Annie Tyndall - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

2506 days ago

Helen Daw, Bonnie Stone-Hope, Gina Fiorentino reacted to this

Aortic valve replacement surgery scheduled for March 14... just trying to get my head wrapped around the whole idea of open heart surgery... and I only have ...Read more

Aortic valve replacement surgery scheduled for March 14... just trying to get my head wrapped around the whole idea of open heart surgery... and I only have 5 weeks to get ready.

Gina Fiorentino Me too Annie... Some moments are easier than others.
We will likely be recovering together, as my ... Read more

Gina Fiorentino Me too Annie... Some moments are easier than others.
We will likely be recovering together, as my "proposed" surgery date is March 8th for mitral valve repair.

Civita Fahey it a shock to all of us when we hear we need open heart surgery! I never in my life thought that I w ... Read more

Civita Fahey it a shock to all of us when we hear we need open heart surgery! I never in my life thought that I would be a heart patient.. but, my genetics had a different opinion.. I had my aortic valve replaced last April I had a bicuspid valve.. its a journey but its doable and you will do great.. this is a great site for questions and encouragement.. besides my family this site got me through it.. if you have any ? Id be happy to answer.

Suzanne Finn It is difficult to hear you need OHS. I had AVR in November, but you will soon be in the recovery si ... Read more

Suzanne Finn It is difficult to hear you need OHS. I had AVR in November, but you will soon be in the recovery side and feeling much better. The waiting was worse than recovery with all the “what if’s. Hang on in there.

Annie Tyndall How horrible is healing up your sternum? I’m super active, have horses and a bunch of other creatur ... Read more

Annie Tyndall How horrible is healing up your sternum? I’m super active, have horses and a bunch of other creatures to care for... being laid up is almost as frightening as the surgery itself.

Civita Fahey I didn't have any sternum pain to speak of. I had mostly pain in back and shoulders felt like I had d ... Read more

Civita Fahey I didn't have any sternum pain to speak of. I had mostly pain in back and shoulders felt like I had done a really hard workout the day before. They wont want you to do any strenuous work for about 4-6 week, no heavy lifting. But, if you have pain they will give you meds in the hospital.. After day one I was on Toradol and then just extra strength Tylenol.. sneezing and coughing is no fun, but you can get a pillow to squeeze with that.

Helen Daw Just had my surgery a little over 2 weeks ago and the pain was really not that bad. After just 5 days ... Read more

Helen Daw Just had my surgery a little over 2 weeks ago and the pain was really not that bad. After just 5 days I was only on 6 Tylenols a day. Now I am not taking any medication except for an aspirin a day. The whole idea of OHS was freaking me out (you can read my journal) Now looking back at it, it was so easy that no surgery will ever scare me again. The only complain I have now is blurred vision, but it is too soon and I think it will go away. I am walking for a mile a day, doing light housekeeping, cooking, even went out shopping. I know exactly how you feel, but rest assured that it is not bad at all. You will do great! All the best.

Bonnie Stone-Hope Hi Annie,
Wishing you a successful surgery and smooth recovery period. The sternal discomfort is tru ... Read more

Bonnie Stone-Hope Hi Annie,
Wishing you a successful surgery and smooth recovery period. The sternal discomfort is truly minimal. Not once did I request medication for my sternum (but did take it when offered)
Post surgery, you will be tempted to try to do more than instructed. Hug that pillow, take it easy, and let the sternum heal well. I can honestly say the biggest challenge for me was sleeping on my back for 6 weeks while the sternum healed.

Susan Killian I also was surprised by my need for surgery, this is a wonderful site to air concerns and get info f ... Read more

Susan Killian I also was surprised by my need for surgery, this is a wonderful site to air concerns and get info from those that have gone through it. Family and friends can be well meaning but I totally get the idea that they don't realize what you are going through emotionally, I am right there with you. As an RN I was taught not to offer platitudes, but that is often what we hear. As I said I have found this site a safe and understanding place to voice your concerns, and it always helps to read the posts from those that have gone before us! Hang in there, will be praying for you. The waiting for me is hard my mitral valve repair is scheduled for April 11!