Lorraine's Guestbook

Lorraine Mobley  You are very welcome! The road has some bumps but nothing you cannot overcome! I sometimes wear scarves but you know what?--when you earn a scar you should show it off! Stay positive, that is half the battle!

Lorraine Mobley  Every patient is different, the waking up for me was scary because I needed the breathing tube longer than most. Most people get it removed within hours. Everything since the first day has been fine. A lot of the things I read about pain with chest tubes,etc I did not experience. I mean of course there are fleeting occurrences of pain but nothing excrutiating. Now that I am home, I do get winded easily but my surgery was only 7 days ago. That being said, I got home yesterday and today was able to take a sit down shower bath, prepare my meals, watched a movie and even sat outside a couple times. I did not nap bc I want to sleep tonight. Your kids are much younger that mine so you will need help lifting them, distracting them and helping them understand when you need rest. I hope this is helpful. I wish you a smooth surgery and a quick recovery.

Susan Lynn  Kristin - I didn't have any issues waking up and actually felt relaxed. Recovery wasn't bad either, but even with my minimally invasive mini- thoracotomy entry, I had a lifting restriction of 5 lbs. for 3 months. As Lorraine said, you will feel tired, so you may need help with childcare. I think most of the recovery happens in the first two weeks. You'll do just fine! All the best!

Kristin Bell  Thank you both for your response. I am feeling better about it, just nervous. The bypass machine is scary and has my anxiety through the roof.

Thomas Brusstar  Oh, I wouldn't worry about the bypass. You'll sleep through it! I woke up with the breathing tube still in, which is just uncomfortable but doesn't really hurt. I just had to gesture and spell things with my fingers for my wife and the nurses for an hour or two until they removed it. Waking up I guess I just woke up and realized where I was. They restrain your arms with velcro straps because some people wake up all disoriented and start pulling at tubes and wires, so you'll be pretty "snug" when you first wake up. Once they see you are conscious and oriented without panic they can un-restrain your arms. I had surgery on a Tuesday morning, and by Tuesday evening I had gotten out of bed and sat in a chair for a bit. I was home for dinner Friday night. I could shower and dress myself as soon as I got home. Lifting restrictions are real. It will be hard with a 1-year-old. Snuggling is fine, but no lifting!

Lorraine Mobley  Thank you so much! Your note has really encouraged me. I am with my sister and we are laughing, watching videos and looking at scrapbooks....good medicine. I hope you continue to do well!

Lorraine Mobley  Thank you so much! Your note has really encouraged me. I am with my sister and we are laughing, watching videos and looking at scrapbooks....good medicine. I hope you continue to do well!

Sharon Cotter  Lorraine, I know you are in wonderful hands right now between the Great Physician and your appointed physician. Let us know how you are when you’re up to it!

Lorraine Mobley  Thank you so much Linda. I do tend to ruminate too much about what could go wrong. I am trying to stay positive but likely how it will be after surgery I have good days and bad. Your encouragement and caring words mean a lot to me!

Lorraine Mobley  Thank you! I feel very fortunate with the hospital and am already familiar with some of the staff, 2 are nurses who are personal friends of mine. Now keeping the stress under control is the hardest part!

Lorraine Mobley  Yes, I am actually in the countdown phase with 43 days before my Heart surgery and am visualizing a great outcome and a scar of courage. I even told my 27 year old daughter that once recovered I will get a heart tattoo and she said she would get a matching one.