New Member- Surgery scheduled for July 19th

[Lorraine1234]

Hi Everyone,

I have been reading this site for several weeks and learning so much from everyone. You all have been very inspiring. My daughter has been posting on this site (Katie1234) and has gotten a lot of helpful info and support.

We are now anxiously awaiting surgery, which will be on July 19th at New York Presbyterian Hospital with Dr. Karl Krieger. I will be having my mitral and aortic valves replaced (still deciding which kind of valves (mechanical or bovine) to use).

As my daughter mentioned in her posts, I have extensive radiation damage from Hodgkin's disease in 1974. As a result, in addition to my valve damage, there is also some lung damage and lots of scar tissue in some arteries (already have a stent in my RCA since 1999), so they may do some bypass work as well.

I don't have any specific questions at the moment, I just wanted to say hello and to tell you that the support and encouragement we have found here are really wonderful and such great medicine.

The waiting period is very difficult, and I am definitely having lots of ups and downs as the surgery approaches. But thankfully I am in general good health (besides the heart) and have a great support team (my husband and three kids (ages 27, 25, and 22), as well as great friends). It's just nice to know that you are all here and have been through the same thing.

Thanks again,
Lorraine

 

[geebee]

Welcome, Lorraine, glad you decided to join in.

Please let us know if you have any specific questions but you might find a lot of answers just by reading the forums (which you probably already know).

You are going to a great hospital.

We will be thinking of and praying for you on the 19th.

 

[Lorraine1234]

where to sleep?

where to sleep?

Thanks, Gina. Your words are very comforting. I just thought of a question I have about when I come home from the hospital: where do I sleep? My bedroom is on the 2nd floor. When should I expect to be able to make it up there? I've also read that people have slept in recliners rather than in a bed when they come home.

Thanks,
Lorraine

 

[Phyllis]

Welcome, Lorraine. So glad you decided to join. My husband slept in a first floor bedroom for a week or so until he decided he might get better sleep on the second floor in his own bed. Stairs were not a problem and he went up and down them from the time he came home to change clothes, etc. They usually have you climb some stairs before leaving the hospital. Many here have found a recliner helpful- the most pain is in the shoulders and back from the position they have you in during surgery. Massages also help!
You obviously have a wonderful support team and I know that will help a lot. Best wishes to you and we will be here to follow you over the mountain!

 

[geebee]

Thanks, Gina. Your words are very comforting. I just thought of a question I have about when I come home from the hospital: where do I sleep? My bedroom is on the 2nd floor. When should I expect to be able to make it up there? I've also read that people have slept in recliners rather than in a bed when they come home.

Thanks,
Lorraine

I think you should plan on having a "nest" on the first floor near the bathroom. A recliner is great but a couch with lots of pillows would work also. There is a good possibility you will be able to climb stairs, especially if you a in good shape right now. I was very sick prior to my surgeries so post surgery was hard for me and stairs were out. However, many people here have used 2nd floor bedrooms right away. So plan for the worst and you will be set no matter how you feel.

 

[WayneGM]

Hi Lorraine. Welcome to the VR community. Glad you decided to join us.

My bedroom is on the second floor, and I was able to climb the stairs ok, just a bit slower that's all. While I slept at night in the bedroom, I spent the day on the main floor, in an area of the family all set up for convenience prior to the surgery. That way, I only really had to tackle the stairs first thing in the morning and last thing at night.

I slept in our bed propped up with lots of pillows.

Best wishes.

 

[Philip B]

Sleep

Sleep

After AVR surgery in March I found it impossible to sleep in bed. I tried my recliner, but ended up on the couch for the six weeks after surgery. Sleeping on the couch with lots of pillows restricted how much I could roll around and kept me from stressing my sternum. As noted, others seem to have had good luck with their recliners.

Good luck with those valve choices.

-Philip

 

[MaryC]

Hi Lorraine,
Good luck on your surgery. July 19th is my son's birthday so it's a special day at our house. I will think of you and say a prayer for you on your successful surgery!

 

[Carolyn Russo]

Up and coming Surgery

Up and coming Surgery

Hi Loraine,
My name is Carolyn and I too will have surgery to replace the aortic valve due to stenosis. I am having a difficult time deciding what valve to use - mechanical or pig.
I'm scheduled for the cath 7/11 and surgery 7/12 - who knows what else they may have to do for me once they cath is read. I'm scared too....really scared. I'm 62 and I just don't know what to decide as far as the valve goes. The operation is a no brainer - if I don't have it I won't live another full year. So we move on - I just want to be here for my children and grand children.
VR.com is wonderful and so supportive - I wish I could help you but, as you can see, I'm in the same boat - just getting off at a differenct time and place.
So, Good luck to you and I will be thinking about you and of course saying a little prayer.
Be looking forward to speaking with you again soon.

Carolyn

 

[Lorraine1234]

Hi Carolyn....I will be thinking of you and saying a prayer on the 11th and 12th. I agree with you that the operation is a no brainer..My doctors all were in agreement and I have been waiting for this moment for a long time. My understanding from my surgeon is that the cath will give him a better idea as to which valves to use(in my case, mechanical or bovine). so my husband and family are waiting and learning to be flexible in our thinking. My prayer is that we both get the best medical advice and go on to enjoy our children and grandchildren. This site has been invaluable to me. Everybody's strength and genuine desire to help and support is at times overwhelming. We are blessed. Thinking of you...Lorraine