Questions about the operation

[bvdr]

A real bright spot in my hospital stay was on day two. The overhead speaker announced that the beautician would be on the floor that afternoon and if anyone wanted an appointment to please notify the desk. I had the most wonderful shampoo and blow dry that I can ever remember. I had been so sweaty and suddenly felt human again.

I know they tell you not to keep money with you in the hospital but some things like that take cash. I had my husband and his wallet in the room so it was no problem.

 

[Englander]

Thanks for your replies.

My operation is scheduled for the 8th June.

 

[tobagotwo]

We'll be here. Before, during, and after.

 

[Gemma]

Ditto

Ditto

We're with you all the way. It's truly amazing how much of a difference it makes knowing there are so many people out there thinking of you as you make your way "over the mountain".
I've just been thinking about your wife - you may want to tell her at some point that you will inevitably look terrible when she first sees you in ICU after the operation - probably a weird colour (greyish or pasty). This is normal but it's a shock at first. I felt really nervous before I first saw Jim - like it was our first date or something! then when I got round the corner and saw him I thought my stomach had fallen 20 feet into the floor. Nothing can really prepare you for that sight, but it's doable. Also, if you wake up and see her looking concerned don't be alarmed - there won't be anything wrong, it's just because she cares. And you'll be awake, looking great and making a lot more sense by the day after
And just think - you'll be going for your post-op walks in the sunshine, not the cold December weather Jim was dragging me around in (hey, if he was going to walk I had to go too!!)

 

[Georgia]

Hey, Englander, not so long now! How wonderful that your new company will allow you to start in September! Most folks haven't been so lucky. Many companies have been quite intolerant.

Be careful with the baby - as we've written on here fairly often, babies tend to throw their heads around and you DON'T WANT to find out how much it hurts when a baby smacks your sternotomy with her hard little head. It can truly knock you breathless. So when you do hold her I suggest a small pillow between you and baby's head. Or a quilt - something to protect your chest.

If you pick her up too soon your chest will tell you. But it's best to follow doctor's order to the T on weight to pick up. Next to "Baby Head Smacking Sternotomy", the "Oops, Picked Up Something Too Heavy" pain is nearly as bad.

Best of luck and stay with us for the journey.

 

[Englander]

Gemma, I just told my wife about me possibly being a weird colour. She is pleased that I warned her about it. Thanks for telling me.

Having brown coloured skin I dont think I will go greyish or pasty but some other colour I'm ask my wife to let you know what colour I turn!!

My wife has viewed a few threads on this website and does intend to write something soon. Her days are fully occupied with our baby at the moment.

My consultant hasn't asked what type of replacement valve I want if they cannot repair my one. Should I be concerned? Looking through some threads on here some of you have chosen your replacement. To be honest I haven't thought about it much and was just going to leave it to the surgeon.

Englander

 

[Bryan B]

I would do some research and also ask your surgeon what he prefers. Mechanical valves and tissue valves both have pros and cons. You need to decide which one you prefer to live with in the unlikely event that he can't repair the valve. If you don't have strong feelings either way after doing your research you can leave the decision to your surgeon, but I think it would be time well spent getting to understand the differences between the two.

 

[danielgilboa]

Hi Englander,

Its great to have a baby to come back to. But yes, they are dangerous. My 2.5 year old started bouncing around me when I was 3 weeks post, and soon enough he wacked me in the chest. It took me a couple of hours.....

In my opinion, you should have a clear plan-B in case repair is not successful. Try to read up a little about the alternatives and discuss it with the surgeon (before surgery...). See what s/he thinks and have an agreed plan.