Post Op is over

[Mentu]

Hi, everyone, today was exhausting but I am now through the Pre-Op. First it was up at 07:00 to be there in time for the sonogram of the carotids followed by waiting. Then, I had the long pre-surgery interview with the many questions, EKG and more blood tests than I’ve seen before…11 in all and, then, more waiting. After that, I saw the anesthesiologist who delivered the happy news that since I have sleep apnea I can expect to be on the respirator in the ICU longer than normal…oh, goody. Finally, there were the chest x-rays and after yet more waiting I was off to visit with my surgeon, Dr Spann, for a brief “reassurance” meeting. We discussed my valve again and the use of the sternal talons but there was really nothing to decide. I did ask that he be gentle around my AV conduction bundle. So all was over by 15:00 whem I returned home and crashed.

Things are winding down. I’ve still got the guest room to straighten up, the bathroom to clean and the refrigerator to empty. I will get at least some of it done before my friend, Dan, arrives on Sunday evening. (He will be staying with me for the next couple of weeks.) Tomorrow morning will be my last work day as I detach myself from the office. I won’t get the kitten to the Vet to be …did you see the cartoon of the large dog in the car with the whole family? As they pull out of the driveway, the large dog is chatting with his doggy chums saying “My family loves me so much, they’re taking me to be tutored!” Sorry, cat.

My surgeon indicated I should expect to be at the hospital by 05:30 Tuesday morning for the first surgery of the day. No dilly dallying, I guess.

If I don't get a chance to post another note, I just want to thank all of you on VR for your encouragement and support these past months. You've made my life better.

Wishing you all fair winds and following seas.

 

[Star54]

Ok..so now you just chill, relax and wait. You still have a couple of days and you will be busy, before you know it you will be in the zone. We will all be rooting for you, and will see you in the post op section over the mountain!!!!

 

[tex]

Not long to go now, and you seem to be keeping really busy thats not a bad thing.
Just wanted to wish you all the luck in world to you, and cant wait to hear from you when its all over, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Take Care and let us know how your doing.
Jane

 

[catwoman]

Good idea on emptying the refrigerator.

My mom had knee joint replacement on 9/8 and did NOT empty produce, fruit from her refrigerator. (That butternut squash in her refrigerator just won't cut it when she finally gets back home!) I'll let the sister who lives with my parents do that.

Do you have a stockpile of quickly cooked meals in your freezer/freezer compartment? My other sister & I have stocked her freezer with meatloaf and casseroles for when she returns home from rehab. I did the same for myself before my surgery, and also had stocked some Lean Cuisines, Smart Ones and Stouffer meals in my freezer.

I was in the hospital for 1 week, then stayed at my parents' home for 2 weeks post-op. It was another week or two before I really felt like eating much, but I knew I needed to (I lost 24-26 pounds during this time!).

 

[jax]

Best of luck to you. Soon we will see you on the other side with the rest of us. Please update. As soon as possible. Take it easy and enjoy the next couple of days.

 

[escargome]

Wishing you a successful surgery and uncomplicated recovery. Take it easy and relax as much as your personality permits. We'll be waiting for your post-op updates.

 

[coach14]

Good luck - just remember it is never as bad as the stuff that comes up in your head while waiting for the surgery. I am 7 weeks out from AVR, back to work and feeling great. You will do fine and it will be done before you know it.

 

[Cooker]

Wishing you the best possible outcome with a smooth, bump free recovery ..... Godspeed .....

 

[Jkm7]

Sending all best wishes. Please let us know you're doing well as soon as you are able.

 

[BlindFaith]

Hi Mentu - I also had my preop yesterday with surgery planned for Wed 9/23. Good luck to both of us.

Dan

 

[TXWildflower]

Mentu- I'll send up a special prayer andwill be sending good vibes your way. Best of luck to you. I hope for and uneventful surgery and an even more uneventful recovery.

Rhena

 

[davidswife]

Mentu - Best wishes for a successful surgery and a smooth, bump-free recovery! You have done your research well and are well prepared so you will do great. Try to relax these last few days. Maybe your friend can update us as soon as you are "over the mountain" and then looking forward to your updates as soon as you can. Godspeed!

Nadine

 

[ottagal]

Wishing you all the best Mentu and will be thinking of you on the 23rd and sending positive vibes. Your pre-op sounded similiar to mine! I was told to be at the hospital for 6 am the morning of ...and I am definitely not a morning person (maybe a good thing).

Good luck and I hope someone will be able to post to give us an update.

 

[Danny]

Good luck Mentu, i will say extra prayers for you this weekend. I hope you have a smooth recovery, and will be waiting here with everyone else for your return. Danny

 

[Marguerite53]

You sound great! Good job getting through the wait -- it's the hardest part -- you'll see

We'll have you in our thoughts and look forward to your report post-surgery.

Best wishes!

Marguerite

 

[MaryC]

Good luck, Mentu. You will soon be on the other side of the surgery and on the road to recovery.

Chris

 

[Lorimacm]

Larry,
Sounds like you are ready. You will be in my thoughts and prayers tuesday. Can't wait to hear from you or from your friend possibly with an update on how everything went. I will be praying for a successful surgery and speedy recovery.

God bless,
Lori