Good Morning Pat
It's not unusual to have what I call scattered thoughts in the days before surgery. Your mind is processing a lot of things. Maybe as a thought comes into your head, write it down immediately and after a few days you will have a pretty complete list. Try not to obsess about it as the stress is not good. If a few "minor" things don't get done, so what? Life goes on and so will you. Prayers from FL.
Fran

Dear Pat,

I wish there was something I could do to help ease your fears and bring you comfort... Please keep knowledge that we are all here for you and sending our prayers your way. I agree that you seem like a fighter and will find that you're stronger than you think. I like what Susan told you about writing daily affirmations and I see Joy recommended relaxation and guided imagery and hope you will give this a try, too. Keep faith in God and your medical team - they are well equipped to get you through this. Please be sure to let us know exactly what day your surgery will be. If you want to speak directly, please feel free to call me @ 410-398-1416. Think positive thoughts... You are continually in my thoughts and prayers.

Kellie

Your surgery date is drawing near and I know
that you are getting anxious. Try to relax and know that the help of your friends and
the prayers from all of us will give you the
knowledge that we are there for you. May God be your "refuge and your strength"(Psalm 46)
After the surgery you are going to feel so
much stronger and healthier and what a day of
rejoicing that will be! So my dear, take care
and know that I love U, Aunt Rene

Hang tough my friend. You are not the only one going through what you will be. Trust in your doctors and the Man above to get you through it all. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Keep us up to date. We are all here for you.
Diana

Pat, you seem like a fighter and I know from your posts this has thrown you for a loop. Please know I am pulling for you up here in the Bluegrass. BELIEVE in your abilty to heal even when it seems too tough to think about. Good Luck and positive thoughts to you.

Hi Pat. Once you do process all that information, you might try some guided relaxation tapes & visualizing a successful outcome to your surgery. The calmer you are going into this, the fewer stress hormones you'll have in your body & that's a good thing. You've got a talented surgeon, you'll be in a highly rated hospital, you've got all of us at HVJ behind you as well as the rest of your personal support group. Lots of pluses. Joy

Hi Pat
Your heart felt entries are very touching, it is important to verbalize your feelings but keep a very positive outlook. Sometimes a daily journal of writing each day 7 gratitudes is very helpful and therapeutic. Let me know if there is anything I can do and keep up the "no smokes" your lungs will thank you
Susan V

Hi Pat,
You just hang in there and you'll be just fine. HVJ is an amazing place, and I have been blessed myself to have found it. I was really terrified before surgery and I would come here to get comfort, to share, and realize that what I'm experiencing and feeling was all normal. Even after surgery, it has been a great comfort. And I have been blessed with new friends here on HVJ.
Diana

Hi Pat,
You just hang in there and you'll be just fine. HVJ is an amazing place, and I have been blessed myself to have found it. I was really terrified before surgery and I would come here to get comfort, to share, and realize that what I'm experiencing and feeling was all normal. Even after surgery, it has been a great comfort. And I have been blessed with new friends here on HVJ.
Diana

My Dearest Cousin.....Lorene has shared this website with me, I hope you don't mind. I want you to know how very special you are Pat and I know you are scared but turn it over to God and he will get you through this. Please know I am praying for you and I know everything will be OK.

Elaine Heinzke-Hennig

Hi Pat. Ricki's right - Fran is always right. I'm happy to know that you are taking her advice. You've received some difficult news lately so it's only natural that you'd be feeling down as you process it all. That inner strength that has helped you not reach for a cigarette will serve you well in the days ahead. I think you already know that you are in my thoughts. Joy

Hi Pat
Well, if making you feel guilty and that helps then I don't feel so bad. I have been feeling maybe I shouldn't have said what I did. But I hit the submit button and it was on its' way! Now you know there are a lot of special people here on the HVJ who care about you and I know your lungs will clear up enough for the anesthesia okay, you'll have your surgery and have it all behind you and on your way to a healthy heart (and lungs).
Fran

Frans always right. Listen to her!!

I know it's tough not to smoke but that's the way it needs to be for you to survive. (That's how my dad quit a 4 pack a day habit cold turkey - a medical issue scared him into it.) Look at it as the silver lining of your heart problem . . . you'll be a non-smoker with a healthier heart when this is all over.

Good luck!!!
Ricki Shine

Dearest Pat, A blessing for encouragement:
May you know the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ today. Let His spirit overshadow and consume you. I pray that it gives you strength and courage in everything... My scripture for you today is
Psalms 139, because you are so special to Him and to us. Take care and in touch.
Love and blessings, Aunt Rene

Pat, I'm so sorry you received such negative news & hope the medications work to improve things for the surgery. I'll be hoping for the very best for you. Joy

Pat
With that load of meds you've got to see an improvement. Know you will never smoke another cigarette, right?
Fran

Good Lord, Pat!! Thank goodness your doctor sent you to the pulmonary specialist!! Be sure to follow his instructions to the "T". My prayers are with you that this round of treatment works for you.

Kellie

All you can do Pat, is to take one day at a time. Do what they tell you. You have a couple of weeks to get the inflammation down and help improve things. Diana

Hi Pat. Hope you were able to get in touch with your doctor & are feeling better by now. Take care, Joy

Hi Pat
Stay healthy for your surgery later this month. Delays can be frustrating. Hope you're doing some kind of relaxation/visual imagery to help yourself. How's the not smoking program working? Only good thoughts going your way. Like your new photo.
Fran

Hi Pat,
Hope that you were able to get a hold of your doctor. Could be some kind of bug, but better to get checked out anyway.
Feel better,
Diana

Hi Pretty Lady,
Sorry you haven't been feeling so well the past few days, and I'm sorry that I haven.t been as much help as I could and should be. I will try to not sleep so long on Saturdays.....I love You, Tod

Hi Pat,

First, please do not ever feel the need to appologize about how you're feeling. To be honest with you, I was a complete basket case before surgery and I think everyone understood how scary this was for me.

Second, I'm sorry to hear that your test results were not what you were hoping for. But, I am happy that they are referring you to the specialist for clearance. What's to come may not be easy but I agree with the others that you'll find you are stronger than you think.

Sending special prayers your way.
Kellie

Hi Pat. Dr. Dewan & Dr. Oswalt are the senior guys at the practice so we both got the most experienced surgeons. When I initially picked Dr. Oswalt, my mom tried to talk me into switching to Dr. Dewan because she had a friend who was so impressed with him. Apparently her friend traveled from Abiline to Austin for him to do her heart valve surgery. I'd already bonded with Dr. Oswalt by then but I hope you will be reassured by my mom's friend's recommendation.

I'm happy to help in any way I can. You can contact me via the guestbook here or my e-mail address is yogaessence1@aol.com. My home phone here in Georgetown is 512-863-4978. I hope you are staying dry with all this crazy rain. We've had well over 10 inches since yesterday here at the house! Take care - Joy

Hi Pat
Great question and I do not mind any question that I may be able to answer. As far as the incision. I am fortunate that I do not scar easily or develop Keloid tissue. So I my other scar was very flat and fine. Yes the same location except longer and because I had lost so much weight in last 6 months the wires were somewhat protruding visabiliy under the skin surface. This time he had to revise the upper portion and form a sm gathered tissue size of a penny that is permanent. Believe me I am a girly girl, love attractive clothing etc, make up. Thus far I am covering with a non stick telfa pad when I am wearing tank tops and I am so over cosmetic appearance, I am just grateful to be alive. There is a video that I think you might like on the left side, scroll down to valve replacement videos view the Dr one when he talks about appearance being the least of our worries, which I totally agree with. In the great scheme of life once this is behind you, you will be a better, stronger person. Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with along your journey.
Susan V

Pat,
We all went through the same thing your going through. Its all part of processing what you will going through. But, be assured the doctors know what they are doing, and you will wonder what in the world you were so leary of when its all said and done. I know that I did. Now, looking back at it, 14 weeks ago, I realize now that I was my worst enemy. I have so much more energy now then I did before my surgery. And it just keeps getting better each and every day. I still have my ups and downs, but there are more ups then downs. I just had a down day the last 2 days. But, today, I'm feeling better. Took a nice walk in the woods with the dogs and was able to walk the hills and inclines with no trouble at all. It was wonderful! Think positive, the power of positive thinking goes a long long way to getting through all this. We are all here for you.
Diana

Pat
We all have experienced to some extent or another fears, questions and apprehensions, sometimes more than others and sometimes some moments more that others. None if this is a piece of cake, but you would be amazed as to how strong you really are. Sometimes it is all very overwelming, however it is so important to be confident in your providers and your amount of strength emotionally and physically. Do you have a support network? Have you inquired with your providers or nurses of any available professionals that you might have a chat with. I see that Kellie mentioned me in her note to you, 3X open heart for me. Courage, faith, confidence all entered into the peacefulness I felt this time, and this was the most difficult for surgeons. Hang in there talk to those that have gone through the process. Thinking of you.
Susan V

Hello Pat! Kellie is right. You should overcome your fears, it won't help,it will create stress that will aggravate your condition. I am also waiting for the date of my surgery hopefully before the 15th of September. As of now, I am completely ready, with all the positive thoughts and most of all, I am submitting everything to the LORD, don't be scared, everything will be just fine. God bless!

Letty Aguila Paz

Hi Pat,

I don't know whether or not you've gotten all your test results back yet, and I can only identify with your fears. I did not question how long I could live the way I was. I only knew that I was not ready to just give in to my condition. I would encourage you to read or speak to Susan V. She is a 3 time Open Heart Surgery survivor!!! I will pray for peace of mind for you.

God bless,
Kellie

It's good to hear you ordered Adam's book. When I was doing a lot of researches in the internet about my forthcoming surgery, aortic valve replacement, I felt more scared, until I found Adam's book. I ordered it and would you believe, I read the whole book for only half a day because of my great enthusiasm with the book! I have instant relief of my worries and answers to my questions. That book is my best weapon for the surgery,above all of course, is my strong FAITH that whatever happens, it is according to GOD's will. I am very positive I can make it. Hope you will also feel the same!

Letty Aguila Paz - Philippines

Hi Pat,

I am glad you decided to order Adam's book. It was the best investment I made in preparing myself for surgery. I then passed it on to someone else I heard will be having an upcoming surgery. My prayers are with you.

Kellie

Hello again Pat
I did enjoy the book and a few family members looked at sections of it as well. You will love this site daily I find the support so reassuring. Do you have a local supprt system @ home?
Susan V

Hello again Pat,
My Dad has COPD, too. He had a lung function test done about 2 years ago. The test was very easy to do and caused no discomfort at all. The best thing you can do to help with your COPD is to stop smoking as soon as you can. It won't cure it, but sure would make a big difference in your lung capacity. I'm not going to preach to you, that's not my intention. I've been trying to talk my Dad into quitting, but at age 81, I'm not about to change his habit any time soon. He says he enjoys it. He knows what he needs to do, just isn't ready to do it just yet, if ever.
One thing I forgot to mention to my last post was take your own toothpaste. My experience was the toothpaste the hospital provides is like brushing your teeth with hemorroid cream. Not tasty at all. You'll find your appetite will be nonexistent for a while. My appetite didn't return for several weeks after surgery. If I think of anything else, and I'm sure I will, I'll post for you.
Diana

Hi Pat. I’ll second (third?) the motion & recommend that you read Adam’s book. It gave me my first overview of what to expect. Then, the journals on this site helped me understand the specifics of what others had experienced. So, the book & the journals – lots of information, reassurance & support to be found.

You’ve had quite a bit of advice from others already so I’ll just post my list of what I packed.

Paperwork – anything regarding insurance, medications etc.
Robe
A pad of paper & a pen
Pajamas – I purchased some that button up the front for use at home, but in the hospital, I only used the bottoms with the hospital gown on top
Socks – didn’t use these because the hospital furnished socks with no slip bottoms
Toothpaste & toothbrush
Hair brush & comb
Shampoo – turned out I did not need as the hospital furnished
Reading material
I-pod with headphones (used for relaxation tapes)
For the trip home – underwear, button up shirt, stretch pants, shoes

My experience with the Austin Heart Hospital was a good one & I hope yours is too. The nurses & all of the staff were nice & efficient. The food....well, it was mostly OK, but I'd steer clear of the low sodium chicken noodle soup.

Take care, Joy Vera

Hi Pat,
First, you came to this site, and that is a step in the right direction. Second, like Ricki said, I recommend getting Adam's book. It helped me a great deal on what to expect, as well as my fiance' reading it too, helped him to understand what I was going through and what to expect after surgery.
I packed a bag to take with me to the hospital, and to be honest, I didn't even get it out of the car. The only thing that I did get out of the bag was my robe. I wore that over the hospital gown when I would walk the halls. Everybody is different on how they react after surgery, for me, I don't remember the first 3-1/2 days after surgery. I had mine Wednesday June 2nd, I had a aorta valve replacement and remember little bits and pieces, but really don't remember anything until Saturday, and even then, it was hit or miss. I didn't experience a lot of pain, I had discomfort, but no really pain. Going home I used my heart hug pillow all the way home.
The main thing is to relax. It really isn't all that bad, I found it to be a positive experience all around. The worst part of it all, was the waiting, to be honest. I had myself a mess when I had to have a cath done, and that was a piece of cake totally. Absolutely nothing to be so worked up about at all.
Like Ricki said, v neck T-shirts, something soft works really well after surgery. I found anything that was rough and would rub my incision, or even just rest against it, would drive me batty and was uncomfortable. I'm 13 weeks post surgery and I'm just beginning to wear shirts that I cover my incision without much discomfort. You'll find you'll be the best weather vane for a while. I can predict when weather is going to change, when its going to rain, etc., because I can feel it in my incision.
Like I said before, I honestly didn't experience any pain, just discomfort, which was taken care of with some pain medication. I came off of the percocet they gave me because it would upset my stomach and they put me on Ultram. That did the trick for me and didn't upset my stomach at all.
Good luck to you and feel free to ask any and all question. We all will do what we can to ease your nerves as best we can.
Good luck to you,
Diana

Hi Pat
Well I am a 3 X veteran of sternotomy so for what my most recent mitral valve replacement 4 wks ago here is what I can respond to.
First of all I so know what you are going through as my last surgery was 13 yrs ago with a mitral valve repair with numerous complications I was as you can imagine and totally suprised as I was physcially detoriating for many months that I was facing another journey.
I was much more prepared emotionally, spiritually but not physically this time, This time we chose to remain close to our home you may want to read my story. This experience had no complications with a now no choice mechanical valve other than pain which is not the least of all any sort of a problem in the long run. If I can help you with what I did to prepare let me know we did do specfic steps as we recalled some of the obstacles ie hosp bed delivered prior to hospitilizations,bought a shower chair before leaving for the hosp, ordered button down pj's prior to hosp, made sure I had a sports bra for home, swallowed my pride and for all of those that said they would bring food for weeks I welcomed instead of refused. When my husband said he would take leave from his employer for as long as I needed him I accepted wiht graciousness, when our children offered to come from out of state until I was released from the hosp after 8 days I welcomed their presence, I made sure that when we met with the discharge planner prior to leaving the hosp all the arrangements had been made with insurance co for home health care and home PT as we live 30 miles from the Dr and hosp. All of this totally helped me and one last thing I did I made it clear to friends and neighbors that only when I felt my immune system was up and running and I was not fatigued did I want any visitors, which is now the 4th. Now some and or/all of these suggestions may or may not be helpful to you or any others but all was well worth if for me
Susan V

Hi Pat!

Welcome to HVJ. My best advice as you prepare for surgery and recovery is to read Adam's book. I found it VERY helpful.

Kellie or Kimberly mentioned pjs. Get ones that have a button front in case you can't raise your arms for a while. In the hospital I never wore pjs because I was on large doses of lasix to get the fluid out of my body (I gained 22 pounds post surgery!) so I made MANY trips to the bathroom and pj bottoms would have been a pain. What I did, based on someone's suggestion here, was wear 2 hospital gowns. One the "correct" way with the back open and then another the opposite way (the front open) as sort of a bathrobe. It made walking around more "secure"!

Along the same lines . . . bring pants with an elastic waist to wear when you leave the hospital (thanks Fran for that idea!) and I found button down shirts to be good to wear for a while. Once you can raise your arms (I didn't have a problem with that but others did) I found soft, v-neck t-shirts good to wear. Many of us started to have external discomfort across our chests 2 or 3 weeks after surgery (caused by ribs, muscles, etc. knitting together)and it was uncomfortable to wear anything scratchy. I'm 3 months post surgery and I'm still wearing them much of the time!

Read other people's journals to get an idea about what to expect (although everyone's experience was different) and for helpful hints. Joy will be especially helpful to you because she had her surgery in the same hospital. (I had mine in Cleveland and it was very helpful to hear from others who had been there.)

I think my best advice is - relax! I now it's hard but it's what got me through as easily as possible. Know that you are in good hands and that this kind of surgery has a VERY high success rate. One of the things I feared most was terrible pain. If you read our journals, you'll find that most of us expressed great surprise that we really didn't suffer much pain at all.

Best of luck as you prepare for surgery and feel free to ask as many questions as you have.

Ricki Shine

Hi Pat,

Its great that you now have a date and know what type of valve you'll be getting... that's half the pre-surgery battle. I also took a low dose Xanax as needed the first month or so before surgery for panic attacks.

I was scheduled the same way you are (heart cath day before surgery = sleeping over in hospital). I won't schedule this way next time since you no longer have to lie in bed flat on your back for 6-8 hours after the procedure; now you can be up and out in about 5 hours (but my cardiologist didn't seem to be aware of this).

I have to agree with Kimberly... I rented a recliner for 1 month from Rent-A-Center for a small fee. It was the mechanical kind which lifted you to a standing position with an attached remote. This was my best investment since I couldn't sleep in bed and could not use the lever to raise and lower the sofa recliner. Others on here have also recommended a bed wedge.

I had also arranged to have someone with me for the first 3 weeks when I came home, but ended up having only my husband for the entire first week. Then I had people I just called as needed. But you will need someone to run you around for the first 4 weeks or so until you're doctor releases you to drive.

Right now I will pray for your peace of mind aand strength of spirit.

Kellie

Hi Pat,
I know it is nerve wracking as you wait for surgery. I can still remember asking everyone for tips before my surgery this past June. I couldn't sleep well and it seemed it was all I could think about. Before surgery, I heard many people used meditation tapes(Fran Z. is a good one to talk to about that, I began to write and I was always on here for support and encouragement.Start getting stuff in place because if will be here before you know it.Make sure you have easy access pjs or comfortable clothes-you probably won't wear them in the hospital but will spend a huge amount of time in them once you are home, if you don't have a recliner you may want to look into that because alot of us spent most of the first couple of weeks or more in one. It was the most comfortable position.If you read,stock up on books, although I am an avid reader I found I couldn't really read until after a few weeks due to being so drugged.Do you have a support team there? Let them know what you need and don't be afraid, such as meals, you will need someone to help you change and bathe for a little while, clean, take you to your appts, etc. Pray alot!!! Voice anything on here you think about...that's what it's for. My doctor put me on a low dose of valium a few weeks before my surgery. One thing I found helpful that no one ever mentioned was my own small blanket that a friend of mine made for me. It brought me comfort and warmth in a very cold hospital. The pain will be there but probably not as long as it was 20 years ago...things have come a long way. I know I have rambled. I will be praying for you and look forward to hearing how well you are doing after surgery!
Kimberly S.

Hi Pat,

If you're not at peace with the surgeon you just saw, you might want to think about getting a 2nd surgical opinion.

And, not to be preachy, but you will have to be free from cigarettes for some period of time prior to surgery. You also don't want to be going through withdrawl while you're in the hospital afterward anyway. Have you tried the patch? I was on the patch for a while before I quit completely, but I've now been totally free since 3/5/10. You'll thank yourself afterward! Best of luck!

Kellie

Hi Pat. Welcome to this site. I'm the Joy Vera that Fran made reference to - I live in Georgetown & had my surgery at the Austin Heart Hospital 7/21/10. My surgeon was John (Chip) Oswalt. All of our journals will help you get an idea of what we've gone through with our surgeries & we're all more than happy to answer questions you might have. Take care, Joy Vera

Pat,

Glad to hear you figured out how to use the Journals!

Keep on tickin!

Adam Pick

Pat,
Glad you kept at it and finally made it to this site. You will find it a rewarding source of information and support as you begin your journey. I had a mitral valve repair on 3/2/10 and am doing well. There are many different journals on this site, each unique with our perspective on heart surgery...our choice of surgeon, our pain level, recovery, rehab etc. Please look the journals over and if you have any questions or need a shoulder to lean on, we are all here to support one another.
Theresa C.

Hi Pat,
Welcome to HVJ. I will repeat what the others said that this is an amazing site with amazing people. They have carried me through many stumbling blocks and have never failed to provide encouragement, advice and just "listening". I know you are nervous, we all are at some point but trust your surgeon and God and you will get through and find that you have a family here cheering you on!
Prayers and thoughts are with you,
Kimberly S.

Hi Pat

Welcome to HVJ. You obviously had very good luck with your replacement but it's time for more work and now you will have great support and much more information available to you. In 20 years much has changed and hopefully you will soon get the help you need. Hang in there.

Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Pat
You said you stumbled across this site. Have you read Adam's book yet? Would really recommend you read it. Even though you've been thru this before, a lot of advancements have been made and his book will give you so much info. There is a Joy Vera who recently had valve surgery and lives in the Austin area. Let us know if we can answer questions for you. My surgery was in March, a bovine mitral valve and a tricuspid repair.
Fran

Hi Pat,

Welcome to HVJ! You will find you've come to the right place for information, advice, encouragement, etc. The people on this site are truly special.

My mitral valve was just replaced with a bovine valve on 7/20. I was scared to death, too; you're sure not alone there. I am amazed that your porcine valve has lasted this long (but I'm happy for you that it did).

I will continue to follow your journey and wish you nothing but the best along the way.

Kellie