Molly's Guestbook

Hi Molly. Sorry to hear about your eyes and having to wait for an answer. You mentioned having similar episodes prior to surgery. I would have one or two ocular migraines a year 3 years prior to AVR (Nov 1). Now, post surgery sometimes it's a bright pin spot shooting from one side to the other with a bright "tail" arching behind. Other times, lots of geometric patterns around edges of vision. They go away by closing my eyes for 10 minutes or more. I noticed that using the computer longer than 45 min could bring it on. I have read that vision can be affected by OHS and almost always returns to pre op normal. Checking with doc next week. I'll let you know if I find out any more than you did. Hope it's better soon for you.

Hi Molly I had mitral valve repair in October. I had a history of ocular/optical migraines since 2006 but after surgery I had around 25 of them. The doctors suggesting seeing a neurologist but after researching online its from the heart lung machine and patients reported having them for several months. I am gettingng less but bright lights and glare have always been triggers. Hope this information helps you.

Hi Molly, so good to hear from you! I was beginning to worry. And so happy you did not injure your sternum....As for the itching, it is natural in the healing process. Gently wash your incision with soap and water, with your fingers, and then also rinse without letting the direct stream of water hit your incision. Pat it dry. Do not use creams, lotions, or powders as this will cause an infection. And, please try not to scratch it.

Hi Molly, it's so nice to hear from you. Try not to raise both arms above your head at the same time as you need to let your sternum heal. You don't want anything to pull the sternal wires out of place. Also, no lifting, pulling, or pushing anything for the first couple of weeks. And when you use your walker, just use it for balance without applying your weight on it. Take it easy....the housework will get done. Eventually. Take care of Molly. Please keep us posted. And please remember, we care!

Molly, your complaint is common and as Bradley says, everyone is different. It takes about eight to twelve weeks for the sternum to heal. After the surgery, the surgeon aligns the bone in the proper place and it is held together either by sternal wires or by a plate and screws. Diabetes and obesity can delay the healing of the incision and anything can place pressure on the sternum. I don't think a bigger bosom affects the incision. Be patient....give it some time.

Hi Molly, I notice you are from Detroit. Mi. I also live in the Detroit area,Livonia. Where did you have your surgery? I had mine at Royal Oak Beaumont

Hi Molly, I can imagine how you felt after getting all that info. Take it one step at a time. You may not need another surgery down the line. For now, rejoice at the success of your surgery!

Hi Molly, so happy that your surgery is over and that it went well. Take it one day at a time. Your appetite will improve. Maybe you can have an ophthalmologist look at your eye and take care of the problem while you are in the hospital. Just a thought. Keep us posted.

Hi Molly, I understand your anxiety and your concern. Don't worry about "pump head". Years ago the filters were not as developed as they are today. We are talking about "cutting-edge" technology. And, yes, you will be stronger after your surgery. I agree with you there--get lots of hugs, give lots of hugs and sing at the top of your lungs. Let me warn you--after the surgery, you will be belting out tunes even louder than before! :) Try and relax....soon you will be on the road to recovery.

Hi Molly, you are under a lot of stress right now and understandably so. Everything is magnified. It is not easy to be facing OHS. Everyone's healing process is different. Years ago, the filters were not as developed. Now they are so developed; it is cutting-edge technology. Try to relax. Don't worry. Just think, next Friday around this time, you will be on the road to recovery with the risk behind you. I will be thinking about you and you will be in my prayers.