Surgery Nov. 29th on DH for BAV/AAA

[Chrystal]

I had posted previously in presurgery and now I will post here. My husband had surgery for a BAV and Ascending aortic aneurysm. The first day/night were crazy. Had to be at UT by 5:30, did paperwork, paid out of pocket charges and got changed into the tiny gown (he's 6'3" and about 295#). I didn't think I would get to see him again, but we did get to go back after he got his IV's and assorted things. I think the most shocking thing was the central line in his neck. He looked like a borg (TNG reference)! They let me know surgery had started about 8 am and the surgeon came out about 2:45pm and said all went well and as expected. Didn't have to have circulatory arrest, thank God!

The ICU was unreal. He was hooked up to so many things, you'd thing he was an alien! All went well there and he was moved to a regular room the next afternoon. So far he's making good progress, and no big problems/complications. Hoping to get the chest tubes out in the morning.

I have to say I have been more than happy with the surgeon (saw 1 or 2 times daily) and his cardio (saw daily). The nursing staff here is wonderful.

I just hope and pray all continues to progress well.

Correction: ATAA not AAA

 

[nngbwh]

That is great news. Sounds like your husband is on the right track to a smooth recovery.
Thanks for the update.

 

[buncle]

So far so good.Sounds like he is right on track.

 

[Lynlw]

Thanks for the update. Glad things are going so well

 

[MarkG87]

Excellent news.

 

[ken taylor]

tHATS JUST THE KIND OF REPORT US FOLKS IN THE WAITING ROOM LIKE !! great!!

 

[Johan]

Sounds routine to me. Every day will be beter than the previous. He is now one of the "been there, done that" brigade on this side of the mountain. Sending prayers that things continue to improve along the recovery path...

 

[bluefields409]

Appreciate the update.....know that you are surrounded by the prayers and good wishes of MANY !!

 

[mainframe]

Sounds like your husband is doing great. Thanks for the update.

 

[Greg a]

Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwsome report Keep us posted with GOOD news

 

[Chrystal]

Thanks everyone for the good wishes and prayers!

We are home tonight!! He was released today Friday about 1pm. His surgeon did an echo to check for fluid around the heart before releasing him. This has been a very unreal experience. I just felt like it wasn't real or something. Or maybe it was the lack of sleep and exhaustion talking! He has to get his coumadin level checked Monday. He went home on so many meds, I have a hard time figuring it all out. But we have detailed instructions from discharge. He normally took 1-2 daily pills. Now he's on about 8-10. Of course, some of those may stop eventually.

The surgeon mentioned something about AV block. I will need to look up more about this. Also, he said there was a plaque at his artery they saw. The surgeon did not use stitches or staples, he used some kind of glue.

I think the hardest thing for him will be watching his diet. Dr recommended heart healthy, lower sodium. He's always eaten about what he wants, so this could be difficult. And there was a problem with his blood sugars, which I learned about on this site, but is improved now.

I could have never gotten thru this without my family and friends!

 

[MarkG87]

Sounds very similar to my operation 10 days earlier. I stayed 6 nights @ the hospital due to heartrate issues, but also went home on about 12 meds. Incision also was closedwith glue and everyone who has seen it is amazed at how good it looks. I can't say enough good things about the nursing staff, Dr's, and PA's @ Cookeville Regional Medical Center. The level of care I got there was as good as I could have expected anywhere.

 

[bigsidster]

Good news Crystal and the best for you and your husband.