Cynthia's Guestbook

Cynthia H.  Thank you so much for your note. Did you have the same surgeon in 2001? Same hospital? I had OHS as a child, but it was not a valve replacement. Any advice?

Judy Paul  Cynthia - best of luck at CC on Dec. 29. I will be there on March 7 for an AVR redo with Dr. Svensson. I have the same situation as Joseph B. This is my second OHS in five years. I was scheduled to have the redo in September at Univ of Penn Hospital, minutes from my home. However, a snafu with the surgeon barely two weeks from the surgery date, compelled me to seek a second opinion at Cleveland Clinic. I was really impressed with the docs and staff there, so in less than two months I will be in the same place that you will be in a few days. The first few days post-op are rough - you will get the best care in the hospital. And I remember the first week or so at home being difficult. Then all gets better. There are a few tips I could share if you wish me to do so. Sending good karma your way.

Cynthia H.  Yes, please, Judy share the tips. I had a difribulator/pacemaker put in at U. of Penn several years ago. Much closer for me as well, but CC was recommended for this surgery.

Cynthia H.  Joseph, I have testing/appts. at CC two days before surgery. Perhaps my husband and I will run into you somewhere.

Judy Paul  Cynthia - you might consider getting a surgical bra - it snaps in the front - to wear after you leave the ICU. I actually wore a sports bra for weeks at home. It helped relieve the pulling feeling in the incision area. And I work button down tops in the beginning of my recovery -easier than putting something over your head. Wear yoga pants and/or pj bottoms, sweat pants. Use a pillow over your chest when you cough, get in and out of a car, bed, a chair, etc. HUP gave patients a red heart shaped pillow. I assume that CC will have a similar design. Make sure that you get your pain meds regularly. If you are asleep when the pills are distributed, you should ask that you be awakened to take them. It helps to get ahead of the pain. And I had a supply of ginger ale in my room to help with the nausea. Once you are feeling better, make sure that you get treats - I love coffee so everyone knew to show up with Starbucks in hand. Now that there will be no family or friends visiting this time as there were in Philly, my husband will be directed to haunt the halls of the Miller Pavillion to find yummy treats. Of course this is after the two tough days in ICU. I remember feeling better once I could get into clothes other than the hospital gown, wash up in the bathroom, maybe even put on a little makeup. Perked up my spirits. Best wishes for a safe journey to Cleveland. Try to have some fun before the actual surgery date. I look forward to continuing to communicate with you. I am sending you a big HUG.

Judy Paul  Joseph -Best wishes for a speedy and comfortable recovery. I am interested to know how different your redo was from your first surgery. I will be at Cleveland Clinic for a redo on March 7.