Type of Incision

[Nancy]

Hi Lemdonuts-

You know, Joe and I have found that most friends and family members don't have a clue what all of his problems are about. I've explained them, and explained them, but all they can relate it to is minor surgery. They don't understand the medical terms and just aren't that close with him to see what he's gone through and how many times, so I am not surprised that some of your folks don't have a clue either. Only our daughters fully understand the extent of the problems. It's a hard thing to understand, that's why we all come here. We all understand, and you don't have to explain and explain, and then get a blank stare. Some people are also squeamish with medical talk and especially talk about surgery that goes on inside your heart. I think that some of them just about faint when they hear it.

I've given up on trying to converse medically with most people. They really don't want to hear it. They have their own lives.

I'm really sorry to hear that your better half has problems after heart surgery. Is there any way to correct them?

So lemdonuts, you just come here and talk to all of us. We'll understand what you're talking about and you have lots of company here.

Lean on us a little as you head towards surgery. We won't hold it against ya, LOL.

 

[Granbonny]

I don't mind the patch and mend as long as they never have to sew and stitch again.. One open-heart surgery is enough for this old girl.. Got fat and lazy this past year..But it's all behind me and ready to hit the road again.. Bonnie

 

[John Cochran]

Lemdonuts,
One of the great thing about the people here is that they do understand the magnitude of the experiences before, during, and after this kind of surgery. I, too, had to deal with family members who didn't really understand much about all of this.

One thing that really helped me get through the whole experience was to quit focusing on the up-coming surgery, and focus on a vision of myself fully recovered after surgery. Thinking of restored health, and having the surgery in the past rather than in the future really helped.

Wishing you the best, and remember there will always be someone here who understands your feelings and concerns. Take care!
--John

 

[lemdonuts]

Thanks john.

One thing about me is that i never take to change easily. I first have to get my big toe wet then my ankle and so forth until i am all wet! When i finally get into the water is hard to get me out. i use to have a Mgr at IBM who use to tell all the time to just jump in But you know what I cannot! I just don't operate that way! Same with this surgery! Once I do all this lamaenting as I'm doing now and once i have the surgery i WILL focus all my engeries on getting better!! I have a new program with books to read -- i am going to get my stress level under control am going to learn medication and yoga and whatever else is out there!!

I just got a little shook up on Saturaday HMC sent me the package telling about what to expect! So i kinda of lost control! Saw my shrink today and we disccued the medication techniques again sooooo

I know when i had my reputured appendix how i felt -- i was tired for a good year but remember I had a major infections in my body and am really fortunate to be alive soooo this time around they say i should feel so much better only troble is I don't feel bad now soooo it is hard to understand! i just gulp for air like Chris Reeves sooo and that really isn't too bad when I get excited it makes me calm down so that is a good thing.

 

[Barbara]

wishing you well

wishing you well

Hi Lem-
I was checking the calendar - and wanted to wish you well on your surgery - I am right behind you - on the tenth - so I will be thinking of you -and we will have to get together post-op -
Barbara

 

[lemdonuts]

Well thank you and good luck to you!! I have been doing releaxzation teckniques all week 4 times a day for 5 min and Boy have they helped!!

i am also going to get on the Dean Ornish plan after all of this!! He treats the whole person=her doctors would do the same! i have also been doing some of his mental excersies to help relieve the stress!! And would you believe i have also found a support group using Dean Ornish/!!! This in it self is amazing!! Plus the doctor who is heading the group got his training from Hershery Medical Center however not in Cardioloigy! But you cannot have everything! Somebody is looking out for me. I really beleive that Stress has caused or has helped accerlate my valve problem -- in just 2 short years i have gone from mile to severe!!! This has been an awaking call for me -- TAKE CARE OF NUMBER ONE FIRST THEN OTHERS BECAUSE IF THE CARE GIVER GOES DOWN THEN WHERE ARE YOU!!!!

I might have a little problem at the hospital with meds they may want to give me BUT I'm not taking soooo I'll worry about that bridge when I get there!!!

I've been busy swimming, gardening, and cleaning soooo got to get back to work.

Again thank you and good luck with your surgery Barbara! Let me know how you make out! What are you going in for?? and where???

 

[Georgia]

You know, Lem, I think that you'll be surprised how the stress declines after your surgery. After the first 6 weeks or so, when you'll be in basic recovery mode, there's a real overall improvement in your health and sense of well-being. Even if we didn't know that we were in trouble with our valves deteriorating, I think that the deterioration took a toll on our psyches we were unaware of.

Everyone having this surgery needs to be aware of the pitfalls of the recovery period - namely, depression - and deal with them should they arrive; but the surgery is ultimately such a positive thing in our lives that it can't be overemphasized. We can moan and groan about being dealt a bad hand, but for most of us, we're OK after it's done.

Best of luck, and try to enjoy the next few days. The wait's the worst.

P.S. Please don't go into the hospital feeling adversarial (the issue with the meds). You need to put yourself into the hands of your docs and nurses and let them do their job - they have loads of experience in getting you out of the hospital - and that's a complex task. I know it's hard to have that level of trust, but you just have to.

 

[lemdonuts]

Thanks Georgia!

i won't say anything I'm just going to not do!!!! I've gotten myself to this level and know i'll be fine!!! Sure i'll probably get upset BUT with me the worst is usually before hand!!! i've got my work cut out for me i.e. Dean Ornish's books and well it won't happen overnight I'm tried of playing around with this stress thing and now will get down to working on it -- for the last 10 years actually the last 5 have been the worst sooo from everything that I've read STRESS is my BiG killler!!!

I'm looking foword to a rest -- will offically shut my business down tomorrow and have lots of encouraging words from my brookers! It really surprised me!!!

Money i'll manage some how!!!

Thanks. I reaqlly am a lot calmer -- You know my doctors did say to me whatever I've been doing it has been the right thing sooooo I am also sure my cardiologist will work with me -- I've just deceided it is best to say nothing and just do my thing!!!