So here we go.

[TitanEddie]

So met with the surgeon today and things just got real, he wanted me to have surgery next week! Holy crap! Wasn't expecting that. Anyway told him that was out of the question and due to family and work obligations I couldn't do it any sooner than June 6. He agreed as long as I restrict my activities. Man, don't even feel like I have a problem. Two months ago I was working out 5 times a week, playing softball, golf, etc. and now I am restricted and looking at surgery inside a month.
I guess I knew eventually this was coming but with things falling into place it's like Oh my god, I am having open heart surgery. I guess on the bright side my time in the waiting room will be fairly short, the waiting and wondering will likely be worse than post surgery, don't know how some of you waited a year or more for this. You have my respect.
So, going with a tissue valve, doc actually recommended it even though I am 50 years old so at least no Warfarin. Got tests lined up over the next two weeks, MRI, Carotid Scan, checking for blockage in case I need a bypass, and a pulmonary test, not looking forward to any of them.

Got a lot to do to prepare for this not sure where to start even. Anyway things happen for a reason and looking forward to making it to the other side.

Thanks to all here, it's made this a lot easier.

 

[Boomanchu]

I never knew I had any real issues and no symptoms, just a minor mitral valve murmur until I got bacterial endocarditis. Then in a one minute rundown after an echo I was told about the infection, that it wrecked my valve, that I had to be admitted immediately for 10 to 14 days, that I would have to give myself IV antibiotics for about 5 weeks at home and that I needed OHS to replace my Mitral valve. I just sat there trying to understand what I had just heard. Then the waiting began. I wish they just sliced me open that day because I was anxious for the next 3 months. Even the morning I showed up for surgery I was told to go home cuz there was no room for me.

 

[TitanEddie]

Damn, that would blow. I think I would have been looking for someone to kick out. Couldn't imagine getting there and being told "Sorry no room today".

 

[Boomanchu]

Yeah, I was prepared and actually getting ready to slip the gown on. My brother and I stared at each other in disbelief. Then we went for French toast so that was cool. The best thing though is that the surgery is amazingly easy. You feel a bit beat up but pretty damn good. Its way easier than you're probably thinking. I remember waking up thinking "wow, that was fast" then......man, I could go for some cold water.....and a huge omelet.

 

[cldlhd]

Had the same thing happen. I was supposed to have the surgery Friday,waited around then was told to come back tomorrow. In the end I'm glad because the other surgeries ran long and the surgeon wanted to start mine fresh Saturday morning.

 

[epstns]

I had the opposite scheduling change. I was scheduled for Tuesday morning, but on Friday they called and asked "Can you come in Monday morning, first thing?" Of course, I was ready anyway (Type A control freak), so Monday it was.

For me, the pre-surgical testing (X-rays, ultrasound, cath, etc.) was all pretty easy. Surgery was, too -- but I hit most all of the speed bumps on the road to recovery and even had to be re-admitted to the hospital about 4 weeks post-op to resolve some digestive issues caused by the meds given while in surgery.

Word to the wise -- ask your docs for meds and instructions to keep your digestive system "moving" after surgery. Usually they give you some sort of prep beforehand to empty your system, but they never really think about the havoc that the pain meds and anesthesia meds cause for some patients. These meds (and others) can really "block you up." So, ask beforehand for something to take to keep things "regular" after. Eventually my docs suggested Miralax powder, because you can adjust the dosage to give you the relief you need without over-doing it.

 

[TitanEddie]

Surprised at how many tests they do pre-sugery. I have 3 days of testing at two different hospitals over the next couple of weeks. I understand why, just hadn't factored that into my planning.

 

[epstns]

Think of it this way. . . "The more they know before they open you up, the better prepared they (and you) will be."

For example, in my case, we found out that a major artery feeding my heart was 50% blocked. In the cath lab, they would just keep a watch on it, as they don't even stent arteries blocked less than about 75%. Knowing in advance, my surgeon chose to perform a bypass using an artery from my chest area, so I have no worry about blockage and no lingering complications or extra scars to show for it.