Hi Everyone- Finally I have a update on my procedure, I met with the cardiologist and had my Angiogram to determine exactly what type of surgery I will need, ...Read more
Hi Everyone- Finally I have a update on my procedure, I met with the cardiologist and had my Angiogram to determine exactly what type of surgery I will need, I will undergo open-heart surgery this week on December 10th to replace my aortic valve along with an Ablation to correct the side issue of Afib.
As you can imagine, I’m a bit terrified, so all the support while I get ready for this will be greatly appreciated. The good news is I’m told because my level of fitness and healthy lifestyle, I should bounce back very quickly and be stronger and better than ever, but the surgeon also said because of my muscular structure the recovery pain can be worse, have you all also been told this and experienced this? I will update you all again as we get closer to the day of surgery. I think sometimes this is harder and more scary for our spouses and family.
Thank you so much to everyone who has reached out to me in in the group, your positive messages of love and support have meant the world to me. Thank you
Richard Munson Good luck man. I had my ohs in january at mass general in boston , a lot older than you by the way, a ... Read more
Richard Munson Good luck man. I had my ohs in january at mass general in boston , a lot older than you by the way, and so far i am doing well including post a fib maze procedure. I take a lot of what i am told about how i am going to recover as educated guesswork. How can they know really. You appear in good shape as i was and beyond that if you picked the right team, it should be thumbs up. They know a lot more once they get in there and the less invasive the surgery the less pain and faster recovery i am convinced to be true. We are all rooting for your speedy recovery. Boston hospitals rock.
Marie Myers Being in good shape will definitely speed your recovery along. I was most surprised by the fatigue I ... Read more
Marie Myers Being in good shape will definitely speed your recovery along. I was most surprised by the fatigue I felt for 2-3 weeks post op. Just listen to your body, and nap when you Need to nap. It gets better bit by bit, and day by day. I can tell you that I was pleasantly surprised that the whole experience was not as bad as my worrying mind would have me believe. Wishing you all the best!
Timothy Stoner The PA for my surgeon told me today you will be in pain, but use the pain meds as they will help you ... Read more
Timothy Stoner The PA for my surgeon told me today you will be in pain, but use the pain meds as they will help you heal in the end. My surgery is this Wednesday for open heart to replace my aortic valve with the on-x valve. I will pray we all have good outcomes.
George Gardopee Hey John. I had my valve work done a little over two weeks ago (full sternotomy). Unlike you, I knew ... Read more
George Gardopee Hey John. I had my valve work done a little over two weeks ago (full sternotomy). Unlike you, I knew it was coming for over 18 months, so I had plenty of time to be alternately terrified and anxious about it. But, the stories I read on this site were very comforting. I know everyone’s experience is different, but I found that it was nowhere near as bad as I anticipated - and I am a major wimp when it comes to pain. I can honestly say that I have felt nothing - starting in the ICU the same night as the surgery - that I couldn’t sleep through. Of course for the first two days after the surgery they were giving me narcotics, but from the third day on I have had nothing but Tylenol. The condition you appear to be in will be a big help with getting in and out of bed and walking. I think you will be pleasantly surprised at how well you do.
Ginny Turner Hi John, I can't add personal experience (awaiting my valve repairs on 1/6), but from reading so many ... Read more
Ginny Turner Hi John, I can't add personal experience (awaiting my valve repairs on 1/6), but from reading so many patient testimonials over these last months, you should do very well. You're in great shape, which is a big plus. It's good news that you were diagnosed so quickly and lucky you had a TIA that was treated successfully. Going through this is daunting and the waiting is hard, but there's so much encouragement and support here. Please keep us posted.
Rose Madura It's normal to feel some anxiety but as you've seen, hospitals know how to deal with complications. ... Read more
Rose Madura It's normal to feel some anxiety but as you've seen, hospitals know how to deal with complications. I had a myriad of complications after my surgery in 2017 and I came through them all. The doctors know what they are doing so trust them. Prayer helps too, it did for me. Godspeed.
Kathleen F. I log in very infrequently these days but saw your upcoming surgery and read your background and want ... Read more
Kathleen F. I log in very infrequently these days but saw your upcoming surgery and read your background and want to reach out with encouragement and support. First, I am buying an Apple Watch, that was amazing. Second, I had the same diagnosis as you - and I am approaching my 7th anniversary of my heart surgery in a few weeks. You can do this! Prayers and healing thoughts as you go through this intense time. Many people do bounce back stronger mentally and physically after a traumatic event such as this, and with a renewed appreciation for what our bodies can do. Don't worry about the recovery, you'll be fine; one can't compare muscular pain, as you likely have a tolerance for "pain" that far outweighs those of us with less strength! Approach this as an athletic performance - you've done everything right, and you will be stronger than ever after this experience. Keep us informed as to your progress, we are all rooting for you!
I am from: Boston, MA
My surgery date is: December 10, 2021
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