Guestbook of Susan McKinnis

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Susan McKinnisgot a new guestbook post

1093 days ago

Janelle Hurst posted a note for Susan that says:

Thinking of you as your surgery is tomorrow! Deep breaths and wishing for sweet dreams during your "nap". :)

Susan McKinnis Thank you Janelle!!! I am ready to get this behind me.

Congratulations on your engagement.

Susan McKinnisgot a new guestbook post

1096 days ago

Ginny Turner posted a note for Susan that says:

Hi Susan, just a note to wish you the best next week. You'll be on the road to recovery soon! Sending all good thoughts and prayers your way. I know you'll ...Read more

Hi Susan, just a note to wish you the best next week. You'll be on the road to recovery soon! Sending all good thoughts and prayers your way. I know you'll do well!

Susan McKinnis Thank you Ginny!!

Susan McKinnisgot a new guestbook post

1112 days ago

Janelle Hurst posted a note for Susan that says:

My surgery is in less than 2 months and I am definitely having major pre-surgery fatigue! I'm normally tired most days but lately feel down-to-the-bone tired. ...Read more

My surgery is in less than 2 months and I am definitely having major pre-surgery fatigue! I'm normally tired most days but lately feel down-to-the-bone tired. I have always struggled with anxiety but finding out I needed open heart surgery at age 41 really ramped up my anxiety. It took me 2.5 months to find a surgeon I was comfortable with, so during that time I had a lot of panic in my head. I think that sucked the life out of me and increased my fatigue. I feel a little calmer now that I have a surgery date, but the nervousness is still there. I am sure as the date approaches I will start to feel more anxious again. I think I remember you wrote something about being concerned about feeling the breathing tube or being awake when it's in? It seems most people don't remember much about it, but I have started imagining myself in that moment and "training" my brain to be calm about the feeling.

Susan McKinnis Hello Janelle,
I had a wonderful appointment with my surgeon last Tuesday and he was so reassuring… ... Read more

Susan McKinnis Hello Janelle,
I had a wonderful appointment with my surgeon last Tuesday and he was so reassuring…especially regarding the breathing tube. He said the average time for someone young (and I am 16 years older than you) is about 6 hours and I will be sedated the entire time. He also answered many other questions and was so patient. Anxiety is normal and I do get nervous. But I am trying to focus on the holidays and spending time with family and also spending time praying for calmness. I rest when the fatigue gets bad rather than pushing myself and that is helping. Good luck on your surgery!!!

Susan McKinnisgot a new guestbook post

1121 days ago

Deena Z posted a note for Susan that says:

Hi Susan, I had my mitral and tricuspid valves repaired this past March. I did play through my head how to react if I was conscious with the tube still there. ...Read more

Hi Susan, I had my mitral and tricuspid valves repaired this past March. I did play through my head how to react if I was conscious with the tube still there. (relax, relax, relax). I had one brief second (and I mean like 5 seconds) where I remember my mouth feeling "full", and other than that I have no memory of the tube. Everyone is different, some of us remember and others not. How you will feel right after the surgery is REALLY, REALLY EXHAUSTED, particularly if your sternum is opened. If you are having minimally invasive, then from the stories shared by heart warriors, everything is much easier right after surgery. The pain is not what you would imagine either. Pain killers did the trick; only Tylenol after the second day. What is great to know is that you will one nurse dedicated to just you in the ICU, so no matter what you want, you will be taken care of ASAP. Don't hesitate to ask for anything or ask any questions. Thinking of you!

Susan McKinnis Thank you Deena for your reassuring words. The closer it gets to my surgery date the more anxious I ... Read more

Susan McKinnis Thank you Deena for your reassuring words. The closer it gets to my surgery date the more anxious I become. I am having the traditional surgery where they open your chest.

Marie Myers I had traditional open sternum surgery also. At the time I left preop, my nurse anesthetist gave me ... Read more

Marie Myers I had traditional open sternum surgery also. At the time I left preop, my nurse anesthetist gave me some midazolam (Versed) through the IV. I do not remember anything until 6 hours later, when I woke up in ICU. I vaguely remember chewing on the tube, then next thing I know, it was gone. As Deena says, I was very exhausted for the first 2 -3 weeks. Pain was not a big issue for me. I was more just generally uncomfortable while in the hospital . I did not sleep much in the hospital, partly due to the overhead paging system, and partly due to the frequent nursing and lab visits. Fast forward 4+ years, and it is all a distant memory. I can honestly say the whole experience was not as bad as my worrying mind had me to believe. Wishing you a smooth journey through surgery and recovery!!

Susan McKinnis Thank you Marie.

Hi Susan, I had the same surgery as Marie two years ago. As she said the whole experience was not as ... Read more

Hi Susan, I had the same surgery as Marie two years ago. As she said the whole experience was not as bad as we all think it will be. Sleeping is difficult for the first few weeks but you get your sleep where you can. We are all different and have different experiences. Will pray for your heart journey to go well and smoothly. God bless you

Susan McKinnis Thank you Ana. I bought an electric recliner that is super comfy to sleep in when I return home fro ... Read more

Susan McKinnis Thank you Ana. I bought an electric recliner that is super comfy to sleep in when I return home from surgery. I hope it helps me sleep.