The last few weeks have been a whirlwind (more)

[osita70]

This is only my second time posting. I posted a couple of weeks ago asking about my husband's Rheumatic Fever and got some wonderful support. In any case, he had gone to the cardiologist and after all the tests, it was determined he needed the aortic and possibly the mitral valve replaced ASAP. Went for a second opinion a couple days later and was told the same thing.

10 days later (Tuesday morning) my husband was in surgery. Both valves needed replacing. The surgeon said that he could visibly see the heart shrink in size after the valves were in place.

He spent almost 24 hours in ICU and we had a absolutely wonderful RN who was very efficient and kind. He is now in a regular hospital room and is doing well. Of course, he feels very weak and keeps saying how it feels like a ton of bricks was dropped on his chest. He still has the tube in his chest which is causing some discomfort but hopefully they will be removing that today. All in all things went better than expected and our whole family is so relieved to be past the surgery.
Thanks for all the support,
lauren

 

[Nancy]

Lauren-

That's great news. It's always wonderful to hear of successful surgeries. Congratulations to your husband and to you also.

I'm wishing him a very smooth recovery period.

 

[Tom Harrison]

I'm one year post op so your story brings back memories. I remember lying in my hospital bed in pain and discomfort thinking "what have I let these people do to me". I had been told only that I would recover rapidly day by day and it is true. The recovery is one of the amazing parts of the ordeal and within two months I was feeling better than I had in years. Good luck to you both.

 

[Georgia]

THAT WAS A TRUCK

THAT WAS A TRUCK

Mostly eveyone around here refers to that "ton of bricks on the chest" as getting hit by a truck. No fun.

I know you're busy right now, but truly not as busy as you're going to be when he gets home. Please take some time to look through posts on this site that have suggestions for post-op patients when they get home. There are WONDERFUL ideas and answers to questions you don't know you'll need to ask! It'll be a great investment in your time and will help your husband a lot.

And if at any time you need information, support, or even just to vent, feel free. It's what we're all here for.

It sounds like your husband was fortunate to get terrific care. And he probably will feel better when those chest tubes come out. As a recent thread revealed, they really bother some folks.

Keep in touch. You're both in our thoughts and prayers.

 

[Creed3]

Lauren,
I'm glad to hear that your husband's surgery went well. Things will continue to improve with him quicker than you think. I send you are your family all of my best and I pray that your husband has an uneventful recovery.

Take Care!
Gail

 

[Guest]

Great to hear the news!

Great to hear the news!

Thanks for updating us on your husband's progress! Yes, I remember that "hit and run" feeling after surgery, but as everyone has said, it will get better quickly. Just keep popping those pain meds and remember to breathe, breathe, breathe, walk, walk, walk, nap, nap, nap!!

Best wishes for a full recovery!

Julia

 

[Gail in Ca]

Super!! Glad he is doing well. In a few days, home and then on to
finish recovering. I've been thru 2 AVR's , 3 yrs since my last surgery and it seems a distant memory now.
Gail