The bear went over the mountain.......

[Susan Allen]

to see what she could see.
Yeeeeeeeeha!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's all over (boom boom) it's all over (boom boom).
For all those wondering - it's not a definite yet - but they may have replaced more than a valve. (Only kidding).
For all my supporters - Thanks is such a small word - YOU ALL WERE RIGHT - the waiting is worse than the surgerical procedure could ever be.

Here are the particulars:
Arrived at the hospital on Thurs. about 5:45 - a little late - but hey you want to start without me???????
Wound up waiting 20 minutes anyway.
I had pretested Wed. and showered the night before and again that morning with the luxurius soap they gave me. I wa ready to rock and roll.
After a few particulars - I was in the OR by 6:50 am.
My veins of course would not cooperate and they had to hook up my IV etc. right in the OR. I did not receive any happy meds until I was already in OR. Actually that was kind of neat - did you know the operating table is heated???
Next thing I knew it was la la land.
Woke up (Yeah!!!!!!!) and well aware of the vent tube - however I had been mentally practicing and it did not bother me one bit. Looked around then did what had been suggested - closed my eyes and focused on going back to sleep.
Next thing I knew I was being awakened and tested and the tube came right out. Suctioned my mouth a little and I was already talking.
Part 2 in a little while breakfast is here.

 

[Ross]

Glad to have you back!

Sounds like things have gone well thus far. I'm awaiting part 2 to finish this.

 

[catwoman]

Congratulations for being "over the mountain"!
Yeah, the waiting is the worst. I kept telling people I wanted to fast-forward to 2, 3, 4, etc., months after surgery.
Well, it's now 4 months post-op and I feel so great that only the incision and taking Coumadin remind me that I've had surgery.

 

[Christina L]

Congratulations Susan!! You sound just absolutely ecstatic that your surgery is over with. Again, I envy you! But hearing your story gives me hope and makes me less scared.

I am so happy that your surgery went well and you are on your way to recovery. Just don't start running down that mountain, little bear - take it easy!! Enjoy the view now that you are on the other side -- and stroll a bit!!

Chris

 

[Tom F.]

Hey you said the key words "mentally practicing"! I did the same thing, and when I came to and for a moment and could not take a breath, I quickly came to realize it was the breathing tube and I was fighting it and that I should relax. I had run throught it in my head time after time before surgery. Everyone heading into surgery should do this !!! And CONGRATS you made it !

 

[Heather Fisher]

Susan,

I'm so glad you are on the other side. Rest, relax, andf take one day at a time. The worst is over now and it's time to start healing. Take care and keep in touch! We are all thinking of you!

Heather

 

[hensylee]

to see what she could see..................

what she saw was US! All well and happy folks. Now you are one, too. Congratulations, Susan.

 

[Les]

Congrats, Susan! Great going!

 

[Georgia]

Hurray, Susan

Hurray, Susan

Yep, we're waiting for part II - however, we'd prefer you were up and walking and breathing and all that healthy stuff you need to do.

Congrats for getting there. And anxiously awaiting next installment.

 

[ladybug]

Congratulations Susan!

Congratulations Susan!

We haven't spoken before, but my husband is awaiting surgery on Nov. 13. Your great attitude and wonderful news is encouraging. Take care of yourself!

 

[bvdr]

Hi Susan,

You sound great. Welcome to this side of the mountain. You are already an encourager for those who will follow you.

Remember to walk, breathe, nap, and take those pain meds when you need to. Congratulations, its behind you now.

 

[Nancy]

Hi Susan--
BIG congratulations to you, and you sound terrific and very relieved. Here's to an uneventful hospital stay and a boring and steady recovery at home.

So happy for you!

 

[ShezaGirlie]

Yeeeeehaw Susan. Bet you can't wait to go hear some of that good ol' Austin music now!

 

[Karlynn]

Woo hoo !!! Congratulations. You sound terrific. Keep up the good work and positive attitude.

Karlynn

 

[tommy]

Susan,

Way to go!. You "sound" terrific. Steady as you go.

 

[Susan Allen]

Had breakfast and took pain medicine - takes me a while to get back.
They had a nurse right there and once the breathing tube came out - they were fantastic about the ice chips and ice water. Wish and hope all could have a good vent experience. It really is more mental fear than anything else and if your not properly educated on it that is where I believe most injuries and problems occur. No one could hardly believe I wanted to talk and could talk as well as I did. I was also lucky - I was not the bride of Frankenstein in recovery. I had very little swelling and was not gray. ( Probably from having a little extra poundage all the way around). My next experience was getting used to so much pain medicine. They first tried Vicadin but I could not hold it down. Hey, even voimiting is not bad when you have a good hold on your heart pillow. Needless to say Percoset became my new best friend. They had me dangling over the bed by 7:00 that night and I was lucky to be able to pop right up. (My feet dangling not me)
The next morning I had the greatest nurse that could ever be created. Her name was Elizabeth and she was originally from Chile. She kept watch on my pain better than I did. By that afternoon - since I had eaten some breakfast and lunch and able to walk a little I was able to start getting disconnected. For those of you who know - this is a great and freeing process.
She started with IVs and cathater. Then on to the chest tubes.
It was not a problem at all. I was given meds abou 45 minutes before - she pulled out what she thought was the worst one first and then the next 2. There was virtually no pain just a weird feeling.
My worst experience was the bed - the reclining chair fast became my buddy and so was my heart pillow.
I could have gone home Sunday afternoon but the surgeon was not in town to pull the heart wires.
Finally went home yesterday evening.
I hope no no feels I am making light of the situation - but I really had a great experience if you have to go through OHS.
I had seriously worked my self up so bad in the beginning I am greatful I had you guys and some time to put things in perspective.
It is truly the difference between a bad experience and a not so bad experience. I read all I could on my condition but until you speak to someone who has gone through it you don't realize the human aspect of it.
I am so greatful to all, my surgeon and the staff. I only have to take the pain meds, an aspirin a day and 1/4 of a lopressor. Thank God the pharmacist felt sorry for me and cut them for me.
Now I only have to get used to pooping out quick and taking it easy. I am also lucky my incision starts about 6 inches down on my sternum - about right where the old ****s start which was a nice surprise - thought I was going to be top to bottom.

Take care all.
Will write again in another couple days.
Susan

PS - to all upcoming - get mentally prepared - find you biggest fear and conquer it before surgery - you can and will conquer it.

 

[JimL]

Susan, congratulations! And thanks for posting Part II. You've made it.

I really enjoyed your story of your experiences -- they bring back so many, many memories, most of them good. The nurses are really wonderful to us heart patients.

 

[Bill Hall]

Congrats Susan - Just the way you explained it all shows exactly the value of this web site. Good luck finishing your recovery and keep in touch.

 

[hensylee]

Sounds like you are moving right along on schedule. Keep up the good recovery. God bless

 

[fyrfytr]

Hey Susan,
Congratulations! You are now on the road to recovery and I hope it goes well for you. Just remember not to overdue it. Keep that pillow close by. I am glad everything is going good for you.
Take Care

Dave
________________________________
Surgery: 4/21/03
Aortic Aneurysm Repair
AVR, with a St. Jude Mechanical