Surgery on the 27th..help!

[carolrai]

Hi everyone...My surgery is scheduled for next Tuesday, the 27th, up at Mayo with Dr. Dearani. I am starting to panic. We just got back from A family wedding in Cancun, which helped to take my mind off things a bit (unfortunately my daughter was sick more than half the trip, so I had to take care of her which caused me to worry more..). We leave for MN on Sunday. I feel so unprepared. It has been 11 years since my last surgery, and I didn't have my daughter to worry about then. How did any one else prepare their kids? She is 7. I can't believe it is so close. They are going to being doing 3 valves and replace my conduit. I have never had so much done at once. Even after having this surgery, they say the ventricle could still fail because of the new Tricuspid valve and i would end up needing a transplant. Plus, after my last surgery, my sternum was infected and they had to remove alot of the infected bone. They had to use my shoulder muscles to reconstruct my sternum. Plus, the infection created even more scar tissue that the will have to go through. Help!!!!! I have so much support from family and friends, but none of them have gone through this and know how I am feeling. I know all of you here can understand. I think the part I hate the most is when the gurney comes in to bring you to surgery and you know there is no turning back and you have to say good-bye to your family. I know I am rambling, but that seems to be how all my thoughts have been recently. Any thoughts/advice would be greatly appreciated!(sorry to all ACHA members,I know this is a repeat)

 

[WayneGM]

Many of us "paniced" as the date approached so you're not alone.

My kids were a bit older than yours but this site had two videos that helped my family prepare for what to expect both pre-op and post-op.

http://www.uhn.ca/About_UHN/programs/cardiovascular_surgery/cv_pt_info.asp

Wishing you the best....

 

[Phyllis]

Carolrai, I posted on the other thread that I put you on the calendar. You certainly have a lot on your plate, but you are young and in good hands and I pray that you will come through this just fine. Hoping that a sense of calm overcomes you as the surgery gets closer. We'll be here until then and I hope you can feel our support and presence as they wheel you into the OR.

 

[cherbam]

Three Valve Replacement

Three Valve Replacement

Carolrai,
My OHS was to replace three valves, aortic, mitral, and tricuspid and also patch a hole. I can totally understand the panic issue. It seems like a lot to have done at once, but I feel so good now that I feel it was all worth it. I am truly amazed at your strength to have a fourth OHS. After this tune up, I am confident that you will feel much stronger and be able to lead a more active lifestyle with your family. My thoughts are with you and your family

 

[Garth51]

carolrai
You certainly have had a lot to deal with,but know that many good people are thinking and praying for you!Also the Lord will be with you as he has been in the past.Best Wishes for a speedy recovery and may God Bless You and Your Loved Ones.
Garth

 

[Ross]

Looking at your history and knowing that of which your about to undergo, cannot be a delight in anyones mind. I don't care if it's your first or fifth surgery, panic comes with the territory. I know one week or so before mine, I just wanted off this planet as quick as possible so as not undergo another surgery.

The only thing I can tell you is, if you believe in God, you've got to turn it all over to his hands and let it go. It's out of yours, that's for sure.

You got my prayers behind you and I'm certain, many others as well.

 

[Mary]

I can only echo what Ross posted. My thoughts and prayers will be with you for the duration.

 

[EireCara]

BEST WISHES for a successful surgery on Tuesday, and an uneventful recovery. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family.

 

[scrappy47]

best of luck to you

best of luck to you

my thoughts and prayers and smiles are with you. you have alot to live actively for and we will be thinking about you. let me know about dr dearani. i am searching for someone to consult with.

 

[Karlynn]

Looking at your history and knowing that of which your about to undergo, cannot be a delight in anyones mind. I don't care if it's your first or fifth surgery, panic comes with the territory. I know one week or so before mine, I just wanted off this planet as quick as possible so as not undergo another surgery.

The only thing I can tell you is, if you believe in God, you've got to turn it all over to his hands and let it go. It's out of yours, that's for sure.

You got my prayers behind you and I'm certain, many others as well.

I will add my "amen" to that.

 

[geebee]

Well, you certainly believe in getting your money's worth from your surgeon. I don't think of know of anyone personally who has had so many things done at once. I would be right by your side worrying.

However, just realize how much happier you will be when you wake up and know there is an excellent chance that all this stuff will be behind you.

Just try to spend quality time with your family, pamper yourself, eat lots of chocolate and soon you will be making that first after-surgery post.

Godspeed.

 

[carolrai]

Thank you to all of you for your thoughts and prayers. I am so fortunate to have others around me,giving me all their support and prayers. I will be so happy when this is over. After my last open heart, and all the complications that followed, I swore off having another surgery, as I did not think I could make it through that again, but here I am, ready to do this again. I am trying to keep strong for my family and praying hard...but it does not make this waiting any easier! Thank you all again!!!

 

[Kathleen]

Carol
I want to wish you the best on your triple play. Repeat surgeries are difficult since you know what it takes mentally, emotionally, physically and just getting there is a feat in itself. I am in the twin cities myself and just wanted you to pay special attention to the weather when you begin your journey here. We are supposed to have the biggest snow storm of the season so plan ahead. I certainly will be thinking of you as you head this way.
Kathy

 

[Guest]

GOOD LUCK!

Thoughts/prayers coming your way for a SUCCESSFUL surgery .



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