Cynthia's Journal

  Hallelujah! Congratulations to you and Blake. We expect it, so glad he is in recovery now. Tell him is one day at a time and not to overdo anything. Be patient with his body. Keep us updated on his recovery. Glad all went well. God bless you both

Marie Myers  Great news! Like Anna says, be patient and know that everything will get better bit by bit, and day by day.

William True  Sounds like Blake is in a very similar position to where I was a little over a year ago. I have young kids too, and it is hard! I was exceptionally fit prior to surgery, and I wanted to have the procedure while I still felt strong so I could recover fast. The journey can be a bumpy one, but remember the reasons for recovering. For me it’s walking my baby girls down the aisle in a couple of decades.

Lisa Coombe  Your in the best place for support, I haven’t had my surgery yet so I’m in the same boat but for many here that have had their surgery already are the best to talk to for the information that you need

Cynthia Miller  Thank you Lisa! Just read your thread about what to pack for the hospital and it was very helpful! Good luck to you for your surgery!

Rose Madura  Welcome to the site. Everybody is different but with your husband's age, I would think he's going to do pretty good. I had my aortic valve replaced, my ascending aorta and arch repair in 2017 at age 59. I had complications but came through it and feel fine now. My advice is to listen to your doctors and listen to your body. As for your 2 year old, my experience is that kids understand more than we give them credit for and I'm sure it will all work out for you all. Best wishes and please keep us ppsted.

William Trankle  No T-shirts for him on surgery day, make sure he has a button down, or he'll be going home in scrubs. There's a ton of advice on this site from those of us who have gone through this, but my two sense is simple--don't expect too much too fast. He will be recovering from a trauma that is akin to being hit by a car and being shot, so it won't be overnight. My first surgery was the day before my 37th birthday, I was healthy, active, and fit, and I was amazed at how weak I was initially. Walk him every day, longer each day, but base it on how he feels rather than any set goals. Make sure he uses his inspirometer CONSTANTLY; it's one of the best ways to ensure a smooth recovery. He's going to be frustrated, but if he does too much he'll pay for it (I did a couple of flights of stairs about a week after getting home, and I damn near ended up back in the hospital). It will take all 8 weeks to get back to feeling somewhat normal, and up to a full year to recover to his previous activity level. He won't be able to play with your son initially, and he should be very careful for the first 8 weeks. After that, the sternum is healed and he can start being more interactive, strength-depending. Good luck, and come back and see us when it's done!

Marie Myers  I had the Bentall procedure almost 4 years ago. All in all, the whole experience was easier than I worried it would be. One of the most difficult decisions for me was the mechanical vs tissue valve. I went tissue because I was 63 at the time, but if I was young like your hubby, I would have gone with the Ony-X mechanical valve. Post surgery, I would say pain was not a big issue for me;I would say I was more uncomfortable, and my upper back and shoulders were very sore. Tylenol was enough pain relief for me, though I did use 3 Percocet after going home to help me sleep better. Also, the post op fatigue did surprise me a bit. I felt weak as a kitten for a week or so.A shower chair helped me a lot. I also rented an electric recliner for a month, and it made it easy for me to get up and down by myself. In general, I was in good shape going in, and was lucky to have no complications, Thank God! I started cardiac rehab at week 3, and did go back to work 2 days /week after 8 weeks. I was in the hospital for 6 or 7 days total. It is a miracle what surgery can do! Hope that helps!

Cynthia Miller  Thank you all so much! Great info and tips... I will be passing all this along to Blake as well. I am on Amazon now for a shower chair and will be sure to pack some button up shirts. We are going with the On-X valve and are feeling more confident that it's the best choice for him.

Steven Methot  I have the same condition but am on a holding pattern because the dilation is stable. I went through all of the emotions and back again. They are normal. One thing that my surgeon told me: There's a difference between complex and complicated. Hip surgery isn't complex but it is complicated. Heart surgery is complex but it is not complicated. They do dozens of these surgeries a year. They know what they're up to. You are in good hands.

Civita Fahey  If he is in good shape and young he will do just fine. As others have said, listen to your body and rest when needed. you will find that some days he will have tons of energy and will over do, but will pay for it the next day with no energy. So, little baby steps will take you far. I like Marie was very weak after ( had mine at 55 and I boxed 3-4 days a week before) but, after about a month I was feeling much better. We all heal differently. I think the key is time and patience. I didn't use a chest brace. I had no real pain. Tylenol was fine for some soreness. A chest pillow ( which will more than likely be given at the hospital ) was handy, especially with a 2 year old. put near the chest when he is near him in case of sudden jerks or movements. Your child will get the fact that daddy cant play as hard for a bit. He can sit with him and read and do other things until he feels up to it. Just having having him there will be enough. Best of luck to him. He will do just great!

  I had the Bentall procedure a little over a year ago. Like Marie, the experience was easier than I spent lots of time worrying and anxious about it. The heart warriors here have provided lots of advice. The recovery will be one day at a time and he will need to listen to his body and not overdo it. It’s a major procedure and his body will tell him so. No lifting the kid or anything over five pounds until his doctor says is ok. Try and keep things on the shelves low enough for him not to strain his chest or left arm. He will do well as he is young and will recover well. Just tell him to be patient. I will pray for his surgery to go well and his recovery smooth. God bless you both and your family.

Thomas Brusstar  I was 54 when I had surgery, and didn’t use any chest brace. Your husband will recover super fast. I was able to drive in for part time at the office 2 weeks later. My 13-year-old son was sweet about being helpful when I was sick. Children are a great source of support at these times. They know how to be gentle and sweet, and they do not allow self-pity.