Worries, Concerns, Fears

[momshell7]

Gina is right!

Gina is right!

Bob,

The heart hugger is available at very few hospitals from what I have heard. They are available to purchase on the Heart Hugger website. They cost $75 dollars but are well worth every penny. My husband has his first surgery at age 16 and his second one last Oct at age 37. He had the heart hugger this time. The hospital he went to actually uses them. He said it made a world of difference. He also said he wouldn't have another surgery without it. It actually helps to hold your body when you cough, sneeze, get up or down etc. It is like you have someone with their arms around you helping you. You need to order asap to make sure you get it in time since I dont' know how long it takes to get them. Hopefully as the word gets out they will become more widely used by the hospitals.

Will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Michelle

 

[BionicBob]

The Heart Hugger

The Heart Hugger

To Michelle and Gina, two of my angels :

The Heart Hugger sounds well worthwhile. I will call their 800 number and see if they can guarantee delivery before my surgery date. 1-800-798-2667 (in case anyone else reading this is interested).

I appreciate this tip, among all the other good advice I'm getting. Thanks!

Cheers,

Bob

 

[momshell7]

Glad to help!

Glad to help!

Bob,

Glad I could be of help to you. I am sure that you will agree once you get it that it was worth getting. It's just one of the those things that doesn't seem like much but sure makes a big difference. Why not make your recovery and easy as you possibly can. I hope you get it in time for your sugery.

Michelle

 

[Guest]

*grins*

Or, another way to get the heart hugger...is for someone to make you one...which is what happened for me for each of my 3 surgeries . He he he.... The lady that made the one for my 2003 surgery came over to the house and said, before she showed me what she had for me, something like.... "Now, I know you are not a young child anymore, but you know I like to make things for people. And, I know you probably have one, if not 2, of these already, but your friendship means a lot to me ... especially when the Cubs keep losing [yes, she is a die-hard Cubs fan just like me] ... that I wanted to make you a new heart hugger." With that, she promptly went back to her car and came back with the bear in hand. I still use it .

*pauses*

BionicBob...I hope I didn't offend you with the question about you profession of writing/researching. I was just curious because that is what I'd like to be doing....and am stepping up my search for a new job due to issues at my current one....

 

[BionicBob]

Heart Hugger

Heart Hugger

To Knightfan,

Sounds like you had great good fortune on a Heart Hugger.

No offense at all asking about my work -- I have done newspaper writing most of my working life.

This will probably offend you, since you are a Cubs' fan -- I am a Cardinals fan! Oh well, maybe this will be the Cubbies year. Last season was a great one for the Redbirds -- til those final four games against the curse-reversing Red Sox.

 

[Bionic Man]

Try not to worry

Try not to worry

I'm a very worrysome person and worry about everything (a gift from my mom). I came to a point before surgery where the fears were just too big. I had to just decide that I whatever comes I can't change so I'll just take it and put on a brave face for those around me.

The tube was a big worry for me. I too get a sore throat easily. It took a long time for me to get my tube out. I was also very worried about throwing up (I don't do well being nautious) Anyway they wouldn't let me have water for a long time after coming out of the anesthesia because I was complaining of being sick to my stomach. Needless to say I needed water because I was getting dried out. They did let my wife give me water via a sponge thing and then I'd use the suction tube and suction it out. It worked well enough until I was feeling better.

For all of my worrying, nothing was as bad as what I'd anticipated. Even the tube wasn't so bad. It gave me a sore throat but otherwise was ok to put up with. I didn't like the feeling of when they squirt the lubricant down prior to taking it out but if you realize it's just lubricant to help get the tube out you can sort of decide to be ok with it.

Just relax and try not to worry. You'll feel better afterward than you've felt in years and everything will seem manageable. They'll have you walking probably the same day. And as soon as you get home (a week or so) you'll be touring around maybe not a mile but you'll surprise yourself.

David C

 

[BionicBob]

To Bionic Man

To Bionic Man

David,

Very helpful post. I think if I tell them my concerns beforehand, and then have my family on hand to remind them, I'll be okay. Just some moist sponges would help. The experiences cited here are helping to ease my mind. Thanks!

Bob

 

[tobagotwo]

It's also possible that the sore throat was from the TEE (throat-based echocardiogram) that you received while in surgery. I know they must have nicked something on my larynx doing that, because it took several months before my voice was as strong as normal.

As far as stomach issues, I requested Fentanyl instead of morphine. It is a cousin of morphine. It seems to leave most people less groggy, and has fewer stomach implications. I had no trouble with it, stayed alert, and had no stomach problems or morphine-induced constipation.

Food still tasted bad, though. That's apparently from the anaesthesia.

Best wishes,

 

[DuchessBear]

Hi Bob

I also had my surgery at INOVA Fairfax. You couldn't be in better hands. The surgeons and the staff will take very good care of you. And you will be in the brand new Heart Institute there. I had a tour just before it opened last October -- very nice with mostly private rooms.

I was concerned about breathing tube, too, but it was a non-event for me. They kept me so doped up and happy that I was only vaguely aware of it and barely remember it being taken out.

Feel free to PM me, especially if I can do anything to help you or your family. I live only 3 miles from INOVA Fairfax.

 

[BionicBob]

Inova, Heart Huggers, etc

Inova, Heart Huggers, etc

To DuchessBear (love that name!), and Michelle and Gina (and no doubt others earlier -- it is hard to keep up with so many new members of my "family" ) I have just ordered the Heart Hugger, with reassurances that it will arrive UPS before my surgery on the 16th. Thanks for letting me know about this!

And thanks for the good words about Inova Fairfax and their new Heart Institute. I have been very impressed with the personnel I have met there already, with the catherization and all.

I appreciate all the concern and help. It was great to hear that Inova has Internet-connected computers in the waiting room. My son is very computer-savvy. I'll ask him to sign on and report on me.

 

[dawnwit15]

Hi Bob!

Hi Bob!

Hey there Bob-Welcome to the family. I empathize with your fear of the tube. I was anxiety stricken for weeks leading up to my surgery because of the tube issue. To be honest, you will be in and out of consciousness during intubation. By the time your fully awake the thing is taken out. Alot of very helpful people here at this site instructed me to breath with the machine not against it, remain calm. Once the doc's see you are breathing on your own they will remove it. If you are experiencing extreme anxiety about it now and cannot sleep, as your doc to prescribed you some Xanax, it will relax you and help you dose off.
I love dogs! I have one too! A chocolate lab, But your furry friend is going to have to sit bedside for a while. I would even suggest having someone strong, slowly bring the dog into your room on a leash when you first get home. The dog is going to miss your presence while your in the hospital and may get very excited upon your return. You don't want the dog jumping up on you as your site of incision will be "fragile" for a bit.
I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I know you will be just fine. Keep your head up!
Dawn

 

[BionicBob]

Fears and the Faithful Dog

Fears and the Faithful Dog

Thanks very much, Dawn. This website really is very much like a family. Who says nothing good is on the Internet? (I've never said that, but some do. Anyway this site refutes that, for sure.)

I think if I had to have one of those tubes right now, fully awake, pre-surgery, I would fight it. But you and others have done a lot to calm my fears by letting me know from first-hand experience what it's like post-surgery. As far as getting some meds to help sleep in these days leading up to the surgery, I'll keep that in mind, but probably won't. Even without surgery I am a light sleeper whose mind runs in many channels when it probably would be better if I were sleeping deeply. Fortunately, I have a flexible work schedule so that if I toss and turn into the wee hours, I can sleep in a bit in the morning when I finally do fall asleep. Maybe I will use IC for catch-up sleep.

Aren't dogs great, esp. the lab/retriever types? Sadie is ultra-friendly and often will give exuberant greetings to visitors she hardly knows. When my son (who rescued her from a pound and introduced her to our family) comes visiting, she goes absolutely beserk with joyful greeting. Since she is always by my side when I am at home and we go on long walks together, I am sure that after I have been in the hospital for several days, she will go crazy too. Anyway, great advice -- I'll tell my son in advance to get Sadie lady under control and on a leash so that she won't knock me down and send me right back to the hospital.

So thanks for your thoughts, Dawn. Much appreciated.

Bob

 

[geebee]

Bob,
I think you're right about controlling Sadie the first time you come home. However, you will probably find she settles down rather quickly and becomes a quiet companion. Dogs (and Abyssinian cats, which I have) have a great way of knowing when their human friends feel bad and act appropriately.

Isn't it great working a schedule that is flexible? I am lucky enough to have that right now too and I no longer worry about insomnia. I just use the time I am awake to write and read. 2AM is a terrific time to do quiet things and I find it very calming.

You sound like you're doing great. Stay on this path and you will not have any worries or problems with your surgery.

 

[BionicBob]

Flex Time and Care Dogs

Flex Time and Care Dogs

Gina,

You are right about the sensitivity of dogs. I consider Sadie my care dog when I'm unable to be active with her. When I recently had the flu (which caused my heart surgery to be postponed from Jan. 20 to Feb 16) Sadie was looking after me 24/7. I'm sure after she settles down when I return, she'll be beside my bed (or in it, if my wife would permit ) or beside my recliner while I am recovering.

Yes I am fortunate to be able to work some from home and to have flexible hours when I do go into the office. I too find that the quiet hours after midnight are productive ones, and then to be able to fall asleep after that and sleep in til 9 or 10 is a nice luxury -- makes you feel as though you're getting away with something. I hope after my surgery, my boss will become accustomed to me working at home even more. Will have to, of necessity, at first.

Cheers,

Bob

 

[Guest]

To Knightfan,

Sounds like you had great good fortune on a Heart Hugger.

*nods*

Yes, yes I did .

No offense at all asking about my work -- I have done newspaper writing most of my working life.

Good good! Heh...that is what I want to get into. I majored in Communication Studies with a minor in Journalism, but if you don't have a set "work experience", they don't want you....

*shrugs*

Ah, well...maybe someday....

This will probably offend you, since you are a Cubs' fan -- I am a Cardinals fan! Oh well, maybe this will be the Cubbies year. Last season was a great one for the Redbirds -- til those final four games against the curse-reversing Red Sox.

*grins*

Nope...no offense at all.

*chuckles evily*

Yes, those 4 games in the World Series were priceless, weren't they? . I mean....holy crap. Your Cardinals imitated my Cubs. I sense a lawsuit here . LOL!

As for 2005 being the Cubs year....I don't know. I'm waiting to see what happens after Sosa is gone for good !!!!

 

[jjputz]

Anxiety helper

Anxiety helper

If your having trouble sleeping - worrying about the operation, have your doctor perscribe you xanax. I know it help me, I'm schedualed for Feb. 7th - homograft to replace valve, root, and ascending Aorta.

 

[BionicBob]

Best Wishes

Best Wishes

If your having trouble sleeping - worrying about the operation, have your doctor perscribe you xanax. I know it help me, I'm schedualed for Feb. 7th - homograft to replace valve, root, and ascending Aorta.

Thanks very much. I'll keep that in mind. All best wishes to you for your operation.

 

[Granbonny]

Bob

Bob

Did you PM (e-mail_ our Dr. Marty? who had his surgery at Inova Fairfax?....He just posted yesterday about our dues, ect. for VR. Bottom thread..so, I know, he is still very active on VR.com Bonnie

 

[BionicBob]

Did you PM (e-mail_ our Dr. Marty? who had his surgery at Inova Fairfax?....He just posted yesterday about our dues, ect. for VR. Bottom thread..so, I know, he is still very active on VR.com Bonnie

Bonnie,

Not yet. Will try to do so tonight. Thanks!

Bob

 

[Granbonny]

Rachel

Rachel

I have noticed where you have mentioned the Bentall word several times in you past posts....so I found my Operative Procedure....Just read it again.....AVR/ROOT/BENTALL..ect. with 23 mm St. Jude valved conduit,ect.... At age 61..when I had my surgery..the surgeon told my family..This is the best for her..She doesn't want to have another VR. surgery........I had not found VR.com..and we just went with what he was telling us. I woke up, 2 days later in a private room, No tubes, No remembering anything. My daughter said, Mom, do you want to take a walk..and I said, sure......5 day hospital stay..great recovery at home..No pain ( I think I took 1/2 botle of pain meds..Just walked a lot inside the first week and a little outside the 2nd week..and from there, just a tad more each day. and now, coming up 3 years..March 25th..and never have to worry about that surgery again. It took me a full year..to really feel like my old self again...I think now, I would never want to put my family thru that waiting in Family room..to see if I was going to be O.K... I have a wonderfull Hubby of 38 years..that took care of me the first 6 weeks, cooking, ect...but, who would be able to take care of me 15-20 years from now, if I had gone with a tissue? After, all, our family is growing older, too. and my kids have their own lives. Bonnie