Surgery this Thurs June 28,2012 Trouble keeping the calm.

[Gribur]

Well, tues at 1-130 it is. Need to be at university hospital in London at 10am. Almost time for the big show again lol. Been having a great long weekend with the family, Happy Canada Day to all my fellow canucks. Its been great fun with the odd moment of terror, but to be expected. I have also been feeling angry every so often, not so much why me, but more along the lines of, you don't have a choice, you are going to have this done, end of story. I have never been one who has liked not having an option, pigheaded i think. I also found out that as far as the surgeon knows right now, that the root will be left alone as it is at 3.7 I think he said, but he also said until he is in there that he will know nothing for sure. I have been feeling crappy but am not sure if it is my heart or my nerves, just hoping that after this is all said and done that I will feel better and notice a big difference physically, kind of to make it seem all worth while, although being alive makes it all worth while no matter what, but noticing a difference in my stamina etc would be icing on the cake. Still not feeling the calm I have heard about and am very concerned about my wifes emotions. We really think it would be very beneficial for her to be with me in the hospital , but when talking with the surgeons receptionist she is thinking that they tend to not allow wives other then during normal visiting hours, that would suck, we have been together almost 20 years and she is the best part of me and I need that. Heres hoping something will work out when it comes to that. Anyways everyone, need some sleep and going to try to keep my chin up and my brave face on, hope you are all well and god bless.

 

[Bill B]

although being alive makes it all worth while no matter what

RIGHT! Without the surgery it's only a matter of time before your condition will do you in. With the surgery, you get an essentially normal life. Whether you experience a dramatic increasse in stamina depends of lots of things. I was not significantly impaired by my outrageously bad valve, so I have not felt significantly better than prior to surgery, but based on what was going on around my heart, I'm lucky and happy to be alive.

We really think it would be very beneficial for her to be with me in the hospital , but when talking with the surgeons receptionist she is thinking that they tend to not allow wives other then during normal visiting hours, that would suck, we have been together almost 20 years and she is the best part of me and I need that.

This is a valid concern. I was operated on fairly close to home, so my wife could come and go as she needed. She did not spend all that much time at my bedside. Still, it was great to have her there every so often. In your case, quite a distance from home, it's a different story. Your wife will be somehat trappped observing what is probably going to be a very boring recovery process, watching you sleep and trundle around the hallway. Unless there are other relatives in the London area for her to visit with, this is going to be something that will try her patience. On the other hand, if something goes wrong, she needs to be there to look out for you. On balance, I would say she should be there, but input from others who have been in your situation far away from home would be better advice.

 

[Gribur]

Time for the countdown lol

Time for the countdown lol

Hey everyone, going to hospital in the morning, any last minute advice, hints tips etc? ty I will admit nerves are starting to peak. Trying to keep wife and myself relaxed, but we don,t drink! sucks. I read all those surgery tomorrow posts and never thought it would be me and felt nervous for them, now i am here.

 

[escargome]

I have no last minute advise to offer, however, I shall be praying and thinking about starting right now. Just you and your wife try to stay as relaxed as possible. This surgery is a do-able thing, only positive vibes headed in your direction. Ohmmmmmmmm Ohmmmmmmm Ohmmmmmmm

 

[Mentu]

Ok, last minute suggestions. By this time, I had packed way to much stuff. I mentioned the MP3 player. I also found that taking my own soft comfortable clothes was great advice. As soon as I could take a shower, I changed into my own things and felt so much more normal. Do you best to get on your feet and walk in the hospital before the mean nurse comes around with the cattle prod. Seriously, walk as much as you can in the hospital. You will feel better and the nursing staff will be a lot more responsive to you. Unless you have some food restriction due to other problems, send out for food if you don't like the hospital fare. Most of all listen to your body and follow its instructions. Best Wishes
Larry

 

[karla]

Will be thinking about you and await hearing how well you are doing after it's all over! All will be well.