New and nervous

[shelly]

Hey all,

Have been reading all the supportive info since my mother was told she would need an AVR. Is to have heart cath. May 1 to see if by-pass is needed too.
She is 72 and in good health otherwise her EF is 60 which pleases the cadiologist but still it's my mother and stats don't always ease the mind. You're so right, the waiting i sooo tough. Any suggestions???

 

[Dina]

For my part , I really had to put full trust in my surgeon, not to talk about it,
and to push it out of my mind. I found a really good book and became part
of the literary world.
I also used positive thinking - I just KNEW all would be well, and pictured the outcome as successful- and know it will be as you see it.
Your Mom's surgery will go fine

 

[Philip B]

Nervous

Nervous

Since your mother is in good health the odds of having a positive outcome with her AVR surgery are pretty good.

Worries and concerns are a pretty natural response to this kind of surgery. It is serious stuff. You will note from other posts concerning this topic that the wait and the worrying that accompanies it can be brutal. Staying busy and focusing on normal daily routines often helps.

The support my wife gave me as I faced AVR surgery was unbelievable. I know she had her moments of weakness, but she simply refused to believe that anything other than a positive outcome was possible. Your mother will probably benefit if you adopt the same attitude my wife did.

-Philip

 

[Dina]

I just noticed that you are from Ky. I am from Louisville .
I had my surgery in NY since I have been living here for years and have a
doc that I like, but Louisville has a new heart hospital; I was wondering if that is where your mom is having her surgery. I almost went there myself,
since I hear they are really good and most of my family is there.
And for me the waiting was the worst part of the surgery, its like you just
want it over and done. But these days they have the technique down to an art and are ready for any and all contingencies.
Well here's to 'That ol Kentucky Rain' , which I actually miss

 

[Phyllis]

Welcome, Shelly. Your Mom will do fine as my husband did at the age of 70. Your support will be invaluable. Please let us know how the cath goes and when she has a surgery date so we can put her on the calendar.

 

[ctyguy]

My roommate in the stepdown unit was 77. He had a valve replacement, 3 bypasses and a hole in his heart repaired. He had the surgery on a Thursday and walked out of the hospital the following Thursday, truely inspirational !

Given your Mom's overall good health she will probably do very very well with the procedure.

 

[Cooker]

Shelly....welcome to the zoo ....many people in their 70's have OHS and do great...your mother being in good health is a huge plus....I'm sure she will do fine....Waiting is tough....I suggest a serving of banana pudding daily

 

[WayneGM]

Welcome to the VR community, Shelly. Sorry for the circumstances, but you've come to the right place for support and information. As others have said, many patients 70+ have made the journey over the OHS mountain successfully. Best wishes to both of you.

 

[DebbyA]

Shelley,
My surgeon told us that all he's done for 28 years is cut and sew, and that the real improvements in survival statistics have come from improvement in patient care. I suspect that like many of us, you and your mother will be amazed how well she does.

Remember, during and immediately after the surgery, she will be unaware of many of the things that will seem so drastic you.

For the wait, my experience was that the medical profession was pretty good at filling up my time with pre-op tests and interviews! I think it's also a good idea for you both to plan an enjoyable outing for 3 months, 6 months or so after surgery, just to be in the mental mode of 'life goes on'.

Keep us posted on the cath and schedule.

 

[Curtsmum]

Welcome Shelly, i can understand how you are feeling it is very hard to go threw and wait for them to return from surgery. Iam sure you mum will be fine if she is healthy so best of luck to you and your mum, i will be thinking off you, take care.