Howard Sefton - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

1815 days ago

Barbara Wood reacted to this

Waiting for surgery.......... How do other people feel? Mine is upcoming in 6 weeks, suddenly everything feels very, very real. To use an English phrase, ...Read more

Waiting for surgery.......... How do other people feel? Mine is upcoming in 6 weeks, suddenly everything feels very, very real. To use an English phrase, "I'm bricking it". I know I will most likely make it through the surgery, I'm under 40 and otherwise healthy, so the statistics are in my favour. I see lots of bravery here, however I just can't get those thoughts out of my head that it won't be OK, I have an 8 week old baby at home, and that's making it worse. I go from super positive and determined to doom about 3 times a day.r How did others cope? Do you just wait? I tried counselling, but it was not super helpful. Its probably just a case of knuckling down and waiting - its only a few more weeks? Good luck to all those waiting, who have done it and made it out the other side. Wishing everyone happy, healthy 2020.

John O'Neill I know, right! Mine is four days away, and most of the time I'm feeling pretty good about it, but occ ... Read more

John O'Neill I know, right! Mine is four days away, and most of the time I'm feeling pretty good about it, but occasionally I worry, even though intellectually I know it's very low risk. I think that feeling is more or less universal among heart surgery patients.

I have been minimizing the fear by keeping busy with my normal routine and setting up my life to accommodate surgery -- there's plenty to do. Best wishes to you!

Marie Myers I can really sympathize. Like you said, the statistics are in your favor, but that won’t stop your ... Read more

Marie Myers I can really sympathize. Like you said, the statistics are in your favor, but that won’t stop your brain from worrying about it. I finally asked my doc for some anti anxiety meds to take, and I would say they helped me tremendously. Yoga , meditation, and deep slow breathing exercises helped me also. Hope things get easier for you! Hang in there. The waiting is really hard!

Chris Calhoun It is going to be ok!!!!! It is not as bad as you are imagining - the surgeons are amazing!! as are ... Read more

Chris Calhoun It is going to be ok!!!!! It is not as bad as you are imagining - the surgeons are amazing!! as are the nurses - lean on your support group and know when they give you a few pills to relax you - it will be peaceful - relax and let it happen - you will survive!!!!

Frank Giovanniello Howard, emotions really play on you. I'm just about five months after, and still every now and then, ... Read more

Frank Giovanniello Howard, emotions really play on you. I'm just about five months after, and still every now and then, it hits again.

Marie Myers I should add that I tried to stay busy (distracted) during the pre op waiting time. Luckily for me, ... Read more

Marie Myers I should add that I tried to stay busy (distracted) during the pre op waiting time. Luckily for me, I did not have any symptoms, and could play tennis, work, and garden. I did take the immediate 2 weeks off before surgery, and I just did “me” time, like getting a massage, do yoga, and practice deep breathing and meditation. Slowing down right before surgery was helpful to me, learning how to relax and “take it easy” on myself. Wishing you peace during the wait!

Howard Sefton Distraction appears to be key right now - thanks all for the messages, I go up and down on it at the ... Read more

Howard Sefton Distraction appears to be key right now - thanks all for the messages, I go up and down on it at the minute (about 20 times) a day - today is a good day and feel fairly positive.

I've also been writing a blog which seems to have been well received.

I'm just very, very, tired.

John - bets of luck with your surgery - look forward to seeing you posting that you are doing well!

Howard Seftonposted an update

1817 days ago

Shannon Gray reacted to this

Happy new year to everyone! @adam, I found your book super helpful and gave it to my wife and parents after. I am getting the Ross Peocedure with PEARS (a ...Read more

Happy new year to everyone! @adam, I found your book super helpful and gave it to my wife and parents after. I am getting the Ross Peocedure with PEARS (a new-ish support implant) in February 2020 at London Bridge hospital. I’m tired, nervous and worried for everyone including my 2 month old daughter. Hopefully all will be well, but dark thoughts creep In. This forum has been a great help and inspired me to write my own Blog - explicit language warning. Wishing everyone the best for 2020 from Sunny London! Howard https://howardsinternalrefurb.home.blog/

Howard’s happy heart surgery blog

https://howardsinternalrefurb.home.blog/

Howard’s [Happy] Heart Surgery Blog So the Dr says "You need open heart surgery"......….. Wow. Great. How do you react? Laugh? Joke? Ask Why? When? The first thing I did was cry. I was angry & scared. Honestly though, I knew it would be this time, it’s always been coming, although there’s always been the…

Marie Myers It is tough news to get, hearing you need open heart surgery,especially at a young age .
Just take on ... Read more

Marie Myers It is tough news to get, hearing you need open heart surgery,especially at a young age .
Just take one day at a time, and ask all the questions you may have . Many of us have been through various types of open heart surgery, and can provide some comfort. I know this site helped me a lot through my own journey. Wishing you all the best in your journey!

Howard Sefton Thanks Marie