Lindsey's Guestbook

Emily Rowley  I too will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, I wish everything goes well for you Lindsey 😊

Lindsey Hannigan  Hi Emily! Thank you so much for reaching out to me. I have decided to go with a tissue valve replacement and I'm getting it done this Thursday. I just found out this morning and am trying to stay calm and keep my blood pressure at bay :)
You must be one of the strongest people on the planet to go through OHS twice within a couple of decades. I don't know why the gift of health is given to some and not others; but I have found that the people who have suffered the most in life are also the most beautiful spirits. I wish you so much luck with your next procedure.
I have lots of questions about it- thank you for being willing to answer them. How confusing/painful will I feel when I first wake up after surgery? I'm concerned about the whole breast bone thing, I've never broken a bone before and don't know what that type of pain feels like.
How long did it take you to be able to go back to a relatively normal/independent lifestyle?
Also, do you have any advice for the recovery period for how to avoid getting really depressed? I already struggle with depression and anxiety prior to my diagnosis and am scared that during my recovery period I will again fall into another wave of depression.
Thank you again so much for your message!

Emily Rowley  Hey Lindsey,

Sorry for the late reply.

It's great to hear you have made the important decisions. How did you come to decide on a Tissue Valve? I too am choosing a Tissue (pig) Valve due to wanting kids in the future and all the disadvantages of Mechanical Valves :)

I know it must be very hard to stay calm especially happening all so quickly, so soon too. I wish you all the very best for a successful operation and smooth recovery.

Aww thank you Lindsey. Unfortunately I have no choice but to go through Open-Heart Surgery, but I have gained strength and appreciate all the small things in life (I always have but even more now). I used to ask why me, what did I do wrong to deserve going through the pain and set backs? I'm actually glad I got to experience this second chance at life and be able to give back and help others going through this difficult stage. I know I will need to go through again in my life. I'm scared although I have alot of faith especially in my highly skilled Surgeon. I agree with you, about those who suffered have beautiful spirits 💗 It's tough for anyone going through one surgery, my hardest moment was being told I need Open-Heart Surgery, I even burst out into tears being told the second time I need OHS. I'm here to give you support through this challenging time.

Thank you so much for your warm wishing for my upcoming procedure.

To answer your questions (sorry if I rambled on abit too much about my story); when you first wake up which will mostly likely be around night time, you will still be highly drugged so quite sleepy, will see the tubes+wires coming out of everywhere just about but won't feel them or any pain laying down. However the large breathing tube with constant oxygen+anaesthetic you'll probably feel vomit sick and won't be able to talk (I took mine out so Nurses quickly rushed to jab me to sleep). Only 2 family at a time was allowed in the grouped ICU Cardiac Unit at a time (looks bit like Emergency Room although with other people).

With your Breastbone, you might feel the two side (since cut in half and stitched together) rubbing together (like teeth grinding) while it's healing (about 9 weeks takes to mend together but not fully healed). It's normal, I was drugged up with pain medication so I didn't feel much pain until I left the Hospital. Make sure you use a pillow to protect your chest! It will soon become your new Bestie 😊 It's too hard to bend down (so easy to get on shoes+clothing) and not recommended! Coughing+sneezing+vomiting will hurt and you'll feel it in your chest. You will feel very tired and annoyed at those who disturb your sleep.

My Surgeon said I'm young so I'll recover fast. However little did I know I would need 6 months off School, take 12 months to normal lifestyle including first getting back on the road driving (I didn't feel confident+my concentration level was very poor), and 2 yrs to feel fully recovered.

I'm a happy-go-lucky type of person and stayed positive especially before my Op and always been a happy person so I thought I would avoid PTSD & Depression but it hit me Post-Op because I became so frustrated I couldn't do things on my own (I like to be very independent) and close friends who I though were my true friends didn't stick around to support me, they didn't understand what I was going through. I saw a Psychologist years after my Surgery but it probably wouldn't helped if I saw one who specializes in Operation Stress not long after my Operation. Another tip is to just take your time (not overdo it & place unrealistic expectations on yourself like I did when I went for long walks trying to push myself thinking I should be able to run mountains straight away after fixing my heart when I could in year or so after) in your recovery by little steps and try to accept it will take time, enjoy fresh air and the things you love to enjoy and talk to people when you want or feel you need to. Do you have someone who you can talk to prior to this Surgery, who might help you? I understand you are concerned depression & anxiety might happen after surgery due to your previous History, I too worry well if I'm depressed after surgery what might I be like after having a child. To be honest alot (think I saw a statistic for around 80-90% mark) of people experience depression & anxiety after Surgery with or without History of it but with your great attitude you could have a smooth, stress free recovery without depression or anxiety :D I love how this website has been designed to be a supportive community :) Know you are never alone, we are all here too.

Thank you for your reply, let me know if you have anymore questions-I'm happy to answer them :D

You're welcome.
Sending my Prayers your way Lindsey.

Em xx