Jane's Guestbook

Jane, read your story and wanted to encourage. I had pretty major hemi arch and aortic valve replacement surgery on August 31 at Duke University, and surgery went very well. I am glad I followed through with this surgery decision, even though mine was elective. My husband is retired also (September) and that has made a huge help. Glad you can have that too. (I have struggled a bit with self esteem over what I cannot yet do). But not depressed! I put my focus on trusting both these highly skilled surgeons and leaned heavily on my faith. Interestingly, the anesthesiologist was a dear supportive man who re-assured that anything that could go wrong (bleeding,etc), they'd have "handled" no problem. I was already focused on what I knew would be good: my aorta would not be at risk of rupture after surgery and I hoped my shortness of breath (not promised as only mild/moderate) would improve ( it has!). So I will pray peace for your process, TRUST the skilled surgeons, the best outcome from your surgery, and patience for you and your husband in tbe healing process. I came out if anesthesia smiling, my family around me, knowing God had healed me in the presence of those surgeons. I could feel my heart beating well within my chest! I was out of the hospital in four days and walking a mile at least each day, but otherwise tired and resting a lot. I am ready in my soul to climb mountains, but my energy is not there yet, perhaps due to trying to do too much *like going gricery shoping after re-hab) and a recent set back: redness around sternum wound, and took keflex for 17 days. Seems to be under control now. Heart is fine. Adam explains in his book how it takes different patients different amounts of time to re-cover, we are finding patience is best. But I have had stamina and immune issues my whole life. I never could have handled 12 hour days as you have. You likely will bounce back quicker.Celebrate a heart made new when you awake from your surgery. Praying for you.

Jane: I am a 59 y.o. former caregiver myself (retired firefighter/paramedic...now pharmacist) who will be needing AVR at some point (still asymptomatic.) I share the awkward feeling of transitioning from being bullet-proof provider to patient. I don't like it...I'd rather be the rescuer than the rescued. You are not alone...and not done. Kevin in Washington State.