David's Guestbook

Great advice from Bob. Im taking notes! I also worry about my husband. He is very independant so that isnt an issue, but he is stressed out about me and I feel bad for him. Im hoping he settles down once my surgery is actually scheduled, it is hard for our loved ones to watch us go through this. Good luck and I hope you have a very successful surgery and fast uneventful recovery.

Hi David, I had exactly the same two valve jobs 2 years ago. Here's some nonmedical advice. • The scariest part is before the operation; after recovery, you’ll feel confident and grateful • If they’re going to crack your sternum (mine was), try to work on your leg muscles before surgery, like deep knee bends, so you can get out of bed with just your legs and not using your arms to push up • Bring an Amazon Firestick, Apple TV, tablet, or Roku box to the hospital so you can watch Netflix or something other than the cable TV channels • When you get home and get up in the morning, immediately wash your face, shave, brush your teeth, and put on some comfortable loose clothing – it makes you feel like yourself and not a patient • Get into cardio rehab as soon as your doctor lets you and work hard at it – they’re the ones who put me back together. My wife was there the whole time, with my son too coming in just before the surgery and staying a couple days afterwards. It meant a lot knowing he was there. Once I got home, I was able to do a lot between naps, could feed and dress myself with no problem and with a grab bar and chair in the shower (only for a couple weeks) bathe myself. So my wife was very attentive but I don't think it was too hard on her. The payoff was after recovery and cardiac rehab. I never felt any effect from the leaking valves -- we hiked 5 miles a day for the week before my surgery -- but after rehab I felt energy I hadn't had for ten years. You're on the way to a better life.

Hi David, yes open heart surgery sounds scary. but today the risk is extremely low. The mortality rate today is between 1 and 2 %. so i would say the odds are well in your favor. it also seems you have chosen a very good surgeon and hospital. you are not alone David. there are many on this website that will be pulling for you and praying for you. it doesn't matter if we don't know each other, what really matters is that we all have the same need more or less, and we really are pulling for one another. God bless you David, God will see you through.

Hi David just noticed you're from Mass. and have Dr Shaker at the Brigham doing your surgery.. Dr.Shaker just did my AVR 3 weeks ago today.. He is amazing..let me know if you have any questions..