Surgery...A week from today.

[Farid]

Good Morning All,
I had my pre-admission yesterday. It was a long trip from my house (central NJ) to Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, New York City. My wife is making arrangements to be in a room; the hotel in the same hospital building. My parents will be there also for that week. I expect to be out Fri/Sat 25/26 of Nov. Need to make limo arrangements to get me back home.

I'm over the initial shock, but keep thinking that I do not know enough and I'm missing something. During my ?interview? with the hosp coordinator (I forgot her proper title) I asked if she knows what brand name valve I'm getting. I did not get the right answer. she looked on a form and could not find it. I worked very hard and went out of my way to get an ON-X valve. I was disappointed and asked her write it down. Just ranting...I'm nervous.

Anyway, I will be there with my family the night before, since I'm scheduled at 6:00AM on Tuesday. That is enough for now.........I do not feel good.

 

[Mary]

Farid,
The final days while awaiting surgery are always the toughest. Sometimes I envy the members who received little advance warning that they were about to undergo replacement.

Your course of action has been determined, so perhaps you can try to relax and enjoy this week preceeding surgery.

Best wishes,
Mary

 

[Phyllis]

Farid, nerves at this time are normal. I hope you find some peace before next week. You might consider putting a call into your surgeon's office and make sure that they are going to use the valve that you requested. We did that and although I was fearful that Dick would back out if they didn't have that valve, it all worked out fine. Sounds like you have all your arrangements set- try to relax and enjoy some special time with your family in the meantime.

 

[pipersmith]

I hope you find a small bit of peace and rest before the big day - I can imagine what you are going through. Concentrate on how dramatically better you will feel after - when your body needn't struggle so hard to function. And remember - everyone here will be praying and pulling for you as well!!!

 

[CathyK.]

I also hope you can find some peace. I will be praying for you and let us know how things are going! Godspeed!

 

[aussiemember]

Farid,

All the best with everything - glad that your wife and family will be close by

 

[EireCara]

one less thing.....

one less thing.....

Mabey if you could sort out the ''type of valve'' issue, you would at least have one less thing to worry about. I can imagine the stress and worry you are going through...try to focus on ''how great you will feel'' when it is all over..how wonderful for you.!!! You will be in my prayers.....8)

 

[Farid]

THANK YOU ALL for your prayers and support. It is most certainly appreciated. I?m keep busy as much as I can, working, reading, and maintaining my car. I also have found out that I spend a lot more time with my Jessica, just setting on the floor; I play the king, she is the princess while mommy is grading papers preparing for her students.

Maybe this weekend, I?ll change the brake fluid on my Miata. I did the clutch fluid last week.

 

[Granbonny]

Farid

Farid

I'm glad your family will be with you... when you go in for your surgery early..they will give you a good feel-shot..and you will be all relaxed. Your faimly should be able to come back to prep-room to visit. before they take you to Op-room...I don't think you will remember much after that.. I didn't..until I awoke in a private room the next day.. You will be just fine..I think it is harder on the family during the operation..than you.. Hope someone can post for you after your surgery. Bonnie

 

[Aussie Chris]

All the best Mate,

Just spending good quality time with the family at this time can be the most rewarding (and distracting). I pray that you feel relaxed and calm going into the op and that all goes smoothly.

Best wishes,

Chris

 

[Farid]

...I don't think you will remember much after that.. I didn't..until I awoke in a private room the next day.. You will be just fine... Bonnie

The next day? THAT IS FANTASTIC. I would love to wake up the next day after they remove ALL the tubes from me. I?m afraid I?d go nuts seeing/feeling all these tube of me. I can not get over that. That is my ultimate fear. I know myself.

During the catheterization, I was drugged, and the doctor told me ?look at the monitor, I?m just about to go in.? ?I said stop. Let me get up I can?t breath. I need to set up now.? He called a nurse, she gave me something intravenously, and then I was out cold in a few seconds. Sorry do not mean to be negative. It is 8:48PM. I?m going to sleep. Yes? that early.

 

[doberman]

Hi, this is the hardest time, waiting. Soon you will be recovering and then doing all the things you have always done. Get this valve thing sorted and leave the rest in the surgeons hands. You will be OK!
Best,
John

 

[Nan]

Hi Farid, just wanted to send you a quick note of encouragement and empathy... I know exactly how you are feeling, it is scary thinking of all the tubes etc., but they will be out soon, and they will try and keep you sedated if it is too distressing for you, I am sure. You really don't feel the tubes and stuff.

I think focusing on your daughter and her need to have you around for a long time is the way to go. You seem to be doing that already.

Hang in there.

 

[Susan BAV]

I?m afraid I?d go nuts seeing/feeling all these tube of me. I can not get over that. That is my ultimate fear. I know myself.

Happily, you might not even be much aware of the tubes, if at all. Besides, I have trouble thinking about tubes and needles going IN me but you'll be asleep when that happens. All you have to wait for when you're awake is for them to be taken OUT and that really happens fairly soon after you wake up. Hang in there.