One month to go...

[KristiinSD]

My surgery is scheduled for Sept 8, so I am one month away. Anything you all think I should be doing during this time to maximize the chances of a positive outcome? I'm taking magnesium, trying to "get my affairs in order" etc. but wonder if I should be exercising or resting more or what, if anything...

Thanks,

Kristi
mitral valve repair scheduled for 9/8

 

[Ross]

Indulging yourself and enjoying your life is a fine place to start! Seriously, go shopping, pamper youself and enjoy it. There really isn't anything you can do to prepare for this, so you might as well spend the time enjoying life and those you love.

 

[Cris N]

Beg, borrow, or steal (well, maybe buy would be better) a recliner for sleeping after surgery!

Cris

 

[Mark Wagner]

Hi Kristi,
Just realax, enjoy your family, and as much as possible try not to worry. Odd's are well in your favor that everything will be just fine. Have faith in your doctors, and mostly God. (Also have a family member post us so we know how your progressing, until your up to getting back online.)

Mark

PS By the way, the 'recliner' idea is a must!!

 

[Christina L]

Kristin

Kristin

I think you are going to get lots of rest after your surgery, so enjoy yourself as everyone else has said. I would be stepping up your exercise - walking more - just a bit before surgery, staying away from alcohol, and eating well and enjoying life! Maybe do some meditation or yoga to settle your mind.

You ARE going to be fine. It is an amazing miracle that you are about to go through and life will be in technicolor when you are on the other side of the mountain.

God bless -

Christina L.

 

[hensylee]

I got my affaIRS in order, got a living will and then just waited. buy a couple of sleep bras. Be apprehensive if you want to, but it won't help. And what the others said.

 

[Phyllis]

I agree with all the great advice on this thread and added your name to the calendar for September 8th. Wishing you the best and don't forget to have someone post for you.

 

[Gemma]

Hi Kristi,
I think everyone's pretty much covered what needs to be done. The main thing is to try not to dwell on it, and do lots of stuff you enjoy in the run-up to your surgery. A lot of people say they feel a sense of calm come over them as they near their surgery date - hope that you also feel this.
Bryan (TenPly) - I noticed you weren't on the calendar yet so I've put you on there too (wow, I must be turning into a seasoned vr.commer - I actually figured out how to post an event on the calendar ).
Gemma.

 

[Glenda]

Kristi, I agree with what everyone else has said. The waiting is the hardest. Remember to put yourself in God's hands. He is still in control. Hugs and prayers are coming your way.

 

[Mary]

Kristi,
I've decided before my next surgery to really work hard on leg conditioning. I've been a swimmer for years, and I use to have a pretty good resevoir of lower body strength. However, I swam very little the last six months previous to surgery, and I could tell it afterwards.

For the first few weeks, you will be able to do very little with your arms. Your legs will need to compensate in many areas. Instead of pushing off a chair using your hands, you will find it much easier to use your leg muscles for the lift. Anything you can do to increase your leg and thigh endurance will help postsurgery.
Mary

 

[George]

Hi Kristi
I'm one day after you, scheduled for pulmonary valve replacement on Sept. 9th. We'll both be doing just fine, I'm sure, once it's over with. People say this waiting is the hardest part, & I suspect they are right!

 

[Kate]

Hi Kristi!
My surgery is scheduled for September 12th, and one thing I'm doing to prepare is learning relaxation techniques. From what I've read, just being able to breathe deeply, relax your muscles and think positive thoughts in the stressful hours before surgery may help with reducing bloodloss, pain, etc. Whether that's true or not, just practicing the exercises makes me feel less anxious right now, and that alone is worth it to me! Take care, Kate

 

[Ross]

People say this waiting is the hardest part, & I suspect they are right!

It really is the hardest part, no matter how many times you've done it!

 

[gadgetman]

Kristi,
Anything you can do to increase your leg and thigh endurance will help postsurgery.
Mary

Mary, no comment. HIGHJACK ALERT!!!!!!

Kristi,

I was "lucky" in the fact that I didn't have to dwell on my pending surgery for too long but I will echo what the others have said. Go out, enjoy yourself, and place your trust in God. He will get you and your family through this. We are sending prayers and good thoughts your way for a quick and uneventful recovery.

May God Bless,

Danny

 

[samiam]

For the first few weeks, you will be able to do very little with your arms. Your legs will need to compensate in many areas. Instead of pushing off a chair using your hands, you will find it much easier to use your leg muscles for the lift. Anything you can do to increase your leg and thigh endurance will help postsurgery.
Mary

And think of it: Getting on and off a chair is the same as getting on and off the toilet. So get used to just using your legs. Your sternum will tell you to pay attention to what you're doing!

 

[bobcatrel]

I would echo all the points concerning getting out of chairs without using your arms. Simple taks such as turning door knobs, opening doors and reaching for objects will also be difficult for a while.
Pre-surgery I tried to make sure basic things I use were located on shelves/locations that would not require stretching or reaching.
I also made sure the last few weeks that I didn't overdo anything - slept at least 8 hours each night (which is more than normal for me), tried to takes walks for relaxation and even doubled my daily vitamin.
The last few days will be difficult at times - I tried to stay with family and friends, relax and be positive.

Another activity you might want to practice is getting out of bed without using your hands.

 

[mielkep]

Great Question

Great Question

My surgery is scheduled for Sept 8, so I am one month away. Anything you all think I should be doing during this time to maximize the chances of a positive outcome? I'm taking magnesium, trying to "get my affairs in order" etc. but wonder if I should be exercising or resting more or what, if anything...

Thanks,

Kristi
mitral valve repair scheduled for 9/8

Thanks for posting the question, I have my surgery scheduled for september 2 and the information is priceless. Hope everything goes well for you.

Paul