Pre-Op Visit with Surgeon - Check

[Guest]

I hope this post is in the right section, if not, the admin will move it.

I was going over my list of things to do ahead of my surgery date and I thought about that cute wheat cereal commercial where the cereal square is helping the little girl load up her school supplies, checking off the list, reading the list and saying "check" after each item. I feel like I'm in a 'nesting instinct' mode as when I was pregnant, getting everything lined up.

I'm at the "check" point. Pre-op visit with surgeon was today, we discussed my ITP and we and the hematologist agree it may be a non issue for me so I'm going mechanical. On X is first choice, carbomedics second choice. My surgeon feels the St Jude is not the best choice for aortic placement, also because I am small. I'm 5ft 4, 135 lbs. I asked him about the minimally invasive, standard, and thoracotomy. I asked him to check my aorta really close and he kinda laughed and said "I'm going to be in there" He'll have everything he needs available if something needs fixed. I'm going with the standard as I want him to have enough room. My surgery scar on the front of my neck is barely visible and he said based on that scar and how well I healed, my chest scar should heal just as well. He asked me who will be monitoring my coumadin and I said I didn't know, haven't talked with my PCP since August. Hopefully my hematologist will do it for now. I told him I plan on home testing as soon as I can. He said we can figure out the who after my surgery. I will go to cardiac rehab about 3 weeks post op. In the hospital about 5 to 8 days, depending on how well I do. I asked if my PVCs will diminish after the surgery and he said that will be monitored while I'm in the hospital, sometimes they get better, sometimes not.

My next 'check' is on Monday morning, 7:00 a.m. at the hospital for my pre-op registration, blood work, anesthesiologist visit. My surgery will be first thing next Wednesday morning.

Thanks to all the ladies on the site for mentioning the surgical bra, I ordered mine online and it should be here this week. I have my pajamas so I don't moon folks when I walk the halls, taking baby wipes so I can clean up a bit when I wake up, earplugs, slippers, robe, new panties , lip medics for dry lips, (the list of what to take to the hospital is fantastic) check, check, check.

I'm thankful for all of the folks who provide their advice and suggestions here. You all have helped me to be brave through all of this. I know I'll be very nervous over the next week but it will be ok.

 

[Isis]

Well Louise, sounds like you're about squared away.
Best of luck for a successful surgery and a smooth recovery. Hopefully you'll be home for Thanksgiving.

 

[geebee]

Louise,

I am not sure I have read about anyone as prepared as you. It sounds like you have everything covered and then some.

I am sure things will be fine, smooth and you will be over the mountain before you know it.

 

[donnamarie]

I
Thanks to all the ladies on the site for mentioning the surgical bra, I ordered mine online and it should be here this week. I have my pajamas so I don't moon folks when I walk the halls, taking baby wipes so I can clean up a bit when I wake up, earplugs, slippers, robe, new panties , lip medics for dry lips, (the list of what to take to the hospital is fantastic) check, check, check.

I'm thankful for all of the folks who provide their advice and suggestions here. You all have helped me to be brave through all of this. I know I'll be very nervous over the next week but it will be ok.

Louise - sounds like you got it all covered! Just as an aside - I never wore the pj's once! lol I wore one gown opened in the back and one over it opened in the front. Couldn't have been bothered with the pj's. Maybe you will, who knows? Good luck to you!

 

[Jim P]

Louise,

In no way do I want to sound pessimistic - that is not my intention. However, my wife found it important and very useful for her to know, before surgery, the location of all our important papers, how and when to pay bills, insurance benefits, who to notify in case of emergency, etc. It took some time for me to organize all this. As expected, everything went well with the OHS; but it was actually worth doing, as I have referred to the file myself several times in the past few months -- nice to have all the info in one place.

By the way, I did the same thing as Donnamarie and wore two hospital gowns -- one opened in the back and one over it opened in the front. That was easier to do than bend over to put on PJs.

Your attitude sounds great. I expect that you will breeze through the process.

Stay strong!

 

[Jkm7]

Louise.....

You really have everything under control and sound like you are well organized. I, also, never bothered with pj's. Nor panties. I used the double gown business.

When I put on a bra the first time post surgery it rubbed a sore and caused a small infection at the base of my incision. That resulted in a 4 week course of antibiotics. When (if) I need a repeat surgery, I will use a Barely There Microfiber Seamless Crop Top bra. Soft but enough support and no hooks or wires. It was out of the question I could think of any bra while still in the hospital....too sore. After my infection someone told me about the Barely There and I ordered several from www.onehanesplace.com. Item No.898NP and only $7.49 each. They're stretchy and slide on/off so easily. (They also are perfect for going through airport security.... no metal that can cause a beep.) I know... Way too much info for the guys. You guys don't realize how us ladies suffer a bit more pain from our incisions due to our anatomy.

Wishing you the very best. Hope you have a hugely successful surgery and uneventful recovery.

 

[Isis]

I vote for the pajamas. I never took them off after I got them on day 3. Plus the pockets on the pants was a really convenient place to put the portable EKG transmitter.
I'd take a pair or two.

 

[Guest]

my wife found it important and very useful for her to know, before surgery, the location of all our important papers, how and when to pay bills, insurance benefits, who to notify in case of emergency, etc. It took some time for me to organize all this. As expected, everything went well with the OHS; but it was actually worth doing, as I have referred to the file myself several times in the past few months -- nice to have all the info in one place.
Stay strong!

Thanks Jim, not pessimistic at all. My husband and I had wills and medical power of attorney prepared about 10 years ago when our good friend's wife was diagnosed with ALS and was unable to speak. We wanted to make sure our wishes were known. On the flip side, I'm showing my husband where everything is, including insurance info, bills, etc. I even told him what I wanted if it were to be my time. He will have my cell at the hospital, another item on my list is to write down who to call after I'm in recovery, all the #s are in my cell. He has a neat blackberry but thats military issue, not for personal use.

Isis, I hope I'm home for Thanksgiving too. Gotta make my husband get up on the roof and put the Christmas lights up Thanksgiving weekend! Just kidding, he's going to have his hands full with me and our two cocker spaniels.

Jkm7, thanks for the addt'l info. I will write this down in case I need to switch the type of bra. Never could wear underwire(TMI)

Thank you Donnamarie and GeeBee

 

[WayneGM]

Sounds like you've done your homework and are well prepared. Best wishes.

 

[Ross]

I vote go naked, but that's always my vote on these issues.

 

[donnamarie]

I vote go naked, but that's always my vote on these issues.

The PT guys will be fighting over who takes her for walks!

 

[donnamarie]

Louise,

In no way do I want to sound pessimistic - that is not my intention. However, my wife found it important and very useful for her to know, before surgery, the location of all our important papers, how and when to pay bills, insurance benefits, who to notify in case of emergency, etc. It took some time for me to organize all this. As expected, everything went well with the OHS; but it was actually worth doing, as I have referred to the file myself several times in the past few months -- nice to have all the info in one place.

That's a great idea! I have to admit, I was a bit concerned in that area. Glad my hubby didn't need to go looking for things.

My husband used my cell phone to call my friends and stuff too. He wouldn't leave it with me in the hospital. My roommate had hers with her and it rang constantly! That was annoying.

 

[Mary]

Louise,
It sounds like you are READY!
Try not to worry about next Wednesday and go out and do everything you enjoy doing!

 

[wes]

I back up what Mary says. I was in your shoes just a few weeks ago. The first couple of days after surgery seem to go by really slowly, but after that the days start flying by. Remember to always stay positive, because the mind is a really powerful tool for a successful recovery. Good luck!