Tamiko's Guestbook

Thinking of you, Tamiko. Almost over with! Remember.... if pain starts ask for pain killers; if your back or shoulder aches ask for the pillows to be repositioned, and if you don't have much of an appetite the first day or two, that's okay. Try having sherbet ice cream, or a protein shake, or anything that you really like:) The ICU is a well oiled machine, you are in great hands there!! Godspeed.

Hello Tamiko, I just wanted to write and wish you well on your surgery this Friday! I'm just behind you on Monday the 12th for Mitral Valve Repair/Replacement. I'll say a prayer for your surgeon and that you recover quicker than expected.

Hi Tamiko, I'm a 62 year old father, grandfather and husband. I had a severe aortic stenosis, diagnosed after blacking out on a walk uphill. Found out I had a bicuspit valve, which had never been detected. I went through military college and was in top 5-10 fitness wise in a class of 160 that graduated- your equivalent is Westpoint. After walking about 300m to the top of the hill, where I parked my car, I pushed myself thinking this is ridiculous. When I got to my car I said to my wife I just need to rest a few moments and sat down in the front seat. Next thing I know is I woke up after lapsing into unconsciousness and then I stopped breathing, after putting on a 'show' for my wife. She tried to get a response out of me but failed for some time -3-5 minutes. Then suddenly I started gasping for breath all of a sudden. When I awoke sometime later I told my wife she should drive us home as I was feeling a little unwell. She refused. I had experienced No pain and No conscious awareness of anything that had happened in the interim after I had blacked out. My wife then told me she would take me to the local hospital emergency dept. I went and then was admitted thinking I would be allowed out the next day. They tested for evidence of heart attack. Yes it had happened. Then the tests began and the hospital admission went from overnight to 3 days, then I was transferred to Royal Perth for more tests and evaluation, another 5 days. Tests showed I had a heart attack. A painless one. Also showed my valve was in poor condition. Final diagnosis after numerous tests was I had a bicuspit valve- two hinges instead of 3 as normal. In addition to that the valve had hardened and was only operating at 10-15% effectiveness. Then I had to be moved to another hospital- Fiona Stanley for my operation. In my case it was an open heart operation, aortic valve replacement. I chose a "tissue valve rather than mechanical." I was feeling very well the day after open heart surgery. Very well by day 3. Was itching to get out by then. They let me go on Day 5 after operation. I think I would have been fine from Day3 on. Your recovery should be faster if your able to have key hole surgery. Most of my post op issues have had more to do with the drugs they put me on following surgery. I pretty well gave them freedom until I left hospital. Since leaving I got rid of the cholesterol lowering drugs- the statins and one blood pressure medication. Also discovered the remaining blood pressure one was giving me some uncomfortable side affects, so I reduced my intake from 75mg morning and evening to 50mg. Symptom's, have improved. My goal is to get rid of them completely ASAP. The only ones I plan on continuing with for 12 weeks are the warfarin to keep my blood thin and to reduce likely clotting. I have always been quick to recover. If your fit, I imagine you will be quick to recover. For me the whole process has been principally uncomfortable. I have managed with either very limited pain medication and recently with none. The hardest thing for me has been coughing, sneezing and laughing. Otherwise its been fairly pain free. Wish you the best. If your experience is anything like mine, it will be uncomfortable, largely pain free. Just be aware of the possible side effects of any medication you get. Prior to all of this I had been totally drug free. I plan on getting back there as soon as I am able. You don't need to be nervous, you have immensely gifted and experienced surgeons, who take great care, and if you have a faith, you have a loving heavenly Father who watches over it all. And if your not sure about your faith, you have an opportunity to experience Gods care by simply asking and committing all to him. (Jer 29:11) Regardless I shall pray that you and your family will experience his loving care throughout the whole process.