Valve Decisions made, Setting date

[Nicholas288]

Thank to everyone for all there feedback.

I met with my surgeon yesterday and have decided to move ahead with the surgery. I will have the aneurism repaired and my BAV replaced with a St. Jude's. The decision for me at 40 was based on avoiding future operations as much as possible.

The surgeon has said that I am stable and that it doesn't need to be done today. With the holidays, I am targeting the first week in February. I have looked through some of the pre operation posts but if anyone has any
specific advice with dealing with the coming weeks I would be appreciated.
Thanks, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays
Nick

 

[tobagotwo]

Just try to live in the moment, Nick, and enjoy your family. There's nothing you have to do over the holidays to get ready, so you should take that time for yourself and your loved ones. Try to get to someplace beautiful for at least a few days when the time approaches, so you can slide into the hospital with a more serene heart.

Best Christmas wishes,

 

[netmiff]

Nick, if you have read enough post-surgery posts, you will have discovered that those of us who have been through this say that the waiting is the worst part. Do whatever it takes to get through to the big day - some of us needed meds to sleep or for anxiety. It is a big thing to cope with. I was 52 at the time, and my mother's reaction was that this should be happening to her friends, not her kids - and I tended to agree!

I had much the same issues as you - BAV + aneurism - although the BAV was not known until it came out. 2+ years later, no-one wo didn't know me then would know now.

Recovery is tough, and seems slow (seems there's an eighteen-wheeler runs over you in surgery), but if you have no other major medical issues, you should do just fine. I was working from home 1 week after surgery, and back full-time (well, almost) 3 weeks later.

I had no symptoms (or at least that's what I thought) but the difference from this side of the mountain is HUGE! A couple of tough weeks either side of the big day, and then life goes on . . . sure beats the alternative!

 

[Johan]

Nick, I endorse everything said by Bob & Jeanette, want to add just one thing, if possible physically, try to get and stay as fit as possible. I had 4 month's lead time before the surgery and joined a cardiac rehab programme during that time to try to get really fit under medical supervision. Bit of a joke amongst the group who were all POST cardiac event patients.

Cost a few bob out of my own pocket but I feel (and my dr's agree) that it made a huge difference to how my body handled the surgery and recovery. I also joined in with the yoga sessions offered as part of the programme. It all helped tremendously to get my body, mind and soul as prepared as possible. Doesn't mean I wasn't scared!! The calm and total acceptance only settled in about 24 hours before the surgery.

So take it easy and be kind to yourself and allow those around you to also be kind to you. Enjoy the holidays!

 

[Mileena46]

Nicholas,

Try and relax over the holidays. I knew for 3 years or so that ONE day I would have to have MVR. I didn't, however have a date for surgery and then the waiting. My valve got worse quickly and I had surgery quickly.

Kfuzz,

You should post on the Anti-Coagulant board for more answers on Coumadin. They have helped me with many issues with it, and the advice is priceless. I have had some problems, but nothing major. Good Luck!

Mileena

 

[james]

Hey good luck on keeping your nerves in check. I am in the same boat you are just a few weeks ahead and I gotta say that you should expect to go through many stages of emotion in the waiting room. I have come to understand now that I just want to get this done and over with. I hope you find mostly good times between now and then.

 

[river-wear]

Hey Nick, I can relate to what you're going through. I'm going for another opinion in late January to try to get rid of more uncertainty. I already appreciate the little things more: the people around me, feeling well, and even lying on my left side to go to sleep! (I hear you don't get to do that for awhile after surgery.)

Try to relax over the holidays, stockpile some pillows and get one of those percussion massagers for your shoulder blades after your big day.

Best wishes and welcome to the forum,
Michele

 

[Star54]

Hi Nick,
Relax and enjoy the holidays. No prep is needed now. Just know that after it is over you will hurt, but it will pass, and they give you good meds to help.....lol...after a while it just becomes a memory, reminding us that we are lucky to be alive.....
Lot's of luck and Godspeed......