About Me (In My Own Words)
64 DAYS POST SURGERY
Drs Emerson and Trento and a league of other incredible Docs performed my Mitral Valve repair with Robotic assist (Grazie DaVinci!).
PRE-SURGERY JITTERS
Since I was asymptomatic, had to rely on the data that said I had Severe MV Regurgtation, though I never really could wrap my head around this Dx. But I did like every Dr I talked with, for their depth of knowledge, kindness of approach, and understanding of me, not the disease. I had inquired about post op pain and was told Tylenol did the job, to which I replied "You gotta be kidding." They weren't, and it did, no kidding! I did buy a comfortable, front snap/no underwire Bra prior to surgery (I am so happy I did) that I would wear 24/7 for the recovery- still wearing at day +33)
SURGERY
I had asked questions like "Will my Scoliosis affect the surgery in any way?" and "Where does my Right arm go while the surgery is in progress?" Scoliosis, .."From the information from the CT, doesn't appear that it will." ..."Right arm, resting just below midline." Pain control? "Nerve block/epidural pump." Nausea from anesthesia? "...Zofran before and during as needed."
I said see you later to my husband at around 7 am and then I awoke (more or less) in the ICU with a bunch of people telling me to stay awake so they could remove my breathing tube. Turns out I am a "cheap drunk" and had trouble emerging from the anesthetic. Once I was "extubated" (I really should know this word from all the hospital shows I watch) things were so much more comfortable.
ICU
I had lots of tethers coming from various parts of my upper torso. Drains, inputs and outputs, a pocket holding a monitor... and then my famous Heart Pillow was presented to me, which I held close as was instructed how to cough and or sneeze by holding it to my chest. I didn't think I could inhale much of a breath yet, but was so happy to be awake, see my husband and sister and the Dr.
I was beyond thirsty. I begged for sips and swabs, which were given cautiously as I also felt nausea. As I emerged back to being human, I listened to conversations, but getting a voice was a little tough. I assured my family I was ok, not in pain and ready to begin the healing. Nothing but clear liquids as the first tastes in ICU, which was a good thing since I finally did vomit and felt considerably relieved. I felt bad for the Nurses who had to turn and lift me in a sequence to clean me up and dry me off, but finally I rested well.
The ICU is not for resting.
Lots of vitals taken, constant monitoring of all processes and lots of meds. But I felt incredibly lucky as all of my staff were exceptional, even the Man cleaning the floors had a smile and wave for me.
PROGRESS- FIRST STEPS
Less than 24hours post op: time to walk! My BP was lower than before, but within acceptable range apparently. I was helped out of bed, trailing all off these wires and drains, and given a 6 foot tall array of monitors on wheels with two forearm supports and joystick handles. Woohoooo. My Ferrarri! I walked about 30 paces, turned around and got back to bed with a huge smile of accomplishment. Pain not above a 4-5. I received additional meds (I think). My pain was never ever higher than that. In fact, once on the floor (6NE) it was never above a 3.
TRANSFERRING TO THE 'FLOOR'
Getting out of ICU was an accomplishment. Before surgery I feared that the hospital was pushing me faster than I should be pushed, but after the fact I believe everything was on the perfect schedule. Breakfast less than 24 hours post surgery was chicken broth, herbal tea and jello. It was delicious, though I ate little. When a bed was located it was already early afternoon. Just a couple of hours before the Nurse I would first meet would be off shift. I was sad to say goodbye to my ICU team, but my new team were welcoming and wonderful right off the bat.
6NE, CEDARS SINAI CARDIO THORACIC WING
In my private room (wow), meeting Kyla, my angelic, strong, gentle first encounter. I know I will forget to mention so many of the important people who were invested in my recovery while I was there, please forgive me. Quickly, once the handoff to the night nurse happened, I was in a routine. Vitals taken, blood taken, volume of urine measured, call button pressed, pillow mushed, curtain drawn, portable x-ray rolled in...I learned to nap in short intervals. My Dinner arrived: my upgrade to solids. Oy. I'd say it was a quantum leap from clear liquids to Rolled Beef and potatoes. I looked beyond the domed entree to find my favorite thing, Jello. And herbal tea. That was enough for me.
My pain was well covered, but my sister camped out in the "reclining" chair to help me through the night. I felt awful for her as she had little sleep and I diidn't really need her help, so I dismissed her for the rest of the time in hospital. How lucky to have a sister willing to do that!! I am!!
THE RHYTHM OF RECOVERY. LOOKING FORWARD TO CAFFEINE
I learned to anticipate my need for the toilet because there wasn’t always someone available at the moment I had the urge to go. But I never missed!
I also announced to whomever was on shift- that I was up for a walk when they had time, and they always made time. I was walking 2x/day, with more basic wheels than I had in ICU, but they were adequate for the job. Across the Bridge to Sapperstein with views of the hills, Beverly Center, and the outside world. The sun blazing through, twilight descending. Surgical team members came by daily.
I felt so good. Way better than I had ever anticipated. There became a rhythm to the hours between shift change every day, and I was really lucky to have had a few of the same Nurses more than once. Kyla, Ryan, Perla, Anna…
IN NO RUSH TO GET OUTTA HERE
It was proposed I might leave Friday, 3 days from surgery to discharge. I was happy they changed the plan to Saturday so I could have one more day of the epidural, as I feared the onslaught of pain, which never came!
Often our anticipation and fear is far worse than the reality.
SHABBAT IN MY ROOM
We don’t often celebrate Shabbat. I had asked for a chaplain of my religion to visit, and she (Laura) offered a Shabbat Kit should we be here Friday night. I gladly accepted the gift. To be able to “light candles” (actually turn 2 little battery candles on with a switch), make blessings over the candles, Challah, and grape juice and celebrate the ending of one week (surgery and anticipation) and look forward to the next (healing). It was among the most special Shabbats I have ever had.
DISCHARGE DAY
I feared the removal of the pain pump. I was given a couple of Tylenol, and honestly there was no transition. I felt as good as with the pump. Maybe a 2-3 on the pain scale. I got into my comfy home clothes and was given a Bra by the hospital to keep everything tight. I finally produced the BM needed as my ticket out, though there is more to this part of the story for me.
The drive home was great. Clutching my heart pillow, I sat in the back of the car as if I was in an uber. Watching the world, squeezing the pillow over bumps.
Into my rented Barcalounger at home, and pretty quickly fell asleep for a nap.
NEW NORMAL GETS REDEFINED DAILY AT HOME
I was kind of hungry for “regular” food and had a bit of baked potato and a little salad for dinner, lots of water, pills and herbal tea. I began having abdominal cramps soon after along with nausea. Having been on a regimen of Miralax and prune juice for 3 days finally had effect. I lost my dinner, and continued to have cramping diarrhea for 4 days, and loose stools for another week. Better than forcing I suppose, but that was by far the worst of the entire experience.
As I healed, heart and gut got better, tolerating more regular food and routine, my strength began to improve. I showered the day after arriving home, having had to remove the gauze bandages myself.
Home health began right away with Nurse Alla and John the PT and Hillary the OT.
The PT said I was already “at goal” and he wasn’t sure what plan to make. This meant I could walk and transfer and had reasonably good strength. So we went further for the next 2 weeks with resistance bands, improving my Rt arm range of motion. My BP remained generally low- ish 90’s over 70’s, and my BP high- ish 90+.
OT did some work on using the kitchen but then I just used her to take walks and watch my gait and increase my distance.
A recognition off Marion McRae, NP at the Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars Sinai.
Unflappable but warm and kind, professional to the max, answering all inquiries with a measure of kindness and only the most pertinent of info. She was truly our guide through the whole thing and well into recovery.
POSTSCRIPT AT WEEK 9, 63 DAYS POST OP
I want to share the biggest benchmarks post op.
1. Showering. Just a day after getting out. Gloriously great.
2. Drinking tons of water. It began in hospital because of the pills, but I now see the importance of being hydrated!
3. Caffeine. I waited until week 3+ to start having a half-caff morning coffee pretty dilute. So delicious. I now enjoy my morning coffee and sometimes share a tea aat night with my husband. (I used to drink 5-6 espressos/day.)
4. Little incision wound finally healed week 7 after extra care right at the bra line.
5. Driving. Right at the 4 week mark. Though I do ask for rides more often now.
6. Sleeping without the Bra- at week 7 ish.
7. Cardiac Rehab after week 4 post op. Fun and super confidence building.
8. And finally: Pickleball!! At week 8
Still to come:
Alcohol (wine or beer for me… not just yet)
Teeth cleaning 6 months
Coviid Vaxx?
Flu shot?
Dermatologist visit 6 months
Travel to altitude (+5000 ft)
And much much more…
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Santa monica
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My surgery date is:
November 13, 2024
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I was diagnosed with:
Mitral Regurgitation
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My surgery was:
Mitral Valve Repair
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