Hi Ellen. I had Hodgkin's 37 years ago and was recently diagnosed with severe aortic regurgitation and coronary artery disease. Both are late effects ...Read more
Hi Ellen. I had Hodgkin's 37 years ago and was recently diagnosed with severe aortic regurgitation and coronary artery disease. Both are late effects of the mantle radiation treatment we received in the 80's. There is a Facebook group called "Hodgkins lymphoma long term survivors" - worth checking out. In late March I had open heart surgery - valve replacement(tissue) and triple bypass. I'm recovering well - walking 5 to 6 km a day. I have more energy. Recovery was quicker than the staging laparotomy with Hodgkins. First couple of weeks post-op were challenging -exhausted, no appetite, bad cough... I slept with a pillow wedge. Many people prefer a recliner. Shower stool is a must and I would advise making and freezing meals if you can. I am really glad I went through the surgery, even though I was basically asymptomatic. Leading up to it I was becoming obsessed - and now it's in the rear view mirror. The surgeon told me afterward that my valve was shot and it was good that I did not delay things. You will do well with this! You've made it through Hodgkin's lymphoma and all the horrible treatments that go along with it. Be kind to yourself - don't overdue the recovery; it will come. And remember you will feel so much better when your symptoms are gone.
Ellen Williams Thank you so much for all your ideas! I plan on trying my recliner and I am purchasing a wedge to try ... Read more
Ellen Williams Thank you so much for all your ideas! I plan on trying my recliner and I am purchasing a wedge to try as well. I have family coming to take care of me which will be a big help. Thankfully I am a teacher and will be on summer break so I won't miss any work. My doctor gave me the choice of valve but really the mechanical is best for me as I'm really wanting this to be a one and done kinda deal and the doctor agreed that it would be the best valve for me. I don't have any other heart issues really except for the faulty mitral valve. I remember the laparotomy surgery and remember that it was not fun so I'm glad you think thst this will be a quicker recovery. I will check out the facebook page - thank you for suggesting it :)
I am from: Tacoma
In late March I had open heart surgery - valve replacement(tissue) and triple bypass. I'm recovering well - walking 5 to 6 km a day. I have more energy. Recovery was quicker than the staging laparotomy with Hodgkins.
First couple of weeks post-op were challenging -exhausted, no appetite, bad cough... I slept with a pillow wedge. Many people prefer a recliner. Shower stool is a must and I would advise making and freezing meals if you can.
I am really glad I went through the surgery, even though I was basically asymptomatic. Leading up to it I was becoming obsessed - and now it's in the rear view mirror. The surgeon told me afterward that my valve was shot and it was good that I did not delay things.
You will do well with this! You've made it through Hodgkin's lymphoma and all the horrible treatments that go along with it. Be kind to yourself - don't overdue the recovery; it will come. And remember you will feel so much better when your symptoms are gone.