Jeanette 's Journal

Geoff Curtis  I had a hemi-sternotomy, but was able to wear T-shirts & sweatshirts.  I did find button ups and a robe very useful as well.  

I had no problems moving my arms after all my lines were removed.

Rose Madura  I had a full sternotomy and wore either button shirts or huge Tshirts.  If having company or going out, I wore a surgical bra with button shirts.  Large T-shirt when hanging out at home.

Yumiko Ishida  I prefer buttoned shirts regardless of the type of procedure. It’s just easier. If I get hot, I can un-button a little. Many of them come with a chest pocket, which is handy, too. Cardigan not sweater for the same reason. And stretchy pants, for sure.

Susan Lynn  All good advice so far.   Also, stretchy pants are important as most of us leave the hospital with extra weight from fluid retention.   Slip on shoes can also be helpful - bending forward can be uncomfortable.  Best of luck to you. 

Susan Dunne  For the first few weeks I wore sweatshirts with tank tops underneath.  Sweatpants or jeans were fine.  I later graduated to tees with the same tanks underneath.  I got front closing bras but didn't like them.  I think I went to regular bras and other clothes,at about two months.  Now 10 months the post surgery  ( full sternomoty) and besides the scar it is like I never had it.  Good luck.

Tracy McPherson  I had severe mitral stenosis and regurgitation before my surgery on October 1st. I had a 15 year old porcine valve though,  so I was happy with how long it lasted. That's why I chose to go with the same type again!

Trygve Harris  Hi, I had severe stenosis w/calcification and heart failure. I had no idea, thinking it was due to something else.  I had a valve replacement in another country. Immediately was diagnosed with endomitreal cancer. So I followed OHS with hysterectomy and chemo/immunotherapy. My heart valve recalcified within a couple of months. The cardiologists at that  hospital didn't want to deal--they gave me a ton of meds and said they could try repairing it but that it probably wouldn't work. After a few worsening months, very sypmtomatic, I went to Mt Sinai and Dr David Adams office. They took it a lot more seriously--the valve was a real mess and apparently the entire area was a disaster. I don't know why. I got a peak at the diagnosis but didn't get a copy yet. Severe Mitral stenosis, Milder mitral regurgitation, some issue with the tricuspid, not sure what, but they fixed it. I also had AFIB that was worse than I realized and the cardiologists at the first hospital didn't seem to pay attention, but it wasn't a surprise about the afib. I can only assume that the first surgery was somehow incomplete. Surgeries were 2023 and 2024. First was porcine, second was bovine. Both were sternotomies.