Lyle as a 3 X open heart congenital patient a hospital bed is the only way I go. I did not have one the 1st time .I know others will say no need but I am all ...Read more
Lyle as a 3 X open heart congenital patient a hospital bed is the only way I go. I did not have one the 1st time .I know others will say no need but I am all about being able to sit up for as long as you need to and especially with pillow support for shoulder
hi lyle. im 2 years post op.i have a few words of advice.first is if you dont want to worry,read adams book AFTER surgery. its full of great info but im glad ...Read more
hi lyle. im 2 years post op.i have a few words of advice.first is if you dont want to worry,read adams book AFTER surgery. its full of great info but im glad i read it afterwards. i honestly didnt research much and it went well. had i known some of the nitty gritty,i may have worried more!second thing,i took the day before my surgery to just enjoy life (i honestly wasnt sure i\'d live!)silly i know but i had never had any type of surgery before.i spent mine at the beach and just doing what i wanted. i had prepared for 2 weeksand i enjoyed my break. as far as a bed,i slept on our recliner/couch for almost 2 months.it offered alot of positions, mainly on my back and it worked fine.any questions jeffstoveken@yahoo.com
Hi Lyle. Welcome to HVJ. My aortic valve was replaced 7/21/10 with a tissue valve. I also had a narrowed aorta so the surgeon bypassed that section with ...Read more
Hi Lyle. Welcome to HVJ. My aortic valve was replaced 7/21/10 with a tissue valve. I also had a narrowed aorta so the surgeon bypassed that section with dacron tubing. I wouldn\'t think you\'d need a hospital bed when you come home. Some on this site have rented recliners as lying flat is just not comfortable for a while. I relied on multiple pillows. They\'ll teach you in the hospital how to get in & out of bed without placing too much stress on your sternum. You\'ll probably also get a heart-shaped pillow to hold against your chest for when you exert yourself - like getting in & out of bed, coughing, sneezing. Best of luck with your surgery. Joy Vera
Welcome Lyle to HVJ
It sounds as though you are many steps ahead of the game. I had a mech mtiral On-x valve 8-10 after having a mitral repair 13 yrs ago, ...Read more
Welcome Lyle to HVJ
It sounds as though you are many steps ahead of the game. I had a mech mtiral On-x valve 8-10 after having a mitral repair 13 yrs ago, and an atrial septal defect repair 27 yrs ago. Mechanical was my only option and although I intend as I complete my recovery to remain very active, I have not engaged in contact or skiing type sports for years, mostly lap swimming and snorkeling, so Coumadin was not an issue for me. Take care and be assured you will meet many HVJ friends that are awesome
Susan VandenBussche NC
Hi Lyle,
Welcome to HVJ. You are off to a good start with Adam\'s book, and getting involved with HVJ. There are many people here who have already gone through ...Read more
Hi Lyle,
Welcome to HVJ. You are off to a good start with Adam\'s book, and getting involved with HVJ. There are many people here who have already gone through this experience to draw information from and get answers to your questions. I had an AVR in may of this year with a tissue valve for the same reasons you have chosen that path.
Right off the bat I think most of us will tell you it is not going to be as bad as you are thinking it will be. Good luck on your journey, and let us know how we can help you with questions.
Mark
Keller, TX
Welcome Lyle,
I had mitral valve replacement in July and chose a tissue valve for the same reason as you. Aside from choosing a surgeon that was the hardest ...Read more
Welcome Lyle,
I had mitral valve replacement in July and chose a tissue valve for the same reason as you. Aside from choosing a surgeon that was the hardest decision to make. I hope your approval from insurance company comes quickly. Best of luck!
Kellie