Waiting

[pickaback2]

The weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas tend to fly by quickly, which makes me nervous with having surgery to have double valve replacement slated for Dec. 29. Now it's getting more real. How did everyone else get through this time?

 

[Paleowoman]

When my surgery was done it was on 6th January (nearly three years ago now) so not long after Christmas. I focused on enjoying the festive season and, when I did think of the up and coming surgery I let myself imagine the days after it. I also made sure that my bag was already packed ready with things I thought I would need/want post surgery, and got everything ready at home for when I'd be coming home after to make life easier for me and for my familiy. You're bound to feel anxious sometimes, that is only normal. If it gets too much go and see your doctor as they can give you something to help you calm down.

 

[epstns]

My method was to develop a detailed daily "planning" calendar, showing all appointments, tasks, procedures, everything I could think of that was on the path to getting it done. Once I had "The Plan" I just forced it out of my mind, only focusing on the very next step of that plan. I made it from early December to February 28th (surgery day) that way. I just forced my focus onto my life, and lived my life as if the next step wasn't there until it was time to do it.

We're all different, I know. What works for one may not work for another. The main thing for any of us to do is to realize that once we've made the Big Decision, it is out of our hands. We have to then believe in our care team's abilities and, if we so choose, in the One Above, to carry us through the journey. We'll be here with you, just as so many others were here with us when we took our own journeys.

 

[jwinter]

I knew in May I had to have my porcine replaced and surgery was November 1. Shortness of breath kept me from over doing much in the exercise department but I tried to watch my eating habits and keep moving. I had always wanted to learn some more about meditation so I found a book, read it, and have used it some in my recovery. I wrote out some lists and tried to stay really busy.. Best of luck to you and if you believe in a higher power, you just have to hand some of all of this to Him for it was just too much for me to handle alone.

 

[spartangator]

I'd also advocate for the wise advice above about focusing on some things you can control and then letting go as much as possible. All the best with the journey. There's amazing support to be had around here.

 

[Saebjorn]

I was referred to the surgeon yesterday. I think the waiting is bothering me more than the prospect of having the operation. You're right about it getting more real

 

[Agian]

Yep, I can relate. When I found out I needed OHS in 2013, I felt awful. The six-monthly echos took on a life of their own.
Then I had my valve replaced, but still felt miserable.
I saw the surgeon on Monday and the cardiologist yesterday. They told me everything looks good and the cardio will see me in a year.
I think my post-operation anxiety was an extension of what came before. I'm coming up to six-months and I'm starting to feel much better. It's like a weight is lifting. This post cardiac surgery depression people talk about might be a thing.
But, it's true. The waiting sucks more than the operation itself! This is no ********; the first thing that crossed my mind when I was extubated and conscious was 'Is that it?'

 

[pickaback2]

You have an echo every month?

 

[Agian]

You have an echo every month?

Every six months. From now on they'll be yearly.

 

[MrsBray]

Every six months. From now on they'll be yearly.

My cardio only wants an echo every 3-5 years! My DOT clinic wants one every year for my CDL Between that and my pulmonologist (cPap management), my license is getting kind of expensive to maintain!

Sorry, thread hijack.

My brain was mashed potatoes for the 6 weeks leading up to surgery. I had to write everything down. And yeah, when I woke up from surgery, I was thankful and joyful, but heavily medicated. I mean, it's not an easy ordeal, but it probably won't be as awful as you imagine..

Meredith

 

[pickaback2]

As a member of the driving public, I am thankful of the DOL requirements, but am sorry you must go through extra time and costs.