Okay, my new friends, I need your help....

[Susan BAV]

It's here and I'm not ready for it...

I've known that I've had this "thing" all my life... I was always told it would eventually be a problem but I never really thought it would be a big deal... I've only been researching this for the past few months, after my echo came back with some warning numbers... and I discovered why I've been feeling so lousy for so long... and I've been reading and posting on this site for the past couple of months and I've learned a lot from you folks... and I've consulted with three different highly-recommended surgeons over the past two months, all of whom my husband and I liked very much, and all of whom were of the same mind... and after more tests, which confirmed their recommendations... my surgery is scheduled for a week from today, October 8, 2003.

I know it has to be done but I can hardly believe it is here...

 

[Ross]

Can you say shock?

You know we will walk with you all the way through and hope you return to us to pass on your experience to other newcomers who are just as scared as you are and soon will no longer be.
If you need any thing or need to speak your mind, You know we are here and will be more then happy to help you.

That being said, congratulations on your date. You probably don't feel to good at this moment, but you will be alright. Take it a day at a time.

You are now being moved to pre-surgery.

 

[MelissaM]

Gosh, the calendar is getting full - you are in good company! Best wishes as you head into the final stretch.

Melissa

 

[fyrfytr]

Hey Susan W
Glad to hear you have a date set. Since you have been following all the posts these past few months, you know you aren't along when you say you are not ready for it. I don't think any of us were ready. Most of us were scared and confused. You are one of the lucky ones who found this site before your surgery. Some of us didn't find it until after it was over.

Just think now you can focus on the downhill side of the mountain knowing that you are going to be feeling much better. You will be amazed at how well you will be doing in a very short time.

Please keep us posted on how you are doing.

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Dave
__________________________
Surgery: 4/21/03
Aortic Aneurysm Repair
AVR, with a St. Jude Mechanical
Heart Center of the Rockies

 

[Susan BAV]

Oh, I forgot to say what the specific surgery is: Aortic valve replacement, of course, with (some form of) a pig valve. They'll do a TEE while they're in there to see if the mitral valve needs repaired or replaced but they don't think so at this time. They're also unsure what work, if any, the aorta will need and will look more closely at that while they're in there also. I had to trot up to the dentist this afternoon for a check-up and I have to go back tomorrow morning for a cleaning (and I will take my antibiotics, of course).

Then, I only have about a thousand other small things to take care of!

Even though they're scheduling it for next week, it's not technically an emergency, not like the JetService member. But, I am really thinking it'll be good to get this over with before the hospitals are inundated with winter flu patients. And I paid close attention to what you all said about avoiding holiday-time surgeries!

~Susan

 

[Nancy]

Hi Susan-

It will, no doubt be a busy week. It's very normal to be nervous as surgery fast approaches, but most report that a calmness comes over them a day or two before surgery.

Just keep remembering that this is life-saving surgery. You will be just fine.

Take care,

 

[hensylee]

Susan, we are going, too. We always go along to help our heart mates over the mountain. Looks like we are having a 'several' climb next week so just know that you may encounter others on the mountain going the same route. And we are just there beside you, too, if you only look. You will be fine and we want to know afterward that you are safely over. Is somebody posting for you to tell us? GODSPEED

 

[Harrybaby666]

I am really scared too

I am really scared too

Hi There Susan,

I just wanted to let you know that as I am still waiting and wondering, I too am really scared about what is coming down the road. I just thought that I would let you know that you are definitely not alone in this, and I wish you every hope and prayer for your success and speedy recovery. Take care, Harrybaby666

 

[Karlynn]

Best wishes Susan! We'll be waiting for the good news on how great your surgery went.

Karlynn

 

[ccrawford]

Hi susan - Congratulations, you've got a surgery date. Sounds funny doesn't it ? I really mean it. In a few weeks, you'll be through some tough stuff and actually start to marvel because you are starting to feel a little bit better every day, with a little less pain, and a little more energy. Its really a nice feeling after experiencing going downhill for so long. You'll have a bunch of caring people worrying about you and you'll be in their thoughts and prayers. Hope you have somebody to post for you so we won't have to fret and worry about you too long. You'll do just fine and we all wish you well. Chris

 

[Susan BAV]

regarding posting for me...

regarding posting for me...

I am having the surgery in Los Angeles, which is a couple of hours (or more, depending on the traffic) from our home. (Although, L.A. seems like another planet to me!) My older son will go up with my husband and I for the surgery (we have to go up Tuesday for x-rays and some vauge unspecified other pre-op stuff but I don't report for the surgery until 5 AM the next day) but he will be back and forth, taking care of our cats and dogs and business. So, I'm going to ask him to post for me when he comes back. The surgeon told my husband that I'd probably be up there for five days, I think, following surgery. That would put me home Monday, or so, I think. And, thank you for asking!

But most of you will be at the Reunion! Hope that will be fun; I'm so very glad I found this site! My (previous) cardiologist really seemed to just blow off my echo tests results from last winter (really shocking ignorance, I think!). But from our little bit of research, my husband and I knew this thing needed more attention. When I finally stumbled across this site and read some of the AVR stories, I was shocked how they mirrored my experience! In no medical literature did I find that the overwhelming lack of energy which had slowly crept up and consumed my life was possibly a classic indicator of the progression of this bicuspid disease! So, when we finally decided that we must take a firmer grip on my problem, we consulted with wonderfully experienced surgeons and had the necessary tests, and it was clear that it was time for surgery.

I've been reviewing posts regarding post-surgery, however, and I'm surprised (and depressed) at how long the recovery will be; I'm not looking forward to that! When I had the coaractation repaired, I was driving after (I think) three weeks and I began college about the same time too. The surgery was early August and I think college started late Aug-early Sept. But I was just short of being eighteen years old too. Kids bounce back! My younger son had a hernia repaired, several years ago when he was twelve, and it was all I could do to keep him down to rest the very next day!

Anyway, thanks for the warm words of encouragement and all the thousands of other informative (previous) posts!

IF ANY OF YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR ME, especially regarding things to look out for in recovery, I'd appreciate hearing them. I had completely forgotten about that annoying thing I had to blow in and make the ball come up after the surgery last time. And, from reviewing various posts, I know now, that at my age (I just turned 42 a few days ago), that the "annoying thing" can help me avoid some very unpleasant "speedbumps" on my road to recovery!

So, thanks again, and SEND ANY ADVICE, especially regarding anything you all didn't expect to have to plan for (like this annoying teeth-cleaning thing I don't have time for this morning), either before or after your surgeries. I'd really like to get my husband on the site too because it sounds like he's going to need moral support, especially "if" I get grouchy or weepy!

Best wishes and with warm appreciation, ~Susan

 

[Karlynn]

Susan,
My surgery was 12 years ago and it was a mechanical replacement, not a pig. So I don't know what has changed in 12 years and the difference between mechanical and pig protocol (sounds funny!)

I had one thing frighten me needlessly, just because no one informed me of it. I didn't know that they gave me a drug to basically paralyze my body during surgery so that there wouldn't be any involuntary muscle movement. When I was coming out of the anesthetic, my eyes must have opened (although I wasn't seeing) and they were telling me to move my leg, move my hand etc. etc. I could hear my husband and parents voices, but was unable to move. I kept trying to respond, but couldn't. I was freaking out in my little frozen body. I was thinking 'I'm in here and no one knows it." Then later, when I was relating the experience to my surgeon, he said "Oh, the anesthesiologist should have told you about the drug we give you." I have a feeling that the surgeon had a little conversation with the anesthesiologist about that.

Keep asking and reasking questions, just so you are comfortable in your mind about how things are done. Repeat back to them the list of things they've told you, in case it sparks in them something they forgot.

And as far as recovery, be patient. Take it a day at a time. Encourage yourself with little steps in recovery, so you'll be amazed when the big ones come along.

I'm so glad you told your husband to post for you while you are in the hospital. We'll be waiting for the good news.

Prayers and blessings for you and your family,
Karlynn

 

[ccrawford]

Susan - Now is not the time to start getting depressed. You have a pretty good chance of getting some depression post surgery, so be aware of this and don't be affraid to talk to your cardio about it - its quite normal and can be easy fixed with medications. For now, young lady, its time to think positive. It may seem like recovery time is pretty long, but just think how long it took you to develop that bad valve ! Some of the stuff you will have to do may seem like a pain in the behind, but there is good reason for all of it. If you go beyond what they ask of you, then your recovery time will be shorter, and you'll be feeling great in no time. There are a whole bunch of threads that discuss last minute preparation - Maybe Nancy will come out of the woodwork and provide those. I don't know how she does that - magic I guess. What comes to my mind: Make sure you have a recliner that you have tried out and found to be great for sleeping. Some fit well and some do not. Most patients find it more comfortable to sleep in a recliner for several weeks, and this should be located somewhere in the house that will allow you to catch cat naps whenever you want - you'll do a lot of this. No driving for about two months and no lifting. Make sure the stuff you'll need is located in convenient spots. Some people put a small plastic chair or stool in the shower to allow for a longer shower the first week or so. You won't feel much like large meals for awhile, so stock up on some stuff that you like that is healthy, and that someone can fix for you. Like to read ? Stock up on some stuff you enjoy. Make sure you have a good place to take walks. Short ones at first, then start to make them longer. Stay away from long car rides the first few weeks - especially on bumpy roads. If you overdo it on a day, your body will be sure to remind you of it the next day. Hope this helps, Chris

 

[Christina L]

Best wishes

Best wishes

Susan,

My thoughts and prayers are with you as you go into surgery and recovery next week. I will be following your path three weeks after that (yikes!). I envy you that you will be so close to home for your surgery and home in your own bed after five days - lucky you!

God bless.

Chris

 

[Karlynn]

Yeah! No Laundry!

Yeah! No Laundry!

One very important piece of advice I forgot. No laundry doing, or folding. My surgeon told me to stay away from any upper body exercise or exertion for a while. So my kind husband would take the laundry down stairs, wash it, dry it and bring it up in baskets for me to sit and fold. Think about what goes on when you fold laundry - I didn't and got so sore.

So think of all those pesky little things that you do around the house that now you'll have a very valid excuse to not do for a while!

Karlynn

 

[Nancy]

Hi Susan-

Here are oldie but goodie surgery preparation tips.

http://valvereplacement.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=400&perpage=30&pagenumber=1

http://valvereplacement.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=794

http://www.guidedimageryinc.com/

http://valvereplacement.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=991

http://valvereplacement.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1691

http://valvereplacement.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3296

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Hello Susan,

There are some good anti-anxiety drugs available so ask you PCP for an Rx if you want some help in that department. My guess is a mild dose would suffice.

Second, I wonder why a 42 yr old would choose a pig valve. The standard pig valves tend to have a short lifetime, especially in younger patients. The Stented Pig Valves may have better durability. My choice was a Bovine Pericardial Valve but I ended up with a mechanical after the surgeon saw my insides.

Best wishes,

'AL'

 

[Christina L]

Bless you Nancy!

Bless you Nancy!

Nancy,

Thank you X a million for putting these posts on the board. Today is another weepy, scary day for me and just getting on this board and reading the posts from all of you dear, caring people, it helps SO much.

I am printing all of these threads you have posted, Nancy, for my nightly reading. I am learning so much here and it can only help me in the long run. I am wondernig about the magnesium. Should I ask my surgeon to administer that before and after surgery? Do they routinely? Should I continue taking my magnesium supplement up until the time of surgery and after??

I want to again thank from the bottom of my heart (a lot of puns on this site regarding the heart, huh? - hee) whoever started this web site - Hank??

Anyway, Nancy you are so great to be helping all of us heart patients. I don't know where I'd be without this site.

Have a wonderful day! God bless.
Chris

 

[alicia]

Hello Susan, I know its an exciting time for you. I remember those days very clearly. Its going to be a lot of hustle and bustle to get things done, but remember to take time for YOU. You are very important to alot of people Im sure and you dont need to run yourself down prior to surgery trying to get everything done.

A few tips on necessary items to bring to the hospital with you.
(1) Chapstick (my lips were soo dry and parched)
(2) a good bra to wear after the surgery to support your chest is a must!
(3) no gowns or pajamas just a good housecoat and slippers
(4) baby powder (it just makes me feel fresh)

Good luck to you and I hope these few tips helped/I was told about them prior to my surgery and boy am I glad I listened..Take one day at a time my friend.



Alicia

 

[alicia]

One more thing Susan to think about....

I had such a hard time sleeping/lying in bed. I just couldnt for the first few weeks following surgery I had to sleep in a recliner for 3 weeks. I got used to it and I could sleep for 8 hours nightly in it and was very comfortable. If you are lucky enough to be able to sleep in bed, use lots of pillows for support.

Alicia