Well... surgery just 9 more days

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Angel

Well-known member
Joined
May 26, 2010
Messages
173
Location
USA
Now that it's after midnight, I'm 9 days away from my AVR surgery. Whew, I don't know what to say. One thing I can say is I can't believe it's already getting that close! Not sure I'm ready for this? But yet, I sort of want it to be over with. I'm glad I found this forum to help me through. I'll be out of this waiting room in no time - on over to the other side. Kind of wish I could fast forward things 6 months from now! lol. I'm really nervous.
 
You're ready. You'll be fine. All you have to do on the day of surgery is show up! Everyone else will be doing all the work. :)
 
Angel, you're getting to that "peace of mind" point we all get to, and just want it to be over with. And it will be soon. In meantime, come over to facebook if you're still up tonight. There's a few of us over there, and you can chat w/ us live over there if you feel up to it. Look me up using my email address: [email protected].
 
I knew 4 months in advance that I was going to have AVR surgery. I felt that I had make the procedure routine in my mind and to that end I found a video on the internet that showed how the surgery was done. After watching it about 18 times, I felt that I could do the AVR by my self. It helped me a great deal to use a humour to ease my anxiety.

I got a call on Monday that there was an opening for the second time slot on Tuesday and if I would like to take it. I took it. But since my surgeon had a complication and had to work on the first patient for double the time, I was postponed to Thursday March 4. When the anestatist ( gas Passer) showed up, he was concerned to tell me that my safety was his first concern and my concern was what music they would be playing in the OR. We decided on Bach. I then asked him for a special favour. I didn't want to hear anyone say, "Ooops!" or "Oh, ****." during surgery. His announcement of my request and a nurse saying, "We never say that!" was the last thing I remember until I woke up in ICU.

BTW, I walked in ICU while held up by the nurse. 5 steps to the right, 5 steps to the left, and 5 steps back to the right. I was a difficult patient but not bad for any obese couch potato. (-:

I am sure that you will do fine and you will feel much better with your new valve as I do with mine. I know that my heart is fixed just not used to exercise so I'm doing what I couldn't do before the fixed heart, exercising. It feels good to sweat again. I've improved from 5 minute walks which made me tired to a hour long bike runs or walks on a treadmill and feeling that I could go on much longer. I have started swimming again.

Life after AVR is so much better and as my weakened heart muscles strengthen I know life wll continue to improve.
 
Today, for me, it is one week away. I am getting more worried the closer I get. It does make me feel better to read over and over that the waiting is the worse part. Angel, are you on facebook? Robin
 
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