surgery tomorrow for hubby Steve

[MARGIEBABY]

I have just delivered my husband to hospital for his surgery tomorrow at 7am - it is with a heavy heart I come home and try to wait out the next very critical 24 hours.
The truth is I am very scared of losing him - this whole heart situation has seemed very unreal to us as it appears on all accounts that there is nothing wrong with him (even though the doctors tell us differently).

He is having a mitral valve repair - the first to be done at St Vincents hospital using robotic surgery. American specialists will be present as will all the top surgeons as it's the first of its kind in Sydney. I guess he couldnt be in better hands. More than that I should not forget the hands of God.

It was so hard to leave him there and one of his last thoughts were that he didnt want to miss seeing his children grow up - he is only 48.

I cried all the way home and now I wait and I pray ....thanks for listening.

Margie

 

[PapaHappyStar]

Hi Margie,

I know from what my wife tells me that this period of waiting is extremely difficult. I think youth and a strong will to survive has an extremely good chance to win this battle and he will be back with you better than before -- sometimes ( as in my case ) one gets to understand the extent of what was wrong after the problem is fixed.

All the best,
Burair

 

[Curtsmum]

My son didn't have any symptoms before his first surgery and he still doesn't now, this can be very hard when they are going in hospital to have major surgery, when they don't even feel or look ill. My son pulled through and i'm sure your husband will be just fine,it is a very hard time but you will soon have him back home, try to save your energy for helping him recover, i will be thinking of you and am sending prayers and hugs your way, all the best Paula x

 

[Nancy]

Hi Margie-

My husband's had three heart valve surgeries and two lung surgeries which were equally as difficult. I have been with him through all but the first aortic valve replacement.

I understand your feelings very well.

However, allow me to put a different spin on the emotional side of things. Without the surgery, your husband would be in serious and life-threatening circumstances. With the surgery, his quality of life and length of life will be restored.

This is indeed something to celebrate and rejoice about. It is the ultimate gift during this holiday season.

Yes, the following weeks will be hard and there will be times when both of you will be discouraged, but your husband will heal from this and will go on to enjoy his life again.

When you visit your husband in the hospital, put on your best outfit, and your sunniest smile. Wipe away your tears. Become his cheerleader and emotional supporter. He will need you to lean on in the coming days and weeks. You'll have to be strong for him.

Wishing you both a highly successful surgery. He will indeed be in very good hands.

 

[Karlynn]

Praying for a highly successful surgery for Steve and for a peace of mind for you. Please let us know how the surgery goes.

 

[aussigal]

Margie...

I pray too for Steve...

and those Robotic surgeons wow!...he will be on the news at the hospital and all over the medical world there...I have seen some amazing surgeries done like this...fantastic...cant wait to hear how well it all went...

I know its gotta be the hardset for those left at home pacing the floors waiting for time to pass...

 

[Cris N]

Margie,
I know from talking with my husband after my surgery that this period of waiting is really hard. Steve is in my prayers for a successful repair and an smooth recovery. You'll be in my prayers too as you wait to hear about the successful outcome. Make sure you get some rest before you're able to take him home... he'll really need you to be strong.

Please remember to come here if you have any questions or you just need to talk... people pop in to chat, get help, share good news or just to vent.

And be sure to come back to post after the surgery... we do get anxious about everyone.

 

[Phyllis]

Margie,
Steve will be in my prayers and I know how hard this is, but you will have the strength to see this through and be there for Steve.- Nancy's advice is the best!
Sending you our best wishes.
Phyllis

 

[tobagotwo]

I can only tell you that his age and overall health make his odds extremely favorable, and his recovery probably much faster than the norm.

That, and that he will be in my thoughts tomorrow.

Best wishes,

 

[Mary]

Margie,
With the number of professionals who will be in attendance, I would venture a guess that Steve will have a near perfect replacement. As you say, many hands will be taking care of him--especially God's.

You'll all be in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow. Please post an update when you can.
Mary

 

[Linda]

Margie,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and Steve. It will be hard for you, I know my husband said the worst part was the waiting right before and right after my surgery (AVR 0 10/17/05), but Steve will pull through and he will be there to see your beautiful children grow up. The miracle of OHS is amazing and just know God is watching over all of you.
Blessings,
Linda

 

[Lotti]

Waiting

Waiting

Margie, My thoughts are with you. I am in the waiting room, which I did believe was quite a hard place to be, until I had to give my six year old son over to a general anaesthetic on Tuesday. (Minor op - don't worry) It was dreadful, and made me realise how hard it is for those left watching the clock for their loved ones to be handed back safe again.
I am sure that hubby is in the best hands and will certainly bebefit from this op. They don't do them unless it's necessary.
Thinking of you both at this stressful time
Take care
Lotti

 

[geebee]

Margie,

Our thoughts, prayers and hugs are with you and your husband.

 

[MARGIEBABY]

your messages are appreciated

your messages are appreciated

Dear All

I have tried to keep myself busy today and have only called the hosppital once - trying to keep busy while I wait - gee I wish people would stop calling - that phone ringing has never made my heart jump so much - hopefully one more hour or two and I will know he has come through surgery alright.

Thank you all so much for your wonderful words of love and encouragement - must admit I was fishing for them to keep me going.

I'll write again as soon as I can.

Margie

 

[joanne6]

Margie,
Just to let you know that I am thinking of you and Steve. I had mitral valve repair in August. I know he is in good hands and pray he will be home with you very soon.
Joanne

 

[Glenda]

Margie, take a deep breath and relax. You need to take care of yourself too because Steve will need you desperately when he gets on the other side of the mountain. Hugs & prayers are coming your way.

 

[WendyD]

Hi Margaret,
How are you holding up ?
Sending Steve and you all our positive thoughts prayers and very best wishes
from
Wendy

 

[Phyllis]

Hoping for an update today, Margaret and hope that all is going well for Steve.

 

[MARGIEBABY]

Thank you thank you everyone

Thank you thank you everyone

Dear Everyone,

Your kind, positive and encouraging words meant so much to me. His operation was a great success - the first operation of its kind using the robot at St Vincents hospital in Sydney. The surgeon said he wasnt happy with the stitching up using the robot so made a bigger cut and stitched it himself (whatever that means) - although it looks miniaml on the outside it is every bit as big on the inside. He was in a lot of apin last night and said he had the worst night of his life. Today he is so much better - a little trouble with on lung but now that he has the right amount of pain relief he can concentrate on breathing to get this lung back to full capacity.

What a relief it is over for him ( well so far , so good) - they were able to repair the valve which means warfarin for 6 weeks then he can resume full duties back in the Fire Brigade - that meant a lot to him.

I am so happy. Just quickly feeding the children to rush back in to see him.
What journey - it's nice to know that you are not alone. God bless you all.
Suppose I should post on post op now!!!!

xxxxx

Margie

 

[Phyllis]

Great news, Margie. We now have an Australian trend setter on our forum! Best wishes to you both for an uneventful recovery and thanks so much for taking the time to post.