Hi Jack,
I just read your journal and have so many questions. You went back to work in 5 weeks? Doing what? Also, I\'m so confused about the mechanical valve ...Read more
Hi Jack,
I just read your journal and have so many questions. You went back to work in 5 weeks? Doing what? Also, I\'m so confused about the mechanical valve now. You made a great arguement against it because of the meds.....I chose it because I only want to go through this surgery once. Oh, man....so confused now.
My surgery is in 2 weeks.
Sheila Garrison
Apple Valley, CA
I think it is important that you put the kind of valve in that you are comfortable with. Looking back, even with a couple of problems I had, I made the right deicision for me to go with a bovine valve. I am drug free and can do what I want without the fear of bleeding severely in case of an accident or other needed surgery. Both my surgeon and cardiologist are hopeful in 15 years, when my valve wears out, they will be able to do the replacement by catherization.
A big decison maker for me was I have a fellow employee that has a mechanical valve and he had to have it replaced after 12 years or so.
yes, I was back at work after 5 weeks doing light duty task. I am upper management so I can go at my own pace.
Sorry to hear about your uncomfortable plight and yes, that drain tube removal was one the low points of my hospital stay. Now its on to the recovery road and ...Read more
Sorry to hear about your uncomfortable plight and yes, that drain tube removal was one the low points of my hospital stay. Now its on to the recovery road and there you will find great comfort in knowing your body\'s healing power. I am 8 weeks post op and all systems are a go for me as I\'m sure they will be for you.
Terry T.
Wow! Those were some serious setbacks, but after just 5 weeks you\'re allowed to go back to work! Remarkable. Best of luck and continue to heal.
Terry C.
Well Jack, I am happy to both hear you are alive and well and that you posted your story!
I can honestly say that I don\'t envy what happened to you. I am ...Read more
Well Jack, I am happy to both hear you are alive and well and that you posted your story!
I can honestly say that I don\'t envy what happened to you. I am reading so many bad stories on this website of post op depression, personality changes, and complications with infections and further surgeries, I seriously wonder if it\'s all worth it.
When I see the technology in having the 10 minute Edwards valve installed, I can\'t quite understand why we can\'t have that for everyone NOW!
If I had a choice, I\'d go Edwards instead of having my heart and lungs shut off and a cracked sternum.
Thanks again Jack for your efforts in reporting back so soon after my request.
Sincere best wishes for a 30+ years of super health!
Darren
Congrats Jack! Can you please take the time to let me know in detail how things went for you from the time you entered the pre-op room until your 1st day back ...Read more
Congrats Jack! Can you please take the time to let me know in detail how things went for you from the time you entered the pre-op room until your 1st day back at work? Your particular scenario is very close to mine and my anxiety level is through the roof.
Sincere Best Wishes,
Darren in Canada
Jack:
Congrats on making the decision. I also have a bovine valve, and Friday will be 3 months. I had a bit or periocarditis the first few weeks, but that ...Read more
Jack:
Congrats on making the decision. I also have a bovine valve, and Friday will be 3 months. I had a bit or periocarditis the first few weeks, but that went away with ibuprofen. Expect to get SOMETHING that\'s a side effect, and don\'t get depressed when it happens. VERY best of luck on the 28th. Let us know whenever you can, or have a relative post for you.
Terry C.
Hi,
I am 3 weeks post op today and looking back have some very fresh impressions as to what helps a patient. 1- Remind them lovingly to use their spirometer. ...Read more
Hi,
I am 3 weeks post op today and looking back have some very fresh impressions as to what helps a patient. 1- Remind them lovingly to use their spirometer. 2- get them anything their little heart desires food wise because my appetite was nonexistent until about day 5 then I was starving. 3- get a heat pack (I use a microwaveable one) for the stiff back and neck pain when you get home. 4- invest in one of those long body pillows to help the patient get in a comfortable position for sleeping which is quite a challenge. 5- take the stool softener if you are on a prescription pain med. 6- purchase several comfy tops/shirts that button up the front--over the head is not the way to go the first few weeks.
That\'s about it, other than rest up and take care of yourself.
Merry Christmas!
Nancy H.
Hi Jack, interesting reading your entry and others opinions. I just turned 60 have had 3 open heart congenital surgeries, 30\'s hole repaired, 40\'s mitral ...Read more
Hi Jack, interesting reading your entry and others opinions. I just turned 60 have had 3 open heart congenital surgeries, 30\'s hole repaired, 40\'s mitral valve repair and 59 this past Aug mitral mechanical valve. I really did not have a choice as numerous surgeons throughout the years reminded me no one wanted to reopen my chest again due to the amount of scar tissue in the chest and the heart itself. Sooo mechanical it was, Coumadin levels up and down, readjust dosage and I do have an INR meter for home use. Although I was until this past surgery a very active person and hope to be soon, avid swimmer, snorkeler, traveler, I do not dwell on the decision that was out of my hands. My personal opinion and with many years of nursing experience as well, every surgery has its risks. I find sometimes Dr\'s minimize oh you will be fine and in 15 yrs won\'t hesitate about another valve. After 3 sternotomies and each time being 10 or so yrs older, it is a big deal. I am just grateful to be alive. The clicking is intermittent and the least of any issue. Sounds like you have made a decision based on many resources, so far ahead of the game in having control of your well thought out decision. Take care and I wish you the best.
Susan V NC
I am from: Jackson, Mississippi
