Diana's Journal

I can’t thank everyone enough for all the information and support. I’ve learned so many good tips from so many. My surgery was 6/28, mitral valve repair, maze procedure, and LAA clip. I stayed 8 nights in the hospital. AFIB delayed my discharge for a couple of days. It was like a galloping horse going across your chest and dragging you with it. My surgeon was unconcerned about it, stating that approximately half of patients experience it. Each time it felt like I was never going to get past it. They were able to get it under control with meds, and before I left the hospital I was strong enough to shower independently. I haven’t had AFIB in 2 days now so that’s very encouraging. I had no appetite for anything and even water, which I’ve always loved, tasted metallic, like everything else I tried to taste. At home the main focus the first couple of days was pain management, timing the meds and activity just right. I’ve been able to climb stairs and take a shower, and each day feeling better. Things are starting to taste better now, and eating a little more, but if I lose a few pounds from all this, that’s ok too! Just sharing all of this in case this helps someone else awaiting surgery to hear my experience. Thank you for all the words of support! 

Those who have already had their surgery, do you remember waking up with the breathing tube still in, do you remember them taking it out, or was it taken out before you were even fully awake. I understand you have to demonstrate that you are awake enough to do the breathing on your own before removal, my daughter-in-law nurse says most of her cardiac patients never even remember having the tube or having it removed.