Time is getting short

[KristaDeAnn]

Well in only 3 short weeks I will be facing that mountain and starting my climb. June 1st seemed a lifetime away when I was scheduled but now it is almost as close as tomorrow...

I havent really had time to worry, stress or even think about my upcoming surgery as I have been so busy trying to train two different people to take over my job duties while I will be out, and trying to get everything in order at home before my surgery.

Im scared, I have no problem admitting that. Im hoping that I will feel a lot better once this is over-with. I didnt know I felt that bad until I was told how much the regurgitation is probably affecting me, but looking back now I can see how I have slowly gone down hill over the last few years.

Im looking forward to being back to my energetic self. I just hope my surgery is successful and I get back to my energetic self. I know sometimes it doesnt always work out that way.. Im just continuing to pray that it will.

I have related closely with Perkicar during the last couple months and am so glad her sugery went well and without a hitch and she is progressing so well. I hope that I end up with the same result.

Still hanging on by a thread,
Krista Farmer

 

[Nancy]

Krista-

You will do well too. It so hard to wait those last few weeks. Fortunately you have lots of things to do to keep you very busy. Just try to jump over the surgery part in your thinking, and try to visualize yourself recovering, first in the hospital, then going home and then 6-8 weeks from your surgery when you'll be feeling much better, and will be able to drive again. Then, the best and final healing which takes a longer time, but during which you will start to feel much better than you do right now.

 

[bvdr]

I remember those last few weeks before surgery. We had just downsized in housing and I was trying to get settled in and organized. It was hard to do since I didn't feel at all well but then it seemed like everything was done and ended up getting stir crazy. I just wanted it over and wanted to get on with my life. Time goes by so fast. These last weeks will go fast for you and before you know it the clock will have turned and this will all be part of your history.

If you weren't scared you wouldn't be normal. Remember to have some quiet time alone with God before your surgery. It is a wonderful thing to go into surgery knowing that you are being held in very strong arms of love.

I'm glad you found the board and that Perkicar (Carolyn) is setting a good example for you. I kinda thought she would though....and I think you will for those coming after you too.

 

[Guest]

Well in only 3 short weeks I will be facing that mountain and starting my climb. June 1st seemed a lifetime away when I was scheduled but now it is almost as close as tomorrow...

he he he...funny how that works, isn't it?

Sounds to me, Krista, like you have a great outlook ... and are fairly grounded in how you are handling all of this ... which, if true, is a good thing!

With all of that work you are doing ... just remember to take time out for yourself, time for your family, time for your friends ... and HAVE FUN!


Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 31swm/pig valve/pacemaker
'72,6,9/'81,7.hobbies.chdQB = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/
MC Guide = http://www.chevyasylum.com/mcspotter/main.html
"We got mountains to climb" ... Rod Stewart ... 'Broken Arrow'

 

[gijanet]

Sending hugs and prayers.

Sending hugs and prayers.

We're here for you. Please keep us posted. Hugs. Janet

 

[karlaosh]

I'm with you in spirit. I'll be "on the table" on June 1st, too. Best wishes to you.

 

[geebee]

Krista,

Isn't it amazing how fast time goes? In a few months you will be all recovered and wondering what any anxiety was all about.

Take care.

 

[KristaDeAnn]

Thank you everyone for your support

Thank you everyone for your support

I dont know what I would do if I had not found this new "family". I felt like I was tagged for an early death when I got my news about my heart. Im trying to stay positive about the whole thing and stay focused on the "other side of the mountain". I have never had surgery nor been in the hospital so that creates a whole other set of worries. Im sure Im not a very good patient I have trouble admitting Im sick even when it is just a "run of the mill" sickness. I have a WONDERFULLY supportive husband so Im very lucky in that sense. I hate having to dump all the "chores" on him during my recovery even though he tells me that my job will be "to just get better". He is a saint.

I took the day off work today and went and got all my pre-op lab work and chest x-ray done so that is out of the way. I have a heart cath (angiogram) scheduled for next Friday and Im worried about that as well although I have read other posts here that say it is not that bad. I dont really know what to belive as far and what the GP and Surgeon say about the Cath process they have both told me that I will be "out". Although from what I have read here they need you to be "with them" so you can cough, breathe, etc during the process. I cannot help but wonder if they told me I could be "out" just so I would not worry about it and then on the day Im going to find out that what they told me is not true at all... Any thoughts on that???

I just read the post on Carolyns patient page and am SO GLAD she is doing SO WELL. Im jealous that she is already through the difficult part and made it through with flying colors. I know that is not always the case so I worry about that too. Guess you are right and that is probably normal. I have great friend who has offered to walk with me during recovery which is good considering there arent any sidewalks near my home and since I will not be able to drive was really worried as to where I was going to do all this walking.

Im trying to get everything in order...house cleaned, some books, movies and stuff together so I have something to do. I had my first emotional breakdown last night and that wasnt a pretty sight. I felt better after letting it all out though..except my eyes burned dreadfully all day today. I usually try not to let my emotions show too much but have noticed since I was diagnosed with this I have turned into the biggest weeping sap and that has taken me by surprise. If anyone shows any sympathy towards me, the tears just start to roll... I dont know if that is hormones or pre-surgery emotions but it really bothers me a lot.

I also wanted to ask....Im a reader..Does anyone have any good books or movies to suggest for during recovery? I loved the Lord of the Rings series, I love horse stories, and really any good story books... ???

Thanks again for all your support, kind words, and words of wisdom. Thanks most of all for just being there. I know everyone on here understands exactly what I am going through since most of you have already been there..it really means a lot.
Krista

 

[Mary]

The heart cath really isn't bad. I've had two. The last time, I had a drop in blood pressure after I was in the recovery area (down to 60/35), so I'm a little concerned about the one scheduled for the 6th.

I'm sure you will do great. Try to maintain a positive attitude and not stress out beforehand.
Mary

 

[starkone]

Krista,
From one who is 8 weeks post op and starting to feel "normal",
I can tell you it isn't a piece of cake but it isn't all that bad...at least for some of us!
I was TERRIFIED!
The cath is not a problem...in fact I think it is very interesting. I wasn't out but slightly aware. There is NO pain....NONE....so don't worry about that. You may get to watch them thread the cath into the heart but other than that it is a non event...at least for me. I have had two and felt the same about both. This last one didn't even leave a bruise!
Good luck to you and don't worry. It will be over before you know it and you will be 8 weeks post op and walking to Shania Twain like me!
Hugs,
Karen

 

[Superbob]

Krista,

Walkin' to Shania Twain sounds good to me too! Eleven weeks post-op I'm taking my retriever on long walks and engaged in cardiac rehab also (basically an exercise class with heart monitors). I feel great.

I second what Karen said. I was very scared going in, too. The cath worried me first of all, but I found that amazingly easy. By the time the OHS came along, I had reached a certain serenity. The people on this site were a wonderful help, a blessing to me.

I am sure you will do very well. Your whole family here will be pulling for you, and looking to hear from you when you have reached the other side of the mountain.

All best wishes,

Bob

 

[oscarboy]

Krista,
I was very aware what was going on during my heart cath, but I was slightly sedated. I guess you could say I was comfortable, though I could feel a warm sensation during the test, not pain though. It is pretty interesting, and not as scary as I expected. I've been through OHS twice, and I'm not going to tell you it was a piece of cake by any means, but to be honest it was worse for me being sick leading up to the surgeries than the recovery after. I know you're scared, so was I. They gave me something to relax me before surgery, and it really did take the edge off. Try to focus on the health that you'll have back after the surgery. You can do this..you're stronger than you think you are. They'll have you up and moving in no time, and within days, you'll be back home. You'll be surprised how fast the recovery can be..just be careful not to push yourself. A few hints: make sure your family has something for you to write on after your surgery so that you can communicate with them - you will be on a vent for a little while. They keep you comfortable, but you'll be awake enough that you'll want to communicate. Do everything your physical therapist tells you to do no matter how much you'll just want to push her/him out the window. If you remember, bring a small firm throw pillow with you because you will be coughing some, and if you hold that pillow firmly against your chest when you cough..it will be much easier. If ever you feel like talking before your surgery, please let me know (PM). I would be happy to offer you whatever support I'm able to.
Shelly

 

[geebee]

Krista,

Follow this link. Thanks to Karlynn, we discussed books recently, so indulge.

http://www.valvereplacement.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10546

Take care.

 

[scardycat]

Time is getting short

Well in only 3 short weeks I will be facing that mountain and starting my climb. June 1st seemed a lifetime away when I was scheduled but now it is almost as close as tomorrow...

I havent really had time to worry, stress or even think about my upcoming surgery as I have been so busy trying to train two different people to take over my job duties while I will be out, and trying to get everything in order at home before my surgery.

Im scared, I have no problem admitting that. Im hoping that I will feel a lot better once this is over-with. I didnt know I felt that bad until I was told how much the regurgitation is probably affecting me, but looking back now I can see how I have slowly gone down hill over the last few years.

Im looking forward to being back to my energetic self. I just hope my surgery is successful and I get back to my energetic self. I know sometimes it doesnt always work out that way.. Im just continuing to pray that it will.

I have related closely with Perkicar during the last couple months and am so glad her sugery went well and without a hitch and she is progressing so well. I hope that I end up with the same result.

Still hanging on by a thread,
Krista Farmer

I am a new member. My daughter will be having a valve replacement in the very near future. She has the same heart problem as you do. When is your scheduled? And, what type of valve have you decided on? I am very scarred for my daughter also. I will be praying for your quick recovery thru all of this. My daughter is very, very young. And, this has all come as a huge surprise. I can totally see how much this has affected her, now that I look back just a short time ago. Hang in there!

 

[KristaDeAnn]

Scardycat,
My surgery is scheduled for June 1st.. My first choice for a mechanical valve was the On-X. I haven't researched a whole lot as far as all the different valves go, and was completely surprised at just how many choices their actually are. I read a lot of the information others have posted on the board here. I did actually go to the web site for the On-X and read some of the information.

But when it came right down to choosing one, I discussed this particular one with my surgeon along with the tried and true St. Jude Mechanical...since he would know better than I which valve would be a good choice for me personally. I finally just asked him what valve he would choose for himself if he were in my shoes. (I wonder if anyone DOESNT ask them this question??) He said without a doubt the ON-X.

To be honest "repair" was my surgeons first suggestion for my valve, due to my age, and the results of my Echo...HOWEVER I did not want to knowingly opt for a temporary fix that will require another OHS somewhere down the road to then replace the repaired valve with a mechanical. The thought of SURGERY just scares the beegeezes out of me!!!!! The less surgery...the better!!

I apparently had Rhuematic Fever as a child and the surgeon told me he could repair my valve but due to the RF a repair would only be a temporary fix for about 8-10 years and then we would have to more than likely replace it with a mechanical valve. I do not have children and do not plan on having children however if I did want children I would of opted for the repair since I would not of wanted to have the risk of pregnancy while taking coumadin.

There is lots of information here in the forums...and lots of members that have WAY more information and knowledge than I probably ever will..Im actually pretty clueless when it comes to all of this surgery stuff, as I have never been through it before. Search the forums and I bet you will find a lot of information and answers to your questions. It is a scary thing to go through and deal with but these people are just the BEST and they can help you through this..

 

[T-Money]

Best Wishes

Best Wishes

Hi Krista.
I'm sure everything will go great for your surgery. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers. Hang in there.

 

[scardycat]

Time is getting Short

Time is getting Short

Scardycat,
My surgery is scheduled for June 1st.. My first choice for a mechanical valve was the On-X. I haven't researched a whole lot as far as all the different valves go, and was completely surprised at just how many choices their actually are. I read a lot of the information others have posted on the board here. I did actually go to the web site for the On-X and read some of the information.

But when it came right down to choosing one, I discussed this particular one with my surgeon along with the tried and true St. Jude Mechanical...since he would know better than I which valve would be a good choice for me personally. I finally just asked him what valve he would choose for himself if he were in my shoes. (I wonder if anyone DOESNT ask them this question??) He said without a doubt the ON-X.

To be honest "repair" was my surgeons first suggestion for my valve, due to my age, and the results of my Echo...HOWEVER I did not want to knowingly opt for a temporary fix that will require another OHS somewhere down the road to then replace the repaired valve with a mechanical. The thought of SURGERY just scares the beegeezes out of me!!!!! The less surgery...the better!!

I apparently had Rhuematic Fever as a child and the surgeon told me he could repair my valve but due to the RF a repair would only be a temporary fix for about 8-10 years and then we would have to more than likely replace it with a mechanical valve. I do not have children and do not plan on having children however if I did want children I would of opted for the repair since I would not of wanted to have the risk of pregnancy while taking coumadin.

There is lots of information here in the forums...and lots of members that have WAY more information and knowledge than I probably ever will..Im actually pretty clueless when it comes to all of this surgery stuff, as I have never been through it before. Search the forums and I bet you will find a lot of information and answers to your questions. It is a scary thing to go through and deal with but these people are just the BEST and they can help you through this..

Dear Krista,

we were told that the mechanical valve has the best outcome available also. My daughter I don't think has decided for sure on this yet. She wants more children. This all really scares me alot too. Just remember thru all of this that you are not alone. That always helps me. Will you have plenty of help at home? Don't be afraid to ask of lots of help from people. You will need lots of hugs too.
I have been doing tons of research on this for a while and there is so much I still need to learn. They are always coming up with more advanced technology
available for patients. Just remember that the surgeons are very highly trained & I'm sure you will be in the best care.
I'll be thinking of you. When your feeling scared think of your friends here to help and support you thru this.Take care, I hope you the best!

 

[Bionic Man]

don't be scared

don't be scared

For me the anticipation was the worst. I'm a nervous person so I had myself worrying about everything from how I would feel (cracked open) to what my scar would look like to what surgery would be like.

Basically when I got there they ran an IV then wheeled me into the OR. I remember thinking it looked cool and high-tech. Next thing I know I'm waking up to the sound of my wife's voice. It took a while to be able to move my muscles. Once I could move they took my breathing tube out. Then I had a great time chatting with my wife and parents. I felt great!

They had me wired up (so you feel pretty solid in your sternum) and my scar looked great. They do a super job sewing you up so there aren't even any visible stitches.

Basically everything I had worried about turned out to be a non-issue. So try not to be scared.

 

[KristaDeAnn]

Thanks Bionic Man,
We newbies really can let our imaginations run away with us cant we? I have imagined all kinds of completely out of this world things...that aren't even heart related. I have a very active imagination to begin with.

I just called my GP to get my blood results and chest x-ray results and the nurse said "Well there is a shadow in your upper right lung".. Immediately I thought "Great I have lung cancer now!!"

She knew immediately where that imagination of mine was taking me and told to RELAX, and that she was going to find my doctor RIGHT NOW and get clarification from him. She called me right back and said "Your fine!" "Now go breathe.... " Guess I will learn to deal better with all this medical stuff as we go....this is my first experience having a "condition". Figures my first "condition" would have to be a doosey...

Thank you everyone for your support and kind words. I wouldnt of gotten to this point in the road without each and every one of you and your advice, opinions, and knowledge. Im leaning on you more than you know, and as many others have said this site is truly a GOD SEND!!

My cath is this Friday...I feel amazingly calm about that, again thanks to all of you...and knowing what I can expect to happen. Keep me in your thoughts..

Counting down the days...
Krista

 

[catwoman]

Krista-

You will do well too. It so hard to wait those last few weeks. Fortunately you have lots of things to do to keep you very busy. Just try to jump over the surgery part in your thinking, and try to visualize yourself recovering, first in the hospital, then going home and then 6-8 weeks from your surgery when you'll be feeling much better, and will be able to drive again. Then, the best and final healing which takes a longer time, but during which you will start to feel much better than you do right now.

Krista:
Nancy's suggestion is right on the money. Pre-op, I visualized going into the OR, being moved to a private room, going home, going back to driving, going back to work, 3 months post-op, 6 months, my first anniversary.
The mental fast-forwarding has always helped me through difficult situations. Praying also helps tremendously, I might add.