Surgery date

[Seaton]

A call from admissions this morning. My surgery is booked for 22nd July. A Monday. I’m down for an afternoon op.

She offered me the 24th at first, but when I said that’s a good way to celebrate my birthday (I’ll be 61 on that date), she said, “Oh let’s make it a few days earlier in that case. Can’t operate on your birthday.” Ha.

I was fine with either date but maybe cake will be on the menu by the 24th!

Have to be at the hospital for 7AM. No food or water after 6AM. Only a light breakfast pre 6AM if needed – slice of toast, a cup of tea.

She warned me surgeries can be cancelled at the last minute or rearranged at short notice. I was prepared for that.

So one month to go.

Nothing like an actual date to focus the mind. Now where did I put that new toothbrush ...?

 

[user 16827]

Good luck with it all, i always say this to people in the waiting room ;

enjoy it and drink in the experience....

it really is a great life experience, both the highs and the lows, and there will be plenty of both.
try to keep in the moment and absorb it


best wishes

 

[LondonAndy]

For me, although I was an emergency case in the end (going into hospital following a "cardiac event", not a "heart attack" as no damage, but certainly felt like one to me, and then surgery was 7 days later), the approach of the actual date was the worst period. Much easier once out the other side. But I think you have done a lot of research and will be very well prepared for it - good luck, I am sure all will be fine.

What did you go for in the end: mechanical or tissue? I think I have missed the post.

 

[Seaton]

Hi Andy

Thanks for the words.

I’ve opted for an Inspiris Resilia valve. Bovine. I still have a month to change my mind if I choose, but at the moment I feel at one with that decision.

 

[Paul1972]

Best wishes for you upcoming surgery Seaton

 

[LondonAndy]

My tips for recovering from surgery, just in case there is anything you haven't already found:

1. Take ear plugs! I find it quite amazing how disrespectful hospitals are of the benefits of sleep. There is noise from nurses, other patients, comings and goings at all hours, cleaning from dawn. (I later found that for planned surgery the hospital provided plugs as part of a pre-admission pack).

2. Consider taking paper and a marker pen so that you can leave prominent notes on the bed! It seemed that every time the consultant or surgeon came round, I had been taken for an x-ray or scan or something, and missed them. They looked at me as if it was my fault. So I made up signs like "Gone for x-ray" or "In hot-tub with nurse Lottie - back in 5"

3. Don't worry too much about clothes , apart from for the journey home - the hospital provides gowns or pyjamas. I still don't own any pyjamas ....

4. Remember your phone charger and tooth brush charger if you use an electric one.

5. When you get home, hygiene is critical. Don't let anyone else use your towel, and make sure it is washed every 2 or 3 days max. Don't let anyone touch your scar.

I will add random oddities as I think of them!

 

[Paleowoman]

Very glad to hear you have a date ! Now you can really focus on that and focus on preparation for when you get out of hospital !

I'll add to London Andy's list of tips:

a) Wet wipes, not just to refresh yourself but also to wipe down anything, trays, whatever.

b) Go and see your GP before 22nd July to let him/her know the surgery date, and make a post discharge appointment with him/her for say a week or so after you anticipate discharge.

I'm noting down your birthday so we can sing Happy Birthday to you on the 24th

 

[Seaton]

Best wishes for you upcoming surgery Seaton

Thank you, Paul!

 

[Seaton]

My tips for recovering from surgery, just in case there is anything you haven't already found:

1. Take ear plugs! I find it quite amazing how disrespectful hospitals are of the benefits of sleep. There is noise from nurses, other patients, comings and goings at all hours, cleaning from dawn. (I later found that for planned surgery the hospital provided plugs as part of a pre-admission pack).

2. Consider taking paper and a marker pen so that you can leave prominent notes on the bed! It seemed that every time the consultant or surgeon came round, I had been taken for an x-ray or scan or something, and missed them. They looked at me as if it was my fault. So I made up signs like "Gone for x-ray" or "In hot-tub with nurse Lottie - back in 5"

3. Don't worry too much about clothes , apart from for the journey home - the hospital provides gowns or pyjamas. I still don't own any pyjamas ....

4. Remember your phone charger and tooth brush charger if you use an electric one.

5. When you get home, hygiene is critical. Don't let anyone else use your towel, and make sure it is washed every 2 or 3 days max. Don't let anyone touch your scar.

I will add random oddities as I think of them!

Really great suggestions, Andy. Especially the ear plugs!

 

[Seaton]

Very glad to hear you have a date ! Now you can really focus on that and focus on preparation for when you get out of hospital !

I'll add to London Andy's list of tips:

a) Wet wipes, not just to refresh yourself but also to wipe down anything, trays, whatever.

b) Go and see your GP before 22nd July to let him/her know the surgery date, and make a post discharge appointment with him/her for say a week or so after you anticipate discharge.

I'm noting down your birthday so we can sing Happy Birthday to you on the 24th

Thanks, Anne!
Will contact my GP tomorrow and let them know.
Good suggestion on the wet wipes. I’ll stock up!

 

[Zoltania]

Here's the sticky thread from the Pre-Surgery forum on what to take to the hospital:

What to take to the hospital

My most useful items were lip balm, reading glasses, a tablet, and underpants to wear under that skimpy gown after the catheter came out. I had a robe to wear over the gown when I went for walks around the unit, which was also a nice thing to have.

 

[ottagal]

That's great you got your date. Now you can make concrete plans for your recovery. Time will fly! Best wishes,

 

[Seaton]

Here's the sticky thread from the Pre-Surgery forum on what to take to the hospital:

What to take to the hospital

My most useful items were lip balm, reading glasses, a tablet, and underpants to wear under that skimpy gown after the catheter came out. I had a robe to wear over the gown when I went for walks around the unit, which was also a nice thing to have.

Thanks for the great link, @Zoltania
Really like the idea of the lip balm. Now on my list.

I got myself a robe recently, first one I’ve had since childhood. Should do the job for my eventual strolls around the unit.
Best to you.

 

[pellicle]

as the actors say: Break a Leg

Heres wishing you an uneventful recovery.

 

[Seaton]

as the actors say: Break a Leg

Heres wishing you an uneventful recovery.

@pellicle

 

[Duffey]

Glad you’ve got a date!

 

[carolinemc]

Good luck on that date, what a birthday wish. You will do fine. Keep us posted when you get better after a day or two after surgery. Hugs for today.

 

[Keithl]

Good luck, not sure if this is your first. I just did my first in April and was terrified, turns out if you go in decent shape and farily healthy the recovery is generally good.

 

[Seaton]

Good luck on that date, what a birthday wish. You will do fine. Keep us posted when you get better after a day or two after surgery. Hugs for today.

Thank you, @carolinemc!

 

[Seaton]

Good luck, not sure if this is your first. I just did my first in April and was terrified, turns out if you go in decent shape and farily healthy the recovery is generally good.

Thank you, @Keithl.

Yes, it’s my first heart surgery. Diagnosed with bicuspid valve in 2015 with moderate stenosis. Been monitored ever since. Have had increase in fatigue and breathlessness over the previous year, which may be valve related. Now in severe stenosis range with mild ascending aortic aneurysm (increased slightly in size since 2015). But surgeon replacing only the valve at this stage – and I’m keeping fingers crossed aneurysm remains stable post surgery and as the years pass.

Thanks for the comment!