Michael's Journal

Marie Myers  I did not have panic attacks, but I did have trouble sleeping since my aneurysm diagnosis last fall. I asked my primary care doc for a sleeping pill, and he gave me temazepam 15 mg. It helped a lot.
Since my surgery 3 months ago, I am back to normal. Reading all these stories helped me as well. It was comforting to know how many people made it through such a big surgery. Hope things get better for you! It is not the easiest thing to remain calm at all times...

Michael Carbone  Marie thank you so much. No it is not. Some days I'm shorter on breath than others it is strange. I am good somedays and not others. I am getting to the point that I just want it done! ?Good to hear that you are doing better and have it behind you. It is always so nice to hear when the good folks on here return to good health!!! Many thanks, I will look into this med for sure.
Mike

Matt Sheffield  It's natural to have these feelings. My feelings only lasted about five days. Went in for an angiogram on Thursday and had the surgery on Tuesday, my mind didn't get a chance to wander as much as it likes to. Know you're in the best hands possible. 67 is also young. It would be different if you were 87. Take it easy for the next month or two, but live life to the fullest. You're alive, so live. You'll get through the surgery too. I had my mechanical valve replaced and aortic aneurysm repaired. There's a verse in the Bible that says, "Who can add a single hour to their life by worrying." It's in Matthew 6, so true. Have some fun and do some fun stuff. You're going to do great.

Matt Sheffield  It's natural to have these feelings. My feelings only lasted about five days. Went in for an angiogram on Thursday and had the surgery on Tuesday, my mind didn't get a chance to wander as much as it likes to. Know you're in the best hands possible. 67 is also young. It would be different if you were 87. Take it easy for the next month or two, but live life to the fullest. You're alive, so live. You'll get through the surgery too. I had my mechanical valve replaced and aortic aneurysm repaired. There's a verse in the Bible that says, "Who can add a single hour to their life by worrying." It's in Matthew 6, so true. Have some fun and do some fun stuff. You're going to do great.

Cathleen Weed  Hi Michael, Have you spoken to your doctor about this? Sleep is so important and you want to be well rested for this journey. Although I wouldn't normally recommend a sleeping pill prescription, I think in your case it's worth looking into because if you lose too much sleep your anxiety is going to get worse and worse. Sleep and good rest should be a priority right now. You can speak with your doctor about a low-dose of something to help you get through the nights until your surgery. ❤️

Rita Savelis  So sorry that you are going through this, a very normal reaction to upcoming surgery. Be vocal with doctors about what you are feeling and hopefullyyou can get the prescriptions you need to help you sleep or make it through anxiety. Talk to a therapist. Just because you've been through this before doesn't make it easier. I certainly needed someone to talk to beforehand and afterwards It's not like cardiologists or surgeons have the time to hear you out on all that you are experiencing. Take care Michael.

Shefali Mehra  I went through a similar phase pre-op, I suggest you see a psychologist for emotional support and remember that it is all for the better.

Michael Carbone  Matt,
Thank you so much for your words!!! And for reminding me of some important things. You are the best. I trust you are doing well!!!
Mike

Rose Madura  Hi Michael. I'm sorry to hear this. But be encouraged that in the past 17 years, I'm certain the medical field has made many improvements so this surgery will be as uneventful as the last one. I'm sure you will be fine.

Cathleen Weed  Hi 😊 Definitely been there, done that! You'll do great. Your body has memory and will know how to heal quickly ❤️.

Michael Carbone  I'm scheduled for my surgery August 28. Until then was told to stay active and eat lots of protein! I think my AI is fairly significant. So its fix time.

Michael Carbone  Surgery over 4 weeks out. I was in the OR for nearly 12 hours. But so far so good! Dr Bravaria is tops. It was a very big surgery .