G
Guest
Hey Susan!
I'm glad you're back... you sound MAAARRRRVELOUS!!
I'm glad you're back... you sound MAAARRRRVELOUS!!
Help Support Valve Replacement Forums:
Hi Susan
Hi Susan
I cannot believe you are sitting at computer typing and just 1 week post-op I couldn't even talk on phone.. Just wanted to rest, walk and drink juices... Watch those shoulders sitting at computer....#1 pain complaint from post-operation. That and the back.....things must have improved in the 18 months since my VR. Ran into a friend at P.O. yesterday. Just 2 weeks post-op..Fully dressed with makeup..said she was not weak..felt great. She is about my age...showed me her scar. Very red. Cannot remember mine being that red..also said she had her stitches out the day before? I thought we were all wired. My community lost another member Sunday Night with a massive heart attack. Nice gentleman..age 79... No previous heart problems. Also, my dear friend, who had his open-heart surgery a few months after me..(also lives here)..now only 3 months to live. Skin cancer..spread to his brain and lungs. We watched our Grandkids at pool for past several years. ..I know they will miss their Granddad..Sorry, Susan did not mean to get off track on your thread............I am so happy for you. Take care. Bonnie
Hi Susan
I cannot believe you are sitting at computer typing and just 1 week post-op
I couldn't even talk on phone.. Just wanted to rest, walk and drink juices... Watch those shoulders sitting at computer....#1 pain complaint from post-operation. That and the back.....things must have improved in the 18 months since my VR. Ran into a friend at P.O. yesterday. Just 2 weeks post-op..Fully dressed with makeup..said she was not weak..felt great. She is about my age...showed me her scar. Very red. Cannot remember mine being that red..also said she had her stitches out the day before? I thought we were all wired. My community lost another member Sunday Night with a massive heart attack. Nice gentleman..age 79... No previous heart problems. Also, my dear friend, who had his open-heart surgery a few months after me..(also lives here)..now only 3 months to live. Skin cancer..spread to his brain and lungs. We watched our Grandkids at pool for past several years. ..I know they will miss their Granddad..Sorry, Susan did not mean to get off track on your thread............I am so happy for you. Take care. Bonnie
R
RickKiem
Hi susan! Sound like you are doing fantastic! I just hope that I can write the same type of story after my surgery. I see that you are in the GREAT State of Texas. I live in the Houston area and was wondering where you had your surgery and who your Surgeon is? It is comforting to hear you story and hope that you continue to do well as you move forward. Well I must go as I still have some climbing to do.
Wishing you all the best,
Rick
Wishing you all the best,
Rick
hi susan!
you sound wonderful!!! i'm so glad all went well and is behind you.
now just try and rest a lot, walk a bit and do your breathing exercises.
wishing you a smooth and uneventful recovery. please let us know how you do.
be well, sylvia
you sound wonderful!!! i'm so glad all went well and is behind you.
now just try and rest a lot, walk a bit and do your breathing exercises.
wishing you a smooth and uneventful recovery. please let us know how you do.
be well, sylvia
S
Susan Allen
Hey Rick,
I went to the Heart Hospital of Austin and Dr. Stephen Dewan was my surgeon (super great). He is with the CTVS group of surgeons - I was also lucky enough to have Dr. Chip Oswalt look in on me Friday and Sat. of my stay in the hospital. He was the first surgeon in Texas to perform the Ross Procedure - my surgeon is also well known for the procedure especially in children and infants.
I could never say enough good things about the Heart Hospital in Austin - it is number 1 in central Texas - if you research you will find it has the best numbers all around and insurance companies like it because it is one of the least expensive.
I really have to say from the moment you walk in there you and your family are the prime focus. While in CCU they assign you your own nurse who sits outside your door - I never wanted for anything - the best part was whether it was a little tiny nurse or a big nurse assistant they knew how to move you as to not experience pain - my family and I were always shown the upmost respect.
I could go on all day and probably would - but the point is I know Houston has good facilities but Austin is so close you may want to check it out.
One of the guys on this board is in Dallas and is seriously considering Austin - I have spoke to him just recently. I would love to help you with any questions that I can. Not being an expert but it feels sooo good to have it behind you.
Susan
I went to the Heart Hospital of Austin and Dr. Stephen Dewan was my surgeon (super great). He is with the CTVS group of surgeons - I was also lucky enough to have Dr. Chip Oswalt look in on me Friday and Sat. of my stay in the hospital. He was the first surgeon in Texas to perform the Ross Procedure - my surgeon is also well known for the procedure especially in children and infants.
I could never say enough good things about the Heart Hospital in Austin - it is number 1 in central Texas - if you research you will find it has the best numbers all around and insurance companies like it because it is one of the least expensive.
I really have to say from the moment you walk in there you and your family are the prime focus. While in CCU they assign you your own nurse who sits outside your door - I never wanted for anything - the best part was whether it was a little tiny nurse or a big nurse assistant they knew how to move you as to not experience pain - my family and I were always shown the upmost respect.
I could go on all day and probably would - but the point is I know Houston has good facilities but Austin is so close you may want to check it out.
One of the guys on this board is in Dallas and is seriously considering Austin - I have spoke to him just recently. I would love to help you with any questions that I can. Not being an expert but it feels sooo good to have it behind you.
Susan
B
bibliophile
To Rick in Texas...and also Susan
To Rick in Texas...and also Susan
Rick, I am not a frequent poster, seem to take it in spurts and then get distracted by work. Anyway, I am from the Houston area and saw your question. I had a MVR in December, 2000. My surgeon was Dr. Ott at Texas Heart Institute. He is great. My cardiologist is Dr. Patrick Hogan, also a super person. It is a good feeling to know that in Houston we have so many great options. Since my surgery I have been doing great. Surgery and recovery in my case were a lot like Susan's sounds. Not nearly as bad as I had anticipated. If I can help with any questions, just let me know.
And to Susan...I am glad you are doing so well. I am from San Marcos originally and my brother lives near Buda. My Dad is still in San Marcos so I am down there all the time...just got back from a visit in fact. We are neighbors! Seems like there are even more Texans around here than I realized. Best wishes for continuing recovery.
To Rick in Texas...and also Susan
Rick, I am not a frequent poster, seem to take it in spurts and then get distracted by work. Anyway, I am from the Houston area and saw your question. I had a MVR in December, 2000. My surgeon was Dr. Ott at Texas Heart Institute. He is great. My cardiologist is Dr. Patrick Hogan, also a super person. It is a good feeling to know that in Houston we have so many great options. Since my surgery I have been doing great. Surgery and recovery in my case were a lot like Susan's sounds. Not nearly as bad as I had anticipated. If I can help with any questions, just let me know.
And to Susan...I am glad you are doing so well. I am from San Marcos originally and my brother lives near Buda. My Dad is still in San Marcos so I am down there all the time...just got back from a visit in fact. We are neighbors! Seems like there are even more Texans around here than I realized. Best wishes for continuing recovery.
G
Gisele
Susan
Susan
Gee, you kinda made this look so easy, like an adventure! I hope mine goes just like yours next week.
I have been trying to mentally prepare myself for the vent, but my memories of last time are still stuck in my head. Of course back then patients didn't have the luxury of a board like this to help prepare with everything that will be going on.
Did you say you had a heated OR table? Boy, talk about high class! Every single surgery I have ever had has been in an ice cold room as I shivered. The nurses however would always bring me a heated blanket though.
Well, I hope my experience will be as good as yours. Good luck healing and maybe we can compare notes when I get back
Susan
Gee, you kinda made this look so easy, like an adventure! I hope mine goes just like yours next week.
I have been trying to mentally prepare myself for the vent, but my memories of last time are still stuck in my head. Of course back then patients didn't have the luxury of a board like this to help prepare with everything that will be going on.
Did you say you had a heated OR table? Boy, talk about high class! Every single surgery I have ever had has been in an ice cold room as I shivered. The nurses however would always bring me a heated blanket though.
Well, I hope my experience will be as good as yours. Good luck healing and maybe we can compare notes when I get back
S
Susan Allen
Hey Gisele,
I had a really good education session with the surgeon's nurse. We talked extensively about the vent. I know you've been through it before so it's hard to put the experience out of your mind. Just a helpful hint - at night just before I went to sleep I would imagine being restrained. I would dry out my mouth (breathing with your mouth wide open is good) and imagine the vent. The nurse told me when you first wake up and are aware to realize calmly where you are and what's happened. Close your eyes and try to focus on something else and before you know it you will probably fall back to sleep. I had 2 tubes in my mouth. I was lucky I had no urge to gag (my biggest worry). I found the best thing was not to swallow. The nurse told me also to not freak out - staying calm you will only be annoyed about the tube - freaking out makes it worse on everyone especially you.
I know if I had to go through it again - the vent would still be my biggest fear.
All my best to you - you will do great.
God speed
Susan
I had a really good education session with the surgeon's nurse. We talked extensively about the vent. I know you've been through it before so it's hard to put the experience out of your mind. Just a helpful hint - at night just before I went to sleep I would imagine being restrained. I would dry out my mouth (breathing with your mouth wide open is good) and imagine the vent. The nurse told me when you first wake up and are aware to realize calmly where you are and what's happened. Close your eyes and try to focus on something else and before you know it you will probably fall back to sleep. I had 2 tubes in my mouth. I was lucky I had no urge to gag (my biggest worry). I found the best thing was not to swallow. The nurse told me also to not freak out - staying calm you will only be annoyed about the tube - freaking out makes it worse on everyone especially you.
I know if I had to go through it again - the vent would still be my biggest fear.
All my best to you - you will do great.
God speed
Susan
