M
MNmom
Hi everyone! I have finally hit my two week point since the new mechanical aortic valve replacement along with aortic root and arch graft. Whew. A big more than I bargained for all together, as I also came home with a pacemaker that was put in six days after the valve surgery. I have been home a week, and the recovery has been going well. It is so great to be home- that sure speeds up the recovery! I am no longer just worrying about myself but the kids, husband, visitors, and house. My aunt has been staying with me for a week now, and goes home next Monday. She has been a godsend, since she is a nurse, and I have been needing the Lovenox shots 2xs a day that I refuse to give myself. (Ice for 15 minutes first really helps)
I think the recovery for me this time has been more difficult emotionally than physically. I was not prepared for the pacemaker, and really did not like the idea or reality of it- I felt too young (though I now know there are plenty of others younger than me, 30, who have them) and I didnt like the idea of batterys making my heart beat together. I had a total heart block between the top and bottom chambers following surgery. The pacemaker was one of those small percentage chances of things that may happen that I glossed over when explained in the consultation, sort of like serious infection and death, etc. Anyway, I should be happy to be alive and ticking (rather loudly), and with everyday comes greater acceptance.
Another odd thing that happened- two days after I got home from the hospital I got my first INR test and broke into tears after explaining to the drawer what I had just been through (she asked). I think it was part of the unacceptance, and part PTSD after all I had just been through. Anyway, my Dr assured me it wasnt depression but rather a greiving process of my old self. I agreed, and we both decided to monitor in a few weeks. Its better already.
Anyway, just some info, some things I wasnt really prepared for (shots at home, pacemaker, greiving the loss of my former self) but all in all, physically I am doing great. I can shower, dress, sleep in bed, sort and fold laundry (hard to give that up), and go to the grocery and Target stores. I am getting anxious to drive and start exercising for real, as well as getting my INR on track. Thanks for all your support and listening and advice, and if anyone with surgery approaching has any other questions, feel free!
Ingrid
I think the recovery for me this time has been more difficult emotionally than physically. I was not prepared for the pacemaker, and really did not like the idea or reality of it- I felt too young (though I now know there are plenty of others younger than me, 30, who have them) and I didnt like the idea of batterys making my heart beat together. I had a total heart block between the top and bottom chambers following surgery. The pacemaker was one of those small percentage chances of things that may happen that I glossed over when explained in the consultation, sort of like serious infection and death, etc. Anyway, I should be happy to be alive and ticking (rather loudly), and with everyday comes greater acceptance.
Another odd thing that happened- two days after I got home from the hospital I got my first INR test and broke into tears after explaining to the drawer what I had just been through (she asked). I think it was part of the unacceptance, and part PTSD after all I had just been through. Anyway, my Dr assured me it wasnt depression but rather a greiving process of my old self. I agreed, and we both decided to monitor in a few weeks. Its better already.
Anyway, just some info, some things I wasnt really prepared for (shots at home, pacemaker, greiving the loss of my former self) but all in all, physically I am doing great. I can shower, dress, sleep in bed, sort and fold laundry (hard to give that up), and go to the grocery and Target stores. I am getting anxious to drive and start exercising for real, as well as getting my INR on track. Thanks for all your support and listening and advice, and if anyone with surgery approaching has any other questions, feel free!
Ingrid
