Saw Surgeon today

[Birky]

7 mos.

7 mos.

Thanks for your replies. The good thing is that I have only gained 12lbs. I think I can live with this. Part of it was not being active for a long time since I was in the hospital 15 days for the 3weeks after surgery with some bothersome problems which were taken care of with medication. Once I started Cardio Rehab I leveled off. Need to get back walking again. Has been too hot and now it is finally cooling off. I thought I would never be able to do this, but I
did. My husband now smokes outside and not in the house and that helps alot. After Thursday when I have the wires taken out and all recovered I will get back to walking the to the gym. Take care,

 

[Gisele]

Carla, good luck

Carla, good luck

I am sure that everything will go well. As far as the respirator, I don't remember much of that except for being a little bit nauseous, but it was no big deal. The chest tubes however were another story. I will ask doctor prior to surgery to order something to relax me before they pull them out. I know it only takes a second, but I'm afraid that the anxiety will be worse than the actual removal.

At least you know you have tremendous support from all who have gone before you. When I had my surgery that was 21 years ago, and I had no one to turn to. I didn't know what questions to ask the doctor, and I didn't know what to expect. This time if I go in to have this valve replaced I think I will be prepared and I know that I will have a lot of friends waiting for me.

 

[bvdr]

Carla,

I told my doctor ahead of time that I dreaded being aware of having an endotracheal tube in and he said he would take care of that. My first memory in CCU was being told that if I wanted to have the tube out I better keep my hands down and out of the way. Within a minute or two it was out and I was busy "deep breathing and coughing". Gisele is right, chest tube removal was no fun. If I ever have to do this thing again I will ask for heavy medication before that too. You can't really get totally knocked out since you have to time your breating in and breathing out so they can pull the tubes at the right time. Even that took less than a minute though. Actually, none of it was quite as bad as I expected it to be.......except the wait .

 

[Gisele]

Betty is right

Betty is right

Actually, none of it was quite as bad as I expected it to be.......except the wait . [/B][/QUOTE]

For 21 years I have been complaining about "those chest tubes" now I am afraid that the anxiety will be far worse than the actual yanking of the tubes.................lol

I'm not taking any chances though..........will ask for my drugs beforehand.

 

[Birky]

chest tubes

chest tubes

I agree on the chest tubes. I was getting morphine through an IV at the time so they pushed the button right before they took them out. I had such a cute nurse and PA that took out the tubes. Said to take a deep breath which I did and out they came. I couldn't believe the size of them. I was glad they gave me something beforehand. I found the area where the tubes were to be more uncomfortable than the sternum. The pacemaker wire was in that area also. They took that out the day before I went home. I found that was pretty uncomfortable since it was in there for 11 days. All in all, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.

 

[ccrawford]

Birky - When did you quit the weeds ? My last cigarette was 1/3/02, and I don't miss them (much). I took Welbutrin to assist in cessation, and found that it also works well as an appetite surpressant. I lost 15 pounds during the cessation process. Ten more and I'm at target. According to the average age/height/weight chart, I'm not too fat, I'm just too short ! Chris

 

[Guest]

Re: Saw Surgeon today

[ARG! I gotta retype this because it only quoted Carla...and didn't put what I typed. Aye...I have a feeling this isn't gonna be the same, but here goes nothing....]

Carla,

I have a feeling I'm echoing a lot of other responses, but just wanted to let you know I, like many others, know how you feel. I remember when I was told late last year that I would need another surgery to replace my valve yet again how hard that hit home to me. It felt like a ton of bricks had wiped me out. But, everything happens for a reason...and I'm convinced that the surgery (this past January) was for the best, despite the setbacks....

And, I actually did laugh out loud when I read your frustration about not asking the questions you had planned...not because I find it funny or humorous that you forgot, but because I distinctly remember having the exact same frustrations with myself...he he he. But, when you are hit with some tough news, it is very easy to "forget" to ask those important questions. Good news is that you have plenty of time to ask all you want .

Peace...always,
Cort S, pig's valve & pacemaker-enhanced 29/swm
Instant Messengers...AOL="fc72mc"...Yahoo="knightfan2691"
member & newsletter editor, Faith COB: http://www.faithcob.org
MC's Future: http://www.projectmonte.com/petition/
My MC Family: http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/
http://www.virtual-carshow.com/monte/CortStevens/Blue87LSCL
RIP: '76=Parents' [my] MC ... '88 MC LS ... '00 'MC' LS
Spotting MCs: http://www.chevyasylum.com/mcspotter/main.html

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Hello Carla,

I liked Melissa's idea about typing up two copies of your questions and giving one to the Doctor. I've been doing something similar as well as keeping a 'medical notebook' which I take to all of my appointments. You may want to call the office and tell them you have a list of questions which you would like to send.

Regarding the breathing tube, I've had 2 heart surgeries and both times, my breathing tube was pulled before I was conscious. This is often the case for people whose lungs are in good shape (i.e. non-smokers in otherwise good health). If you are concerned, just advise your surgeon and they can leave you more sedated before pulling the tubes, assuming there are no lung problems.

Best wishes,

'Al'

 

[Birky]

smoking

smoking

I found out in December that it was time for the surgery so I bought the patches and was down to 5 smokes a day. Right before the surgery, I went to the gum and was down to 2 smokes a day. After the surgery, none at all and no patches or gum. I was in the hospital 11 days for the surgery and then 5 more her locally when I ran into some problems. I think looking down at my incision was enough help for me to not smoke. My husband still smokes but not in the house or around me. I will not even touch a pack of smokes because I would be afraid I might sneak one. I do feel better without them but there are moments that I really crave them. Different situations trigger this. I gained weight, not lost but going to work on that as soon it is cool enough. The Dr. says that he would rather me gain a few pounds than smoke. I am on Zoloft which helps with the appetite and keep me from going crazy with all this going on. It isn't easy but I am not complaining. Marcia

 

[ccrawford]

Marcia - I did a lot of research on the cessation process before I quit, and used every technique I could find. Think of those cravings as a positive thing. Your body is telling you it is getting well and getting free of the nicotine addiction. I still have an occasional craving, but I'll never smoke again - I paid too high a price to quit. Keep up the good work. Chris

 

[carlapv]

Marcia and Chris,
Congrats to both of you. I read an article once that said the degree of addiction to nicotine is equal to or surpasses that of cocaine. I envy those of you who have been able to hang in. I can tell you that I don't think I have ever wanted to smoke as badly as I did the other day when I left the surgeon's office.
If my Mom had not been with me, I am not sure if I could have resisted the urge to stop and get a pack. But, I am determined.

Thanks alot for your support,
Carla

 

[Tammy]

Hi Carla

Hi Carla

Even though we try to prepare ourselves, I believe it is always a shockwhen you finally get the news. Many on this site have had the same or similar experiences - so its a good place to ask questions and even vent.

Are you going to be having your Surgery at St. Josephs or Emory?
I had mine at Emory but they are both Excellent Hospitals!!!
The Tube was my greatest concern Pre-Op and I spoke with My Doctor about my concerns and all came out fine.

I am just down the road from you in Loganville so please don't hesitate to e-mail me at [email protected]. Maybe we can get together sometime soon.

Tammy
MVR 04/06/89

 

[carlapv]

Hi neighbor!
I will be going to Emory. Who is your doctor? Dr. Guyton will be doing my surgery. I am excited to find someone who went to Emory.

Thanks for the kind words and I'll keep your email address handy.

Carla

 

[ccrawford]

Carla - One of the things they reccommend you do is make a list of all of those times when you think you will be hit with a craving for a cigarette. By doing this, you help yourself be prepared for it and can deal with it easier (by taking a deep breath, or drinking a lot of water, or using chewing gum, etc.) I made an extensive list and remember the one that caught me by surprise - coming out of the doctors office ! Got you too huh ? You sound like you are well motivated - keep it up. Another trick - think of it as not quitting forever, just for this very day. Good luck, Chris.

 

[Birky]

smoking

smoking

I agree with Crawford. I will be doing something and think it is time to sit down and have a smoke. Especially hard when I come out of work or after we get done with supper. Have to get up and walk away from the table. It is getting better. I was a morning smoker and lit up the first thing. I had to change my whole routine as to where I had my coffee and where I sat to call my Mom in the morning. The Dr. told me that it is more addictive than heroin. I really believe it. I have to get after all my winter clothes and make sure the smoke smell is out of them. Good luck,

 

[Tammy]

Emory Hospital

Emory Hospital

Hey Carla,

My Surgeon was Dr. Craver at Emory. I believe your Surgeon and Dr. Craver are the Top Two at Emory. When the time comes you'll be in good hands.

And remember I'm just a hop, skip and jump away if you need anything.

Take Care,

Tammy

MVR 04/06/89

 

[carlapv]

Hey Tammy,
Just wrote you a PM. Thanks for your response to my questions and for your support. I have every confidence in Emory and the Docs there. Look forward to talking with you again soon.

Carla

 

[LUVMyBirman]

Hi Tammy!!! How the heck are you girl?!!!! Good to see you.

 

[Granbonny]

Carla

Carla

You are going to Emory Hospital. Saw where it beat out St. Joseph's in Atlanta for best hospital. I had mine at St. Joseph's. 5 star nurses.. I do not remember nothing from my cute male nurse..preping me..until 2 days later in a Private room. NO memory of any tubes..they were ALL gone. Daughter smiling.. and said. would you like to get up? I said, sure. Brushed teeth. she combed my hair and we went for a walk down the hall. You know, my son, is a policeman in your town...e-mail me your office address. and he will come by and tell you..My Mom is a pain in the butt. still telling me what to do at age 33. If he walks in..he is the tall, good -looking policeman. Looks just like his Mom. But he will tell you..how great I did..and How I am still doing great. Bonnie

 

[carlapv]

Bonnie,

You know, I think it depends where you look as to which hospital is best. Healthgrades gave St. Joseph's 5 stars and Emory 1. then I looked at another one and Emory was in the top ten in the country and St. Joseph's wasn't rated at all. It's all in where you look and on what day. I know we have to have good surgeons but the nurses are really important. I don't think emory is rated high on their nurses.

I would love to meet your son. However, I work in Dunwoody which is a ways from Lawrenceville. I still say that Lawrenceville has the best police dept. in all of metro Atlanta. The police department and the cheap, cheap utilities are the reason I stay in Lawrenceville.

Good to hear from you.

Carla