Hayden's Journal

So today has been 10 days since the day of my surgery. I came home Tuesday. Unbelievably I was only in the hospital for 5 days. The pain is getting better but I am still very tired. It's amazing how I can't get through my day at home without taking a little nap. The doctors says it's normal and that I have to be patient. I have gotten my pain pills too a manageable number and only take the narcotics to help sleep. It's really amazing how my body will just wake up so on key when the narcotic wears off. Everyday is different, some are better then others. But everyday is getting better. Believe it or not I tend to have more of a pain in my neck, back, and shoulders at times then I do in my chest. I'm also been hearing this clicking/popping noise in my chest. The doctors say to watch it and if it gets worst or if I start to get trouble breathing with it to let them know. They say it's either just cartilage or it could be the chest bone not setting properly. But they say it's too early to tell. And that I just really have to be aware of not using my upper body. They did an echo the day I was discharged and they say my heart has already gotten smaller about 1cm then before the surgery but unfortunately the heart isn't beating to normal capacity yet. They say they think it will though. I go in for another echo Tuesday. I will keep you all posted!!!!!

So today is post op day 3. I'll be honest the pat few days since Thursday have very rough. I've been getting barely any sleep. A lot of it has to do with the spleeping position on the bed and chair. I am fighting through. The doctors say my recovery has been incredible. I was out of the ICU in under 18 hours. the best news of all is that they were about to save my valve so no mechanical for me. I was not the xpecting to be in as much as in am. But the doctors say it's normal. I will keep you all posted.

We'll I didn't get much sleep last night which was expected. I'm writing this as I'm sitting in the room at mass general. I'm all checked in and they say I should be getting taken to the OR within the hour. It's been a long 4 months. And I'm ready to get this done and move forward. I'm ready to take this on full steam. Thank you for the support from everyone here it certainly has helped. I'll keep you all posted.

Surgery is this Thursday. I woke up yesterday and today feeling congested and a stuffy nose. I called my surgeons office first thing this morning and I am waiting to hear back. I spoke to a nurse practitioner who made it sound like they are more concerned if I have a fever associated with it or if it turns into a full blown cold. They say to continue as planned and wait to hear from them again today by noon. My surgery has already been rescheduled once and I'm hoping they don't have to do it again. Besides that I feel as I've turned a corner somewhat. I am feeling confident in my doctors and am ready to take this on full steam ahead. Finishing up my last couple days at work before we will go to Boston Wednesday night and be at the hospital Thursday morning at 8.

Had my pre-op visit yesterday. Met with my surgeons NP and the anesthesiologist. We did all my testing yesterday as well. And I think being under 2 weeks away from surgery it's starting to sink in that this is indeed happening. I'm sure that's going to become more of a reality every day now until the day of. I have all the confidence in the world in my team of doctors but I am Still very nervous about the whole thing which is acceptable I think. I have great support from my family and friends but there is definitely something different about coming to this site and talking to people who are actually going through this same type of thing. And for that I'm greatful

I am glad I joined here. Reading all your stories is really helping me with all that's been going on since October for me. Still very nervous but this site makes me feel better.