Nasser's Guestbook

Nasser: I had mine on the 11th of April, and I totally know what you mean as far as the anxiety and searching the internet.  I did the same.  I was trying to get a minimally invasive procedure but just went good ol' traditional open heart.  and honestly im glad I see even here that some people did the TAVR and are having problems.  let me give you my 2 cents for whatever they are worth.  Im going to tell what I did and what I wish I did.  First, STRECTH!!! and build up the strength in your legs.  Ive always been pretty limber but I'm telling you that really helped me.  2) do stretch out your torso and your chest. This also helped me to be able to stand the extreme stretch that your upper body goes through. 3)start getting mentally prepared that you are going to go though some real pain... BUT, it will only be for a couple of days.  once the tubes come out your going to feel SOOOOOO MUCH BETTER! the first couple of days are rough i wont lie.  but if you just get your head mentally ready your going to be fine.  Also I did a tissue valve so i wouldn't have to take Warfarin the rest of my life.  Im glad I did because the other thing is the constant blood testing.  I don't know if that has been something that you have discussed with your doctor but choose the valve that fits your lifestyle.  My logic was I hate pills I dont want to take anything I don't have to and if the valve needs to be replaced one day Ill take my chance on a minimally invasive repair but thats me. now What i was not prepared for and wish i would have know is the level of mental fatigue that this comes with.   The PTSD dreams that come for about a week.  the emotional imbalance has been tough at times.  I would say the pain wont be in your incision area as one might think it will be in your back or even on your right side because of the hose and tubes that hit your nerves.  so there are no real ways to handle the mental side but if was so focused on the physical that I didn't even think about what else came with the operation.  so, Meditate alot when your home SLOWLY, get your brain to come back to full speed (which I didn't do) and really find the love and joy in things and remember why your doing the operation in the 1st place.  that is what will get you through those rough nights and everyday is one day closer to feeling better.     Praying for you but your going t o just fine.  God Bless, Sergio

Hi Nasser
Almost there, closer to recovery. Odds are overwhelmingly on your side for a very successful surgery. I focused on that to help my nerves. When you wake up post-surgery you will be the most exhausted you ever felt in your life. Know that it is short term, it will be amazing how each day you will improve immensely. (Btw- beautiful daughters.:)