JOSEPH CASILLI posted a note for Gabbie that says:
Hi Gabbie! Just seen your note on here as I was searching for some info on open Heart
surgery. Last march I had Endocarditis and almost died from it. I had ...Read more
Hi Gabbie! Just seen your note on here as I was searching for some info on open Heart
surgery. Last march I had Endocarditis and almost died from it. I had my open heart surgery at NY Presbyterian on Mar 28, 2016 to repair my Aortic valve. Because of the Endocarditis I had to be on home intravenous antibiotics till July 20. From the minute they said I needed heart surgery I went into "don't worry mode" as worrying just adds more stress to the problem. I turned it over to the Lord and it all worked out fine. So I wish you all the Lords grace, love and healing power and a speedy recovery. Joe
Hi Gabbie, I had my first surgery at Children's in 1969 and was discharged last week after mitral and ASD repair along with a Maze procedure again at Children's. ...Read more
Hi Gabbie, I had my first surgery at Children's in 1969 and was discharged last week after mitral and ASD repair along with a Maze procedure again at Children's. I chose them over Mass general, Yale and Hartford Hospitals. I assume your in the ACHD /BACH program, they did fantastic job for me and everything was well above my expectations. Your recovery time is going to be up to you, Children's did not put any restrictions on me as a kid and now as a adult I'm only restricted for driving and weight lifting until my sternum heals. I'm 15 days out of surgery and am walking my 4 acre property with a three flight stair drop to the river in back yard. I'll keep pushing further as much as I'm able, I want back on my motorcycle by mid to late spring (its a 800 lb bike). Your body is going to let you know if your pushing too far, for me its having to nap after a walk. Feel free to contact me at drwarchserv@charter.net and I'll do my best to answer any questions you have both before or after your surgery.
Praying for you, Gabbie. Relax...they have OHS down to a science. Spring will be here before you know it and you'll be feeling better than ever. Best wishes. ...Read more
Praying for you, Gabbie. Relax...they have OHS down to a science. Spring will be here before you know it and you'll be feeling better than ever. Best wishes.
Gabbie Jones Thank you Heath! I'm having my surgery done at Boston Children's where OHS's are literally second nat ... Read more
Gabbie Jones Thank you Heath! I'm having my surgery done at Boston Children's where OHS's are literally second nature to them, and I know I have nothing to worry about, I'm more anxious about the healing. Spring is my favorite season and it will definitely be the motivator for me to keep moving forward.
Heath Larner Today is 8 weeks since my surgery and I am already doing light exercising...knee push-ups, 15 lb dumb ... Read more
Heath Larner Today is 8 weeks since my surgery and I am already doing light exercising...knee push-ups, 15 lb dumbbells, etc. Don't be too proud to take your pain pills. Also, take lots off deep breaths throughout the day starting from day one of recovery. I am released for full exercise at three months which is March 1st...can't wait!...but I will will. Follow the docs orders. I look forward to hearing your progress. -H
Hi Gabbie! Welcome to the site! What questions do you have? That's a beautiful cat in your photo!
-Meredith
Gabbie Jones Aw thank you! I just joined yesterday, so I'm still working on writing my valve story. I would really ... Read more
Gabbie Jones Aw thank you! I just joined yesterday, so I'm still working on writing my valve story. I would really appreciate some tips on what to bring to the hospital though :)
Meredith Bray I packed a whole bag and didn't open it until the last day I was there! Here's what I used:
Elastic-w ... Read more
Meredith Bray I packed a whole bag and didn't open it until the last day I was there! Here's what I used:
Elastic-waist shorts to wear under the gown
Phone & charger
Tablet & charger
Earbuds
Fresh change of clothes to go home in - loose fitting!
Please ask your doctor or nurse about feminine bleeding after surgery! Nobody spoke to me about it, and I was surprised to start my cycle right after surgery. My nurse brought me some maternity padded disposable panties from the ob/gyn floor.
What else?
-Meredith
Gabbie Jones I totally forgot about my period! I take birth control and just figured out that I'll get mine the we ... Read more
Gabbie Jones I totally forgot about my period! I take birth control and just figured out that I'll get mine the week when I get home - which I'm actually happy about since I thought I was going to get it the week I'd be in the hospital. The shorts is a really good idea. I planned on wearing comfy pj pants but I might stick with the shorts since I might get too hot in a long sleeve top and long pants
Terrie Syvertsen Hello Gabbie- I am in agreement with Meredith Bray in that I packed some things and didn't use most o ... Read more
Terrie Syvertsen Hello Gabbie- I am in agreement with Meredith Bray in that I packed some things and didn't use most of it! She told me to pack some elastic shorts under the gown so what I did was buy some cotton(goofy prints) p.j.s that were great under the gown. I wore them and found that not wearing a bra was best for me when I began my walks in the halls soon after surgery and it was better not to have to deal with anything tight or in the way of any tubes/IV's which are pulled aside and roll beside you when you are up.
The drainage tubes being removed are uncomfortable but you will be happy to be rid of them so it won't take long and you will be able to handle it. Think of it as one step closer to getting closer to the front door and back home to your Kitty(whom is gorgeous!). You must know too that the nurses will be right beside you to help with anything you need and will be supportive and happy to keep you comfortable the entire time you need them so don't hesitate to let them know what you need when you need it.
You are young and I think that you will find that when you wake up you will be so happy and thankful to begin your recovery that it will surprise you how quickly things go! Have confidence in your "Team" and like Heath said in the post above, Spring is just around the corner. Dream happy dreams and look forward to your future with your beautiful mended Heart!