Surgery in 2 days - Wish I had found this site sooner

[Mark C.]

Hey all!

What a wonderful site this is. I only wish I had found it sooner. So much to read in so little time . I have my AVR and aortic root replacement set for this Wednesday at Yale New Haven Hospital and am trying to read everything I can on what to expect both now and after the surgery.

I have been taking everything in stride and keeping calm about this whole situation, but must admit there is a sense of rising trepidation as the hours tick away and the day becomes closer.

When my bicuspid aortic valve was diagnosed in high school in 1990 I was told of the possible need for this surgery in the future, I was just not expecting it at 34. I have total confidence in my surgeon going in, but there are a million "what if's" running through my head now. It's good to know that I'm not alone. My wife and family are wonderful, but it's also nice to have an avenue to chat with people who have actually gone through this as well.

I'm headed out for my final CT scan this morning, but plan to spend the rest of the day reading and absorbing as much as I can from this site.

It's wonderful to meet everyone!

Mark

 

[Ross]

Yeah kind of late to the party, but welcome anyhow. Anything not covered or that you can't find, just ask.

Welcome to our humble home.

 

[Mary]

Hi and Welcome!

You made it in time to go on the surgical calendar, so you'll be the beneficiary of your own personal Bon Voyage thread! I know it's small consolation, but it's something!

We're here for you, both before and after replacement, so ask any questions you can think of!

 

[netmiff]

Welcome to your new cyber-family, Mark.

I made it even later (after replacement) to find this site, but having a mechanical valve, I have found the anti-coagulation information invaluable.

As far as post-surgery prep goes, do everything they say - walk, eat and rest. The thing I did that was NOT the most obvious was to get my DH to leave everything I might need above knee level - our kitchen counter had breakfast cereal, bread, and all kinds of other stuff on it for a few weeks. Bendng and stretching is not the easiest of things to do!

Any questions you have, post and they will be answered - we've all been there !

 

[Perry]

Mark,

Best of luck for a smooth recovery. There are lots of great tips on this site, but the experience is a little different for everybody. I wouldn't knock myself out reading just before going in. March in there and get it fixed. Don't be late because the surgeon is likely scheduled for several similar procedures that day and a bunch in a week. Your issue, like my issue, is routine for the doctors and staff.

While you are reading……..I had my wife bring my MP3 player, gym shorts and a loose shirt (at least it was MY loose shirt) - stuff I wear around the house. I was in the hospital for 6 nights and after couple days I at least looked like myself and had my tunes. I suggest thinking along those lines since you'll be hangin' with the hospital staff for a bit.

 

[Lionheart]

Mark,

You will ROCK through this thing buddy! With your attitude of "taking everything in stride and keeping calm" and having a surgeon you trust, you will do great. Keep that attitude and realize that every day will be a little better.

Take care,
John

 

[Freddie]

This may sound silly and it probably something no one has ever thought of before going into surgery - cut your toe nails. It could be a while before you can do it yourself.
In the mean time try to relax - you'll do just fine.
And welcome to the site Mark.

 

[Cooker]

Mark.... welcome to the zoo ... try and relax, hard I know .... Lots of good support and information here ... please remember that your cardiologist and surgeons are your ultimate source in helping you make decisions that you may need to make .... I am sure all will go well .... Godspeed

 

[njean]

Welcome to VR Mark! We're so glad to have you here too and we pray that everything goes well with your surgery and you can go on with your life as planned. I hope that you too will be filled with hope and your fears lessened by reading our "survivor" stories!

Hang in there & best of luck to you on Wednesday. You'll be in my prayers!

 

[Phyllis]

You've got your own Bon Voyage thread Mark and we will all be there cheering you on for a successful surgery on Wed.

 

[WayneGM]

Welcome to VR. Glad you found us. Better late than never. Best wishes and good luck.

 

[hensylee]

again, welcome to VR. we, too, are glad you found us. I think most who come in have trepidations; you aren't by yourself. We know you are going to be fine and probably once you enter those doors on Wednesday, you finally say - ok, they are in charge now and the hoped for calm will be with you.

be sure to let us know how it goes because we will want to know. Can someone let us know about you? If not, we wish you well and will leave the light on for ya.
GODSPEED!

 

[zipper2]

Hi Mark and welcome to the greatest site.

All the best with surgery Wednesday and

a quick smooth recovery.

Glad you arrived ,better late than never,lots of info to be read.

and post when able after surgery even newcomers,we tend

to be worry warts.

zipper2 (DEB)

 

[DebbyA]

Welcome to the forum! It sounds like you're all set. All you have to do now is show up and do what they tell you. Be sure to come back and let us know how you're doing!

 

[ctyguy]

hey Mark...better late than never. Im 43, was 42 at the time of my AVR. Im working on 9 months now post-op and other than the scar on my chest you wouldn't really know Ive been through it. Im running 10 miles a week, lifting weights, eating well, even having a few beers with football on Sundays. Your age and overall current health make you a virtual lock for a routine procedure. Of course things can happen but I think your in the less than 1/2 of 1% type of probability.

The best advice I can give you is to relax, the waiting is the worst part and your nearly done with that. You will be back on your feet in a few weeks and within a few months alot of this will be a distant memory for you.

 

[Eva]

Hey all!

... I only wish I had found it sooner.

...there are a million "what if's" running through my head now. It's good to know that I'm not alone. My wife and family are wonderful, but it's also nice to have an avenue to chat with people who have actually gone through this as well.

Welcome aboard and as said: 'better late than never' ! we shall be here for you after the surgery

I want to ask you to try to kick the 'negative questions' off your head and concentrate on the positive healthier you after the surgery.

With prayers and good wishes that all goes well

 

[Karlynn]

I know you'll have a very successful surgery. We'll also help you down the road of Coumadin management if needed.

 

[abbanabba]

All the best Mark! Be sure to let us know how it all goes : )


A : )

 

[SHEEPDOG]

Been there too!

Been there too!

We all have, (or most of us have) been waiting that last few hours before we make the long drive to the Hospital. I did mine 4 months ago, 07-09, and I know it is SCARY! Now, from the other side, I have GOOD NEWS. You won't remember it! If you tell someone you are really freaked out, they may give you something to relax you while you are waiting. I knew my wife wouldn't let me walk out, thats why I brought her. The last thing I remember is a painful shot in the BUTT. That was at about 1030ish am. The next thing I remember is a nurse saying it was about 7pm that same day. I "knew" the tube was in my throat but it didn't bother me. There was arm pain and some fool in the next bed but thats all I remember until I came around in a regular room the next morning. DRUGS ARE WONDERFUL! My wife said I did lots in the between hours ( out of bed in a chair, family visit, etc) but I remember NOTHING. Don't get too worked up about it. We will be here for you when you get out. Have someone post for us if you can.
Good Luck and we'll see you on the other side of the mountain!

 

[gerrys]

Go get 'em, Mark! You'll do just fine. While going into the op it feels like an eternity, looking back it's just a flash in the pan.