Margaret's Journal

Susan Lynn  Margaret - I'm so sorry to hear that you're retaining fluid. Some retention is normal. Hopefully, they'll be able to adjust your diuretic and your issue will be quickly resolved. I can't imagine that will take two weeks. Prayers to you. Stay strong and positive.

Margaret Fielden  0iI think the fluids plus other complications are keeping me here. Pleural effusions etc. First time to have been wrinklefree for years

Robert Miller  I am sorry to hear that. I had cardioversion about half a year ago. It helped tremendously with me heart rate. However, I am still in pretty much constant AFib. Have to take medicine for it but it only helps a little. Did you have surgery before? If so, did the remove the heart's appendage? Are you on blood thinner? When you have AFib, blood clots are a major concerns and these two are important factors to avoid that. 

Margaret Fielden  Hi , I didn't have previous surgery. I was on blood thinners and will be sent home on them in another ten days. It has been a marathon!

James Roberts  Sorry to hear that Margaret. I've been following your progress as I could be back in Papworth soon. I really hope things start getting better for you. I know from my surgery before that the first week is the hardest.

Rose Madura  I'm sorry Margaret. Hang in there. Afib after heart surgery is fairly common.  Hopefully it will resolve soon. Are you on Amiodarone?

Margaret Fielden  Still wired up until the new plan is made and yesterday's failed cardioversions. Back on oxygen too. It's ten days after surgery so I was hoping the Afib might disappear naturally. amiodorone reduced my blood pressure too much in ITU. Who knows James, I may still be here when you come to Papworth!

Jill Porter  I had Afib for about 5 weeks after MV repair. I was on several meds including Amiodorone and it went back to normal after that time. It's very frustrating but follow their instructions and I'm sure it will settle eventually. What I heard it that the heart is very sensitive for a while after surgery and may take some time to settle down. I will be thinking of you. 

Margaret Fielden  Thank you all. The cardioversion caused low Sats so won't be repeated now. I have gained 22 lbs in fluid and Papworth are saying another couple of weeks in hospital to sort me out.

Kimberly Eisenhut  Margaret, You are in my prayers today and you will get through this! Please stay strong and keep us posted when you are able. They will fix you up and you will be on your way to a healthier heart. So much love, big hugs and strength sent

Susan Lynn  Margaret - You've been through so much, the stress would take its toll on anyone. Try to take it one day at a time. You're healing and getting better everyday - even on the days it doesn't feel like it. Find one thing to look forward to while you're recovering. Having a goal can be great inspiration on those days you need a little motivation.
Remember, there's always someone here to cheer you up on those days when you're feeling down. Don't hesitate to reach out. Sending you a virtual hug!

Rose Madura  Margaret, you have been through a lot. But you have made progress so count that as a victory. I had many complications after my surgery and there were days I felt like you are feeling now. Slowly but surely, I got better.  You are at the right place and the doctors know what to do.  I said a prayer for you before I posted this.  God bless you. ❤️‍🩹🙏

Robert Miller  I wish you all the best. I don't want to downplay this but cardioversion is a walk in the park compared to open heart surgery. From what I recall, they only infusion you have is for knocking you out. Heart monitor. Then they shock your heart. Then 20-30 minutes later you wake up. Good luck. 

Pamela Gregory  Margaret, you are in the right place so that they can monitor you and correct any problems. One day at a time, you can do this. Sending positive thoughts and prayers to you for things to improve quickly

Pamela Gregory  So sorry for your struggles with surgery. Hang in there! They will figure this out. Also sending prayers for a full recovery

Deena Z  Hi Margaret, that's a lot to wake up to and think about over six days, when you already are so exhausted from the surgery.  I feel for you.  They will get the infection under control as well as improve your lung function, so try during the daily struggles to focus on that.  Hope your family/friends are monitoring your care closely.  Did they say why you were bleeding so much during surgery?

Anna Rakowicz  Sometimes other medications you take can affect bleeding time, I’m sorry that you’re going through these struggles. I had a friend who was in the ICU for 10 days, so hang in there, it will get better. 

Kimberly Eisenhut  Margaret, They will figure it all out and you will be on the road to recovery and feeling much better soon! Prayers, big hugs, and love sent to you Stay strong and take it a day, hour, minute at a time. Try listening to calming music, sounds and just get as much rest as you can. Keep us posted when you are able

Rita Savelis  So sorry to hear that you are still in ICU, such a hard place to be. I was too exhausted to post from ICU 9 years ago. Too exhausted, in too much discomfort. I also received an unexpected pacemaker, something I didn't even know was a possibility. I feel for you. My lungs reacted with multiple pleural effusions. It gets better, but there are some hard days to go through in recovery. Your body has been through a lot. Take care.

Trygve Harris  Howdy Margaret. I'm sorry to hear you're having such a tough time. I just returned home from hospital and had 12 days in the ICU, with the BP and low heart rate the reason. I got a pacemaker and I love it. So many smaller symptoms I used to have were apparently related to this ridiculous heart rate of mine. I know ICU sucks and you might feel very depressed after surgery; I think that's normal, But you will be over the hump soon. They need time to figure it out.

Ana Brusso  Dear Margaret, as everyone here on this site I am feeling for you. I also spent five days in ICU with my second ohs because of a bubble in my lung. As my hvs godchild Deena say, they will heal your infection and improve your lungs function. Hang in there. We will be praying for your recovery and healing. God bless you 

❤️‍🩹🙏❤️

Susan Lynn  Margaret - Please keep us posted on your progress. Hopefully, your issues will be resolved quickly and you'll be back on your recovery track. Complications do happen and you're in the right place to have them quickly addressed. Stay positive! Sending healing prayers!

Debra Sciranka   Sending my prayers for you. Where are you in the UK? I just had an aortic valve replacement and mitral repair and it has made an unbelievable improvement in my breathing.

Rose Madura  Best wishes Margaret. I think you only show up in the news box if you have uploaded a picture.  Please let us know how everything goes once you feel up to it. Godspeed.

Margaret Fielden  Thank you all. I am in Papworth Hospital, Cambridge and have a lovely surgeon so I feel blessed and at peace. I go to theatre at 8.00am for 1 hrs preparation  and then the surgery will be 5 hours.  I'm praying for a new lease of life, so much still to do! So back to sleep until 5.00am..

Anna Rakowicz  Wishing you a successful surgery and easy recovery for you, Margaret. Pleas let us know how you’re doing. 

Robert Miller  Is it going to be a replacement? Usually, they first try a repair. And if it's a replacement, is it going to be mechanical or tissue? Despite my background, I am not much of a believing person. But my thoughts are with you and I wish you all the best. Also make sure, you have everything prepared for the recovery (bed, recliner, pillows, etc). 

Margaret Fielden  Dear Robert, It is mitral replacement and tricuspid repair. The surgeon thinks there is too much damage for repair but will try if at all possible. It will be a tissue valve. I hope everything is ready for recovery, I keep thinking of something else I'll need! Thank you for your good wishes, much appreciated. 

Robert Miller  I hope things did go well today. All those pipes are annoying but in a few days they are all out. It's not easy but things just get better from here. Hang in there. 

Kimberly Eisenhut  I am so very sorry you are sick Margaret. Glad you are rescheduled and will be ready when it is time. Get well soon

Anna Rakowicz  So sorry to hear Margaret, I  imagine the extra time adds a bit more stress. But this years strain doesn’t seem so bad. I just got over it, was sick for 2 days; I’ve had colds and flu last longer. Take care.

Yumiko Ishida  So sorry it had to be postponed. But it sounds like you needed a little extra time to get mentally ready for the operation?? At least this way you will have super immunity going into the surgery!

Margaret Fielden  Thank you all. Today I am pleased to have more time before the surgery. I was so concerned with organising care afterwards and getting my home ready that I didn't focus on getting myself ready. The covid is not bad. It's a beautiful autumn day so I shall thank God for walking in my garden and maybe get out my paints. Life is good.

Pamela Gregory  You definitely have prayers heading your way from this group Sending positive prayers and thoughts to you and your surgical team!

Margaret Fielden  Thank you so much. I keep playing the song 'it's gonna be OK' by Jenn Johnson. Doesn't help that my husband is ill and can't be with me .

Brian Ruff  Singing one up now. Remember that for medical professionals, this is routine - even if it isn't to us.

Deena Z  You got it, Margaret .
Remember the odds are so very, very in your favor for a totally successful outcome.

Ana Brusso  Margaret, you are strong and gone through a lot, you will have a successful surgery and recovery. ❤️‍🩹 God bless you 🙏❤️

Margaret Fielden  The back brace has gone. Now the mitral valve that caused the fall and three broken vertebrae goes on Saturday morning.  It has to get better!

Kimberly Eisenhut  Margaret,
You will be in my prayers and I know you will do great! We are all right here beside you and chearing you on. Please keep us posted with updates when you can, and know you are thought of with much love and good wishes

Rose Madura  Margaret, I'm glad you feel confident with your decision. It's too bad NHS has let you down.  God bless you on your journey.

Margaret Fielden  Thank you Rose, I trust my surgeon and believe he is part of God's plan for me. I'm sure I will feel anxious but I will be asking for God's peace to get through.

Iona Macintosh   ❤️ good luck 🙏
I was very lucky with NHS I had my replacement mechanical aorta valve in the Golden Jubilee Hospital outside Glasgow! The whole team were absolutely amazing! My 1 year anniversary is on Saturday 21st September 2024.. I’m so blessed ❤️

Margaret Fielden  That is good news Iona, so glad it worked out well for you. Let's face it I'm getting the NHS team but paying for it! Happy anniversary!

Suzette Schear  My sister who is a nurse didn’t want to see me right after surgery. There should be a waiting room that she can stay in.  I was told to tell everyone not to visit right after surgery so I saw my sister and boyfriend the very next day recovering in icu.  Besides being so drugged I wouldn’t realize they were there. They remove the gloves on your hands and some tubing the next day after surgery in icu was not  as alarming. 

Richard Munson  You know your granddaughter better than anyone of course but 15 is not that super young in todays world. If she was 5 or 10 even i personally would worry but not 15, but like i said, you are the best judge of that. In a way, i was lucky during covid. No visitors period. I have 2 grand kids 15 and i think they could handle it. I might want to follow up with another visit soon after once the brunt of the tubes are out. Maybe even show them some pictures of a person right after surgery to be not shocked. 

Thomas Brusstar  I did not want my son, who was 13 at the time, to see me in the ICU.  So I told my wife to wait for the next day when I was in a regular room.  He came at dinner time and helped me eat my dessert.  I put a show we knew on the TV, just to make it more comfortable.  Just be honest with your daughter and say you don't want your granddaughter seeing you until you're awake in the regular room the next day.

Robert Miller  My wife saw me intubated and one nurse supposedly yelled at the other one that my wife should not see me in this state.
Anyways, I think it mostly depends on the character of your granddaughter. In most cases, I think it is perfectly fine that your granddaughter sees you with all the tubes and wires. Our son was just a couple years older than your granddaughter and he was perfectly fine seeing me right out the OR. That's life. Discuss things with them. Tell them it's annoying but doesn't hurt (hopefully). Hopefully they will never have to go through surgery but if they do, this will help them. And maybe they get some appreciation of what medicine can do and get inspired by it. 

Margaret Fielden  Thank you all for your help. Funnily enough my grandson, her brother, is studying medicine at Cambridge. He will be more used to the tubes etc.  I will talk with  my granddaughter and see how she feels about her capable Grandma being seen when not at her best! Next day I'm more likely to know she's there, by the sounds of your experiences, which may be better for us both.

Rita Savelis  This is probably your granddaughter's decision to make. If she doesn't want to go into ICU, there are waiting rooms. Everyone has a different capacity of looking at things. At the same time I was so out of it in ICU that I didn't really feel like seeing anyone at all. Way too exhausted. Those who visit often need to see you more than you need to see them... 

Margaret Fielden  I agree Rita that in ICU I'm not likely to want visitors and that they may need to check I'm still here for their peace of mind.  Jim Davis says, in his Utube series about Open Heart Surgery, that in ICU you don't want to be trying to give care to your family at that time, just to heal. I will talk to my family about what we can all handle.

Susan Lynn  I requested that my husband and sister not see me while intubated. There are a lot of machines and tubes, but most are removed in a day or two. I worried about unnecessarily traumatizing my family, too. Make the decision that's right for you.

Margaret Fielden  Thank you Susan, My husband knows the score and is planning just to check I'm still here and leave me to  the professional care. In the next day or so afterwards I hope I will be pleased to see them all for a short visit! Normally, I work too hard to please everyone, my problem but hard to change.

Rose Madura  Everyone is different Margaret. If you don't want your granddaughter to see you like that, that's your call in my opinion. You are the patient.

BRENDA JUNIEL  my 15 yr old twin girls seen me after surgery with my husband there dad. My husband told me they took it really hard emotional and when came home we talked about everything and with prayer they are understanding the process of my recovery. Prayer and communication helped our family. They were by my side and at each visit to visit  my cardiac surgeon. 

Maggie Ma  My husband took a couple of photos for me at ICU just post surgery. I didn’t look at it myself until three months post surgery 😅 ( don’t want to impact myself emotionally during my recovery)

Chris Hall  My wife wanted no one to be with her either time. Since my surgery this time was done over 2 days she got to see me all hooked up. She said it was crazy.

Suzette Schear  So sorry Margaret.   It’s sometimes hard to see objectively  as your surgeon does.  Especially when you don’t feel great and have been told and feel aware of all the things they tell you are wrong.  Hopefully you trust your surgeon ,  there are times where they won’t do surgery.  It’s fearful but for me I just believe in God and trust in the process.  

Robert Miller  I am not familiar with such a situation but if the surgeon thinks the surgery doesn't bring more benefits than not doing the surgery, he most likely wouldn't do it. Considering your significant osteoporosis, have you discussed 1) minimal invasive surgery where they don't cut the bone and/or 2) using a metal plate to afix the rib bones? I have no idea if those are options for you but maybe it's something to discuss. 

Yumiko Ishida  You can do it, Margaret! My mother had severe osteoporosis when her valve was replaced in her late 70s. Her heart is doing great and her bones are fine 10+ years later. My osteoporosis is mild but I have joint issues, so I got physical therapy before my valve replacement and as soon as I was cleared to resume it post surgery. I think it’s called physiotherapy in the UK? Cardiologists and heart surgeons are clueless about anything that does not directly involve the heart, at least mine were, so I went directly to the physical therapist. You may need a referral from your primary care physician. I, too, look younger than my age and my surgeon thought I won’t need cardiac rehab, but I knew I could benefit from it, so I asked my cardiologist to prescribe it. Because of the miscellaneous joint issues (foot, lower back, shoulder), my cadio is limited, so my recovery has been slow, but it is improving!

Margaret Fielden  Thank you, I am trying to trust my surgeon and I do trust God whatever the outcome. I am not a candidate for minimally invasive sadly because the valve is too damaged. I did ask for that! I have a nurse appointment next Monday so I sent ahead some questions I have about options for closing the sternum with severe osteoporosis. I believe there are options used when the bone doesn't  have good density. I saw the fixed plate on this site so maybe that is an option. Spinal surgery wasn't possible in February when I lost conciousness through lack of oxygen and fractured two spinal vertebrae. At present a broken rib, where my bra dug, in makes me concerned that spreading the ribs will have unwanted consequences!

Yumiko Ishida  I was told the minimally invasive approach is higher risk, especially for those of us with weaker bones. To access your heart the surgeon needs to pry your ribs apart, so you may end up with unintended broken ribs. In the traditional method, the cut in the sternum is intentional and controlled. 

Margaret Fielden  Good to hear about the physical therapy Yumiko. I am seeing my primary care doctor today to arrange this. My spinal surgeon last week wanted to know why I hadn't  had any physiotherapy following the spinal fractures, so hopefully this will start before the operation on October 5th! I had cardiac rehabilitation for my heart failure and loved it so I will ask to do it again. Like you I had limitations, but the benefits were so good. Slow but sure. It is very encouraging to hear that your Mother had valve surgery at my age with severe osteoporosis and is doing well so many years later. That is such good news.Thank you

Richard Munson  All this talk about rib prying vs. sternum sawing and wanted to put in a good word about minimally invasive. I had it and happy i did. Not sure if they pried my ribs apart but i did see a tire jack in the operating room. I figured my surgeon had a flat. 

Marie Myers  It took me almost a year go get back to sleeping better. I think for me, part of the problem is just getting older. The other part is life’s problems have a way of getting more complicated. All that has a negative effect on sleep, for sure…

Rita Savelis  Insomnia comes and goes. And can get worse with age. Worrying about yr heart before surgery can certainly cause insomnia. And then, unfortunately, it can be hard to sleep for 6 weeks or so after surgery. But eventually things tend to get better. Sleep meds can help, used occasionally, because your body needs sleep. I feel for you. It's awful to lie awake in the middle of the night.

Margaret Fielden  Well, I have the age issue! My general doctor prescribed sleeping tablets, but five nights a week to avoid habituation. I do sleep better with them but the worries can break through the sleep aid. I want the surgery over so that worry is out of the way. Thank you

Suzette Schear  Sleeping was hard for me .  My had an air conditioning that was background noise and breathing was hard for me so when I went to sleep I propped myself up.  It helped me.  I also listened to meditation sleeping stories on  you tube . Or just sleep meditation .  I would also read to keep my brain occupied before going to sleep

Margaret Fielden  I like the noise of air conditioning too, I suppose it's white noise. I've tried having music playing. Distraction certainly helps

Marie Myers  I was happy that my husband was there with me for the first 2 weeks. Lots of little things, like taking care of meals ( takeout), driving me to appointments, reaching for things that I couldn’t reach for, and of course companionship.  There is also the no lifting more than 10 pounds. I was emotionally all over the place, so it was good having someone there. You could go to a rehab facility if you cannot find someone. Personally, I would hire an aide before going to a rehab, but that is me…

Suzette Schear  I agree with Marie said. I stayed at my boyfriends house for approximately 51 days.  I could have left sooner but chose not to .  The biggest thing was not being able to drive and sitting in the recliner a lot. When you leave the hospital makes sure you’re steady before releasing you.  I was able to do things but was more aware of my movement and did things slower.  That was my experience.  Every journey is different.  

Maggie Ma  My husband is busy always at work. But he stayed in hospital with me first 5 days post surgery and first week at home with me. I would say two weeks at least as well. First week at home you won’t be able to take care of yourself independently. It’s also helpful mentally 

Robert Miller  I assume with "mature" you mean age. Being older makes recovery a bit harder. But my surgeon told me that most people get this surgery in their 70s. I know there are many that get it in their 20s, 40s, 50s, etc. But he said people in their 70s still recover well. It's more about the general health condition. In any case, no matter your age or condition, you want to be prepared for the recovery. Check out the learning center.
https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/learning-center.php

Margaret Fielden  Thank you all. I'm thinking of getting someone to help for two weeks and perhaps help with cleaning after that. I'm being a scaredy cat! I am 77 with heart failure and health issues picked up over the years so I don't  feel fighting fit going into surgery. However, I will do my best to follow guidelines. The sugery may be frightened forward which gives me less time  to worry!

Suzette Schear  Glad you’re getting help you shouldn’t go through this alone- see if insurance covers care.  You have a safety net with this group, you’re not alone in your thoughts or fears.  We are all on this website for the same reason . 

Suzette Schear  There are places that deliver in home meals for free.  Maybe the hospital can put you in touch with patient advocate services for you.  There  is only one of you and you are special, pulling out savings stinks but the rainy day has come.  Churches and hospitals can sometimes help keep in touch

Margaret Fielden  We have the National Health Service. I haven't seen a cardiologist on the NHS after being diagnosed with heart failure 2 1/2years ago in Greece, still waiting. My op is private and taking all my savings.  If I wait for the NHS it could be too long!! I have found a good Carers service so I will book one week with extended care possible. It is the rainy day fund!

Robert Miller  May I ask how much this is projected to cost? You don't have to answer at all. I am just curious what something like that costs in the UK. 

Margaret Fielden  Hi Robert, Because I have surgery on two valves now it is likely yo be around £35,000.  A lot of money! 

Rose Madura  Hi Margaret, welcome to the site. It's normal to be scared.  I wonder if your anger is due to lack of sleep. It's a possibility. I'd reach out to your doctor to see if he/she can prescribe something to help you sleep.  Also, think positively. People go through these surgeries with success every day.  It's no fun but definitely doable.  Godspeed.

Anna Rakowicz  Welcome Margaret, you are not alone in how you’re feeling. I think it’s normal to feel a little shell shocked, as this is a major surgery. I take a little anti-anxiety medication when it becomes overwhelming. But at least you have a date and can now look forward to getting on the other side of this, and you will!! ❤️

Margaret Fielden  Thank you Rosa and Anna, I have been thinking of asking for some medication. Sleep is a problem and I am pretty anxious a lot of the time. The need for valve surgery did come as a shock. I need to feel more confident that I can get through the surgery and recovery. As you say these operations take place every day. Thank you again.

Yumiko Ishida  Hi, Margaret! Once I had a surgery date, I tried to focus on doing what I can in preparation of the recovery period. It could be overwhelming, but it kept my mind occupied.

Are you getting physical therapy for your spinal injuries? If not, get some, and with the help of your physical therapist come up with an exercise you can do post valve surgery. Most people on this site just walk, but that’s not practical for some of us.

If you want to try anti anxiety meds, I would talk to your neurologist first. I have low blood pressure and a history of stroke, so I don’t do well with drugs that act on the nervous system. Deep breathing is a necessity post surgery, but it’s helpful pre surgery, too.

Robert Miller  It's difficult news when you are being told you need open heart surgery. To put the bad news first, all the wires and tubes after the surgery are a hassle and a complete recovery will take you at least a few months. But look at the bright side. This is a rather common surgery. When you go into surgery, you are surrounded by trained hospital staff. During surgery, there will be two surgeons and several assistance. After surgery, you will have a heart monitor and in the unlikely case something happens, nurses and doctors can react on VERY short notice. Frankly, I never felt more safe than after my 2 open heart surgeries. And you add MANY more years to your life with this surgery. Except for the few months after surgery, it's all for the better. 

Rita Savelis  I had my aortic and mitral valves replaced with mechanical valves and my tricuspid repaired in 2015. Recovery was long and I was exhausted for a long time. Each person's experience is singular and different. Anger is normal and wondering why did your body let you down? Fear is normal - who knows what your recovery will be like? Sleep issues are rampant in the general population, let alone someone who has a big worry. Everything you are experiencing is so normal. It's hard. Pre-surgery is hard, post-surgery is hard. And then you get through it. One day at a time. And your experience is unique to you, so noone else's will match yours. You are stronger than you think. Breathe. Talking to a therapist can help. Sleep meds can help. Being vocal and honest, as you are being here, can be helpful. Keep sharing.

Pamela Gregory  I agree with everything everyone has said as a response. Waiting for surgery almost sent me over the edge! Recovery is no walk in the park but my mind was going to horrible places and honestly it was no where near as bad as I thought it would be. You can do this

Susan Lynn  Welcome, Margaret. All of your symptoms are easily explained. You're going through the most difficult part of heart surgery right now - waiting. You'll go through a range of emotions between now and game day! They're totally normal! By the time your surgery rolls around, you'll be ready to put it behind you. You can ask your surgeon to move up your date if there's an open spot. Everything in this process is completely doable - don't over think it. All you need to do is show up - your surgeon and team will take care of everything else! You can do this!

Sue Maize  You’ve come to the right place Margaret, lots of encouragement in this community and A LOT of shared experience. 😊💕I’ve never experienced anything quite like the gamut of emotions I had in the months leading up to my surgery, especially a few days before.  I was tired, lethargic, but also sleep deprived often, went through some stretches of depression, lots of anxiety, especially  in the beginning when i was just trying to take it all in. But then I also had moments when I felt truly at peace and grateful that I was going to be much better on the other side of surgery—it’s truly incredible what these surgeons can do! 
 This group has been an absolute God-send. Ask anything. ❤️‍🩹🙏🏻

Chris Hall  We've all felt that way. This site is the place to be with lots of folks who have been through or going through what you're going through. I'm having my second surgery Tues and after going through it once my anxiety  level is low. You'll do great!  See you in recovery

Grace Mason   Welcome Margaret. You are not alone in your feelings.
I asked for help, from my regular GP, to deal with my anxiety and sleeplessness before surgery. 
The anxiety before surgery can be difficult, for sure.

BRENDA JUNIEL  Welcome Margaret yes very normal and on the day of surgery I had faith in God and was happily ready to get my sugery after 2 cancelatios. I am 7 weeks postop OHS and went back to work this week! Praying for you and it's okay to be emotionally scared!! You got this!

Maggie Ma  Margaret, I was scared as well at beginning. With my experience of OHS, I found OHS wasn’t as bad as what I thought at all. Now I’m 2.5 months post surgery. I’m stronger and better than before. Not only my life becomes normal again, I can also do daily workout with even higher intensity vs pre-surgery now. There are so many successful stories in this community. There is still quite some time to your surgery day, focus on getting yourself prepared for that day -routine exercise to get your body prepared for a quick recovery 

Margaret Fielden  Thank you all so much for your encouragement and help. I do appreciate your answers. Hearing your experiences is so important. Goodness, you can feel so alone facing such major surgery. For some of you more than once, you are very courageous. I will try to get my act together and eat well and exercise as best I can with my spinal injury. It has to be better to go into surgery in as good condition as possible. God bless you all