Karen's Photos
Aortic Stenosis, Joined December 21, 2023
Aortic Stenosis
Joined December 21, 2023
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I am from: Cleveland -
My surgery date is: April 9, 2024
. I got 5am surgery slot, so I was in ICU and recovery by noon. I ...Read more
. I got 5am surgery slot, so I was in ICU and recovery by noon. I ended up one night in ICU. I would highly recommend a note pad and paper to write on and communicate afterwards. I remember them saying “can you read that, do you know what that says”? My husband kept the notes and I have no idea what I was writing even though I felt it was clear as day at the time! 😉
2. Dr Roselli and is team were pretty cool - just the whole process of them stopping to talk with you, I really felt like they truly cared about me. I cannot say enough about how cool he is as well. it’s pretty crazy seeing all of the beds lined up for surgery in the hall - completely blew my mind that I got to experience that.
3. I LOVED my guy Bret in ICU. He was absolutely amazing!! Just so sweet, calm and reassuring - def what I needed. I do not remember them taking the breathing tube out.
4. I was in surgery, then to icu, transferred to step down the next afternoon. Everyone kept saying I looked so good, my labs were good, chest was good so It was certainly positive. That being said, there’s def some holes in communication happening between nurses, techs, assisting etc. I’m extremely grateful my husband spent the 1st 2 nights with me. If you can, I’d find someone who can at least be there for night or day, not everyone is available.
Now to the help questions:
1. It definitely hurts more than I thought for breathing in.
2. I’m low on potassium/anemic. Is this normal? they have put me on a potassium pill and say it will go away.
3. Fatigue/tired - my feet and body feel like I have 10lb bowling balls strapped to them
im sure they’ll be more to come -
thank you rose 🥰
On a side note - I had 2 nurses trying to figure out how to change my pain pump 😫🤦🏼♀️ they were calling and asking if anyone knew the code. Now certainly it probably wasn’t a big deal from their perspective, but it does make you start getting a little concerned- it’s like some things I don’t want to know you don’t know - 😜 Plus, I found it hard to keep saying “they already gave me that”. 😳
Fyi, I can relate to so much of your post-op experience. Yes... I had some pain while breathing. Are you keeping up with your spirometer exercises?
Yes, I became anemic after surgery.
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Fyi, I can relate to so much of your post-op experience. Yes... I had some pain while breathing. Are you keeping up with your spirometer exercises?
Yes, I became anemic after surgery.
Yes, I was fatigued as well.
There is no rush to feel "normal". We all heal differently. Take it easy. You have been through a lot. Just take it day-by-day and the issues above will hopefully resolve over time.
Quick question: Has anybody mentioned cardiac rehab to you yet?
Lastly, if anybody out there wants to learn more about Dr. Eric Roselli, Karen's surgeon, who is an aortic valve and aneurysm specialist, click this link - https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/surgeons/dr-Eric-Roselli-Cleveland-Ohio.php.
Dan - I am certainly dreading that sneeze for sure - I read it can be a doozy!
J Alexander - his name was Brett and he was definitely younger. In fact, most everyone who I encountered were younger than 40 for sure.
... Read more
Dan - I am certainly dreading that sneeze for sure - I read it can be a doozy!
J Alexander - his name was Brett and he was definitely younger. In fact, most everyone who I encountered were younger than 40 for sure.
Valerie Ann - I am home, I was in ICU night, step down for 3 nights. I had a smaller incision done, so that was good and I’m sure because of my early surgery time it made a difference. I do have my follow up on the 18th.