned, were taking the tube out?"

 

[Guest]

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers knightfan. I hail from Billy Joel's "Allentown." Although it is not as bad as he describes it in his song. It's a sleepy suburb of Philadelphia, but is growing and getting it's share of traffic woes.

*nods*

You are welcome .

Ah.....from the other side of the state, I see....he he he.

 

[perkicar]

The surgeon's office called today, I knew it was going to happen sooner or later, I guess I was hoping it was later. The date of the climb will be July 26, a cath will be done on the 25th. ........
The outcome is in God's hands and the skillful hands of my surgeon and his team. I know from experience the most difficult (for me) was the breathing tube . When I awoke from surgery in the icu, I had a bad response to it, but I was soon OUT (unconscious) and don't remember any more. I remember I could not wait for it to be removed, well actually, I can't remember when they removed it, maybe it was before I woke up again? Oh well, I hope all goes well this time. I can't say I am not expecting it.

I hope the above makes some sense. In the days to come I must concentrate more so that I can get some personal business in order.
Thanks for letting me vent!

God bless all
Michaelena

The waiting is definitely harder than the experience. I was surprisingly calm the morning of surgery--I think there is a part of you that kind of shuts down and blocks out what's really going to happen. We had a good laugh early on (me and another patient) when they kept asking us for a urine sample. Being NPO like a good girl, I had no need to produce a sample for them.....When I went to the OR staging area, I finally found out why they needed the urine--for a PREGNANCY test! I about fell off the chair laughing. 1) I haven't menstruated since 1991 and 2) haven't done anything to get pregnant in longer than I care to reveal LOL so there was no way on earth I was pregnant! There was another lady close to my age who had also been hanging out in the toity trying to pee--I told my nurse to check with her, that I'd bet she was in the same boat.
A good friend of mine graduated from Stanford the same year as Dr Lytle, so she scanned his yearbook picture and sent it to me--which got some laughs from the folks in the OR (he hadn't gotten there yet). They couldn't get a peripheral IV started, so ended up doing my Swann/IJ line before they could give me any good drugs. I almost broke into song when I heard the anesthesiologist say give her 4 of versed. Next thing I knew I was in ICU getting a bath and my bed changed and my family came in to see me. I was on the vent for a couple of hours and was pretty nervous about that, but only bucked the vent 2 times and was able to relax. But it sure felt great to get those tubes out!!!!!!!!! And ice chips have NEVER tasted better.
This forum will be such an amazing support for you--between reading other's posts and realizing you're NOT nuts for having the thoughts/questions you have, plus the security of being able to ask ANYTHING and knowing you'll get an answer.
hang in there, your date will be here before you know it and we'll hold your hands every step of the way!

 

[Michaelena]

The waiting is definitely harder than the experience. I was surprisingly calm the morning of surgery--I think there is a part of you that kind of shuts down and blocks out what's really going to happen. We had a good laugh early on (me and another patient) when they kept asking us for a urine sample. Being NPO like a good girl, I had no need to produce a sample for them.....When I went to the OR staging area, I finally found out why they needed the urine--for a PREGNANCY test! I about fell off the chair laughing. 1) I haven't menstruated since 1991 and 2) haven't done anything to get pregnant in longer than I care to reveal LOL so there was no way on earth I was pregnant! There was another lady close to my age who had also been hanging out in the toity trying to pee--I told my nurse to check with her, that I'd bet she was in the same boat.
A good friend of mine graduated from Stanford the same year as Dr Lytle, so she scanned his yearbook picture and sent it to me--which got some laughs from the folks in the OR (he hadn't gotten there yet). They couldn't get a peripheral IV started, so ended up doing my Swann/IJ line before they could give me any good drugs. I almost broke into song when I heard the anesthesiologist say give her 4 of versed. Next thing I knew I was in ICU getting a bath and my bed changed and my family came in to see me. I was on the vent for a couple of hours and was pretty nervous about that, but only bucked the vent 2 times and was able to relax. But it sure felt great to get those tubes out!!!!!!!!! And ice chips have NEVER tasted better.
This forum will be such an amazing support for you--between reading other's posts and realizing you're NOT nuts for having the thoughts/questions you have, plus the security of being able to ask ANYTHING and knowing you'll get an answer.
hang in there, your date will be here before you know it and we'll hold your hands every step of the way!

Carolyn
Thanks for your words of encourgement. Everyone on this site has been such a big help to me already. Everyone's experiences helps put mine in perspective, (sometimes I lose). I wish this site existed when I had my first MVR.

Bless you.
Michaelena