C
ccrawford
Thanks Nancy - I knew you would be around to perform your wizaradry. I must learn how you do that or maybe I need to learn the magic incantation ??? Anyhoo, thank you Mrs. Merlin. Chris
Help Support Valve Replacement Forums:
Nancy
Well-known member
Sh-h-h-h it's my little secret
Susan
Susan
Please try and relax ...You will be fine..Please tell your children to do the same. Mama is going to be fine...If they come in to see you after surgery..tell them..all the tubes they see..while you are asleep. is there to take care of you. Most will be gone when they see you again..
12 hours are less...then you will be in a private room. Get up and walk..You will feel no pain..just a little tired feeling..but keep walking several times a day around the Nurse's station. They will watch you.. Food will taste yucky..Just ask for juices, ect.and no visitors other than family. You will have a fuzzy head.... Five days later, when you go home..same thing..for a few weeks. You will need someone there for 2 weeks ( if hubby works during day) 3rd week..you will be wanting to go outside. Don't overdo it. Cooking. Let the family do it. Laundry..a no-no..heavy clothes out of washer. You deserve a month of pampering. Let other's take care of themselves. Please don't drive..You don't want to start hurting from shoulder pain, ect.. 2nd month..you will feel like taking over again..Little things.. more each day..and then day by day.week- by week. Month-by month and so on..and then by Xmas. You will feel like a little shopping, decorating, ect.. I am lucky to have a Hubby of 37 years..still pampers me ..Had my 18 month checkup yesterday. Doing great with a mech valve. No problems..Take one little pill a day (coumadin) No bleeding, bruises, ect. Depresiom may come on around the 3 week post-op. Mine was because I couldn't watch Grandson play little league..car ride, ect. was too tiring. I feel like members who think they can do so much, so soon, are the one's who pay dearly..for recovery. Good luck, Bonnie
Susan
Please try and relax ...You will be fine..Please tell your children to do the same. Mama is going to be fine...If they come in to see you after surgery..tell them..all the tubes they see..while you are asleep. is there to take care of you. Most will be gone when they see you again..
12 hours are less...then you will be in a private room. Get up and walk..You will feel no pain..just a little tired feeling..but keep walking several times a day around the Nurse's station. They will watch you.. Food will taste yucky..Just ask for juices, ect.and no visitors other than family. You will have a fuzzy head.... Five days later, when you go home..same thing..for a few weeks. You will need someone there for 2 weeks ( if hubby works during day) 3rd week..you will be wanting to go outside. Don't overdo it. Cooking. Let the family do it. Laundry..a no-no..heavy clothes out of washer. You deserve a month of pampering. Let other's take care of themselves. Please don't drive..You don't want to start hurting from shoulder pain, ect.. 2nd month..you will feel like taking over again..Little things.. more each day..and then day by day.week- by week. Month-by month and so on..and then by Xmas. You will feel like a little shopping, decorating, ect.. I am lucky to have a Hubby of 37 years..still pampers me ..Had my 18 month checkup yesterday. Doing great with a mech valve. No problems..Take one little pill a day (coumadin) No bleeding, bruises, ect. Depresiom may come on around the 3 week post-op. Mine was because I couldn't watch Grandson play little league..car ride, ect. was too tiring. I feel like members who think they can do so much, so soon, are the one's who pay dearly..for recovery. Good luck, Bonnie
N
Nan
Susan, I am sure everything will go well with you for your surgery. Hang in there. This is really the hardest time. Just two additional thoughts, reading can actually be difficult, and it is certainly difficult to hold a heavy book. So ask for or put in a supply of magazines with topics that interest you....short articles. Magazines are light enough to hold without a problem, and short articles are easier too manage., along with that the thought of books on tape to listen to. Although that will more likely be when you get home.
One more thing for the hospital , some pajama bottoms (shorties are great),you might need help getting them on at first, but they give you a little more coverage.
Thinking of you!
One more thing for the hospital , some pajama bottoms (shorties are great),you might need help getting them on at first, but they give you a little more coverage.
Thinking of you!
G
Georgia
Congrats
Congrats
The sooner the better, as long as they've given you enough time to do those few things you want to get done before going to the hospital.
In addition to all of the above, I recommend that you make sure you have a living will and durable power of attorney. The hospital can provide you with the forms and will even provide witnesses. And if you don't have a regular will, do it now.
That's the icky stuff.
Take advantage of the next few days. Eat drink and be merry. You deserve it. Go out for lunch (and dinner) - food will most likely taste like dirt for a few weeks (some of us didn't have this problem; others had it for a long time). Lay in some non-acidic fruit juices and fruits and maybe clear soups.
Make lists for your family - where are important things squirreled away? Like the key to the safety deposit box; etc etc.
Pay your bills, or get the checks made out with the date to send them on the envelope (if this is your chore). The check register is a difficult thing to behold immediately after returning home (this is a personal experience. I can't believe I actually wrote checks 5 days after surgery).
Now - go shopping for you. Go shopping for your kids. Shopping is such a nice distracting activity; and you won't be going for a while.
For the hospital, I took my pillow from home. I have trouble finding pillows that don't give me a headache, I sure slept better. And that pillow sure got cleaned immediately. The medications come out through your pores post surgically. Whew. And in the hospital, they won't let you shower or bathe, but they do have dry shampoos - ask them for one sooner rather than later. This may be elementary for most of you, but I'd never been in the hospital for surgery (other than outpatient), so I didn't know you could get such a thing.
Hang in there; the worst is almost over. Stay with us, and we'll pull you up and over the mountain.
Congrats
The sooner the better, as long as they've given you enough time to do those few things you want to get done before going to the hospital.
In addition to all of the above, I recommend that you make sure you have a living will and durable power of attorney. The hospital can provide you with the forms and will even provide witnesses. And if you don't have a regular will, do it now.
That's the icky stuff.
Take advantage of the next few days. Eat drink and be merry. You deserve it. Go out for lunch (and dinner) - food will most likely taste like dirt for a few weeks (some of us didn't have this problem; others had it for a long time). Lay in some non-acidic fruit juices and fruits and maybe clear soups.
Make lists for your family - where are important things squirreled away? Like the key to the safety deposit box; etc etc.
Pay your bills, or get the checks made out with the date to send them on the envelope (if this is your chore). The check register is a difficult thing to behold immediately after returning home (this is a personal experience. I can't believe I actually wrote checks 5 days after surgery).
Now - go shopping for you. Go shopping for your kids. Shopping is such a nice distracting activity; and you won't be going for a while.
For the hospital, I took my pillow from home. I have trouble finding pillows that don't give me a headache, I sure slept better. And that pillow sure got cleaned immediately. The medications come out through your pores post surgically. Whew. And in the hospital, they won't let you shower or bathe, but they do have dry shampoos - ask them for one sooner rather than later. This may be elementary for most of you, but I'd never been in the hospital for surgery (other than outpatient), so I didn't know you could get such a thing.
Hang in there; the worst is almost over. Stay with us, and we'll pull you up and over the mountain.
S
Susan BAV
THANK YOU!!!
THANK YOU!!!
You all are so very helpful; I can't thank you enough! I've been away from the computer all day long and wondering if anyone had any helpful advice for me... and you sure do! I'm going to print it off, for me to read more closely tomorrow (I've only time for a glance tonight), and for my husband and sons to read also.
This afternoon (besides calling about a dozen friends to update them), I dragged my more-comfortable recliner around to where my less-comfortable recliner was, to my favorite (and recently much-frequented) napping spot (right near the kitchen and a bathroom), and boy did I get bawled out by my husband because he wanted to move it for me. I promised him that was the last heavy thing I would do for awhile. I remember reading about the recliners in some older posts and then here again, you helpful folks, you've offered me your gems of wisdom from experience and I truly appreciate everyone of them! You all have so many helpful suggestions that I really wouldn't have thought of!
Nancy, I'm going to have to hop on those sites early tomorrow and I'm sure they will be extremely helpful so thank you very much.
Al, I really don't want to be on coumadin (or audibly "tick") at my realatively young age, being a female, so I told the surgeon that is the only strong opinion I have on the valve, aside from that I want it to last as long as possible with as few complications as possible. He has done many of them and he likes the pig (I'm sorry I don't remember which one he said) valve and I also remember reading some good sense on this site a few weeks ago regarding finding a good surgeon that you trust and going with what he's comfortable with. The fairly recent "One Valve for Life?" thread was extremely informative to me because, if/when I have to get opened up again, I think I'd rather do it when I'm, maybe, 57, instead of 72.
More tomorrow, I'm wiped out! Oh, and did I thank you nice people?!?! ~Susan
THANK YOU!!!
You all are so very helpful; I can't thank you enough! I've been away from the computer all day long and wondering if anyone had any helpful advice for me... and you sure do! I'm going to print it off, for me to read more closely tomorrow (I've only time for a glance tonight), and for my husband and sons to read also.
This afternoon (besides calling about a dozen friends to update them), I dragged my more-comfortable recliner around to where my less-comfortable recliner was, to my favorite (and recently much-frequented) napping spot (right near the kitchen and a bathroom), and boy did I get bawled out by my husband because he wanted to move it for me. I promised him that was the last heavy thing I would do for awhile. I remember reading about the recliners in some older posts and then here again, you helpful folks, you've offered me your gems of wisdom from experience and I truly appreciate everyone of them! You all have so many helpful suggestions that I really wouldn't have thought of!
Nancy, I'm going to have to hop on those sites early tomorrow and I'm sure they will be extremely helpful so thank you very much.
Al, I really don't want to be on coumadin (or audibly "tick") at my realatively young age, being a female, so I told the surgeon that is the only strong opinion I have on the valve, aside from that I want it to last as long as possible with as few complications as possible. He has done many of them and he likes the pig (I'm sorry I don't remember which one he said) valve and I also remember reading some good sense on this site a few weeks ago regarding finding a good surgeon that you trust and going with what he's comfortable with. The fairly recent "One Valve for Life?" thread was extremely informative to me because, if/when I have to get opened up again, I think I'd rather do it when I'm, maybe, 57, instead of 72.
More tomorrow, I'm wiped out! Oh, and did I thank you nice people?!?!
~Susan
J
Jean
Susan,
Good luck and God bless for next week.
One thing I didn't know that might have made it easier, is that it is probable you will feel nauseated and maybe even up-chuck a little...the meds do it to you. I was worried why until the nurse told me it was normal.
Also, I'll not paint a glowing picture, but do remember many people heal quite nicely. While they are not up to running a marathon at 3 or 4 weeks, many feel fairly upbeat rather quickly. I tired quickly, but did not feel beat down. Just know we all heal differently at our own speeds. Also remember to walk, walk, walk after surgery.
While many liked the lazy boys, some find that if they make you slump and that will make you stiff and sore. I think it depends on how tall you are.
Sending love and warm thoughts.
Good luck and God bless for next week.
One thing I didn't know that might have made it easier, is that it is probable you will feel nauseated and maybe even up-chuck a little...the meds do it to you. I was worried why until the nurse told me it was normal.
Also, I'll not paint a glowing picture, but do remember many people heal quite nicely. While they are not up to running a marathon at 3 or 4 weeks, many feel fairly upbeat rather quickly. I tired quickly, but did not feel beat down. Just know we all heal differently at our own speeds. Also remember to walk, walk, walk after surgery.
While many liked the lazy boys, some find that if they make you slump and that will make you stiff and sore. I think it depends on how tall you are.
Sending love and warm thoughts.
Susan,
One thing I was not prepared for were the night sweats I had following surgery. I had them for a few months prior as well but after surgery I got to the point that I just laid out a couple of extra nightgowns (the more absorbant the better) because I knew I would be changing them during the night. I had surgery Aug 25th and it is much better now.
Another thing was the onset of migraine headaches. My surgeon gave me a Rx for Imitrex in the hospital and I have used them quite frequently. I guess it is not a very uncommon thing and should clear up before long.
I also had an elvated temprature frequently. It never reached the 101 degree level which was when I would have needed to call but many days and evenings it was above 100. I ran the highest I think during week 3. It too is back to normal now.
One thing I was not prepared for were the night sweats I had following surgery. I had them for a few months prior as well but after surgery I got to the point that I just laid out a couple of extra nightgowns (the more absorbant the better) because I knew I would be changing them during the night. I had surgery Aug 25th and it is much better now.
Another thing was the onset of migraine headaches. My surgeon gave me a Rx for Imitrex in the hospital and I have used them quite frequently. I guess it is not a very uncommon thing and should clear up before long.
I also had an elvated temprature frequently. It never reached the 101 degree level which was when I would have needed to call but many days and evenings it was above 100. I ran the highest I think during week 3. It too is back to normal now.
hi susan!
i haven't been on for a few days and have been so happy to see so many members getting their surgical dates.
lucky for you, your is soon which means this will all be behind you in no time.
try and keep as busy as you can while waiting. also, eat well and sleep so that you stay healthy.
i'm not sure if your hospital supplies you with a "heart pillow", but joey's did not adn so we brought our own pillow (not just for sleep) to help when he coughed, and just to support the chest area after surgery.
hugging it really helps.
we are so glad your son will be posting so that we can know how you are.
you will be in our thoughts and prayers.
wishing you all the best, sylvia
p.s. for relaxation, try diane tusek's guided imagery tapes/cd's. they are great!!! i think you can find them at:
http://www.guidedimageryinc.com/
i haven't been on for a few days and have been so happy to see so many members getting their surgical dates.
lucky for you, your is soon which means this will all be behind you in no time.
try and keep as busy as you can while waiting. also, eat well and sleep so that you stay healthy.
i'm not sure if your hospital supplies you with a "heart pillow", but joey's did not adn so we brought our own pillow (not just for sleep) to help when he coughed, and just to support the chest area after surgery.
hugging it really helps.
we are so glad your son will be posting so that we can know how you are.
you will be in our thoughts and prayers.
wishing you all the best, sylvia
p.s. for relaxation, try diane tusek's guided imagery tapes/cd's. they are great!!! i think you can find them at:
http://www.guidedimageryinc.com/
Hello Susan
I haven't been around too much lately....between house renovations, job, etc, not alot of time to post.
I've read your thread and actually, I'm glad you're going in for the surgery ASAP. One, you don't need anything more to happen to you while you're in the waiting room, and two, you have a great family who will take very good care of you---you definitely want to get this done for them, too. They are your strength...look at them and say to yourself, "I want a good, full life with them for many years." That might help ease some of your fears. This is a LIFE SAVING surgery...please try to keep that in mind.
There's no question that you're on the mountain top highway....but we will all be there with you. I know you will come through this a-ok. I'm putting you in my prayers right now and you'll be there every day till you post on this forum when you walk through your door.
Remember the rule: NAP, NAP, NAP, WALK, WALK, WALK, BREATHE, BREATHE, BREATHE.
Thanks for having your son or husband post for us. It's really a help.
Go with God....he IS there with you.
Evelyn and Tyce
I haven't been around too much lately....between house renovations, job, etc, not alot of time to post.
I've read your thread and actually, I'm glad you're going in for the surgery ASAP. One, you don't need anything more to happen to you while you're in the waiting room, and two, you have a great family who will take very good care of you---you definitely want to get this done for them, too. They are your strength...look at them and say to yourself, "I want a good, full life with them for many years." That might help ease some of your fears. This is a LIFE SAVING surgery...please try to keep that in mind.
There's no question that you're on the mountain top highway....but we will all be there with you. I know you will come through this a-ok. I'm putting you in my prayers right now and you'll be there every day till you post on this forum when you walk through your door.
Remember the rule: NAP, NAP, NAP, WALK, WALK, WALK, BREATHE, BREATHE, BREATHE.
Thanks for having your son or husband post for us. It's really a help.
Go with God....he IS there with you.
Evelyn and Tyce
