I'm going for my pre-op testing in a few minutes. Not a big deal - blood work, chest x-ray, interview with Anesthesia resident; been there, done that X8. ...Read more
I'm going for my pre-op testing in a few minutes. Not a big deal - blood work, chest x-ray, interview with Anesthesia resident; been there, done that X8. I can feel my nerves start to prickle, though. Feeling a bit anxious. My logical mind says, it's all good; my subconscious is saying "RED ALERT!!!!"
Helen Daw Listen to your logical mind, it's will be all good. Good luck!!
Kelly Stoll It will be over soon and then you can take on the next step. One foot in front of the other. Calm and ... Read more
Kelly Stoll It will be over soon and then you can take on the next step. One foot in front of the other. Calm and steady.
Penelope Bodek Good luck tomorrow, Bobbi. Many prayers your way.
Chris Purvis I’m with you Bobbi. I went down yesterday for all of that fun stuff as well...reality is here. I’ ... Read more
Chris Purvis I’m with you Bobbi. I went down yesterday for all of that fun stuff as well...reality is here. I’m meeting the man who will save my life at 8:45 for the first time.
How many things have I worried about since the middle of March when I learned it was time for surgery? Answer: Too many to count. Some of my what-ifs have ...Read more
How many things have I worried about since the middle of March when I learned it was time for surgery? Answer: Too many to count. Some of my what-ifs have been grounded in reality (at least I think they have) and some have downright off the wall, bizarre stuff that even I don’t think is really going to happen. . Pretty normal, yep, all part of the processs.
But the one thing I haven’t worried about until now Is the weather. It turns out maybe I should have.
The Houston area is in for tropical waves of rain over the next four days. This is not so unusual for South Texas in early summer. We are accustomed to loud, house-rattling thunderstorms and buckets and buckets of water that can quickly turn our streets into rivers. That changed when Hurricane Harvey hit us last year. Now, quite understandably I think, we all freak out when it rains more than a few drops.
This storm will be more than a few drops, according to our local tv weather guys. They are freaking out too, all the while reminding us that this isn’t a “Harveylike rain event”. Use of the H-word only adds to everybody’s discomfort.
So now I have a new worry to keep me company - that it might rain so hard in the coming days that by Thursday morning I, or the surgical team, or a combination thereof, won’t be able to get to the hospital and we will have to reschedule. The streets in our Medical Center are notorious for flooding.
Can’t do anything about the weather, eh? Best not to concern myself, right? Easier said than done.
This is such a trivial thing compared to what some others are facing I almost didn’t post this.
It wouldn’t be the worst thing. I’ve had one postponement already, so what’s one more? Nothing really, it’s just that I’m really ready to do this NOW. Who knows, maybe by Thursday I will have lost my nerve and be praying for rain .
Maybe I should have bought that rubber raft I saw on Amazon... 😉
Kelly Stoll Bobbi, I am so sorry to hear of your concerns. Thinking of you and wishing you well no matter how the ... Read more
Kelly Stoll Bobbi, I am so sorry to hear of your concerns. Thinking of you and wishing you well no matter how the weather goes.
P.S. Yes too the boat 😉
John Lant Best wishes on your upcoming surgery, but when it is all over you will be on the road to a full recov ... Read more
John Lant Best wishes on your upcoming surgery, but when it is all over you will be on the road to a full recovery so you can enjoy life & family again. Our prayers are with you.
Bobbi Alford Thanks John. I see you on the upcoming list too. I’ll kerp you in my prayers as well.
Diane Maher Living on Canada's west coast, I found your journal entry to be most interesting, Bobbi. As I sit i ... Read more
Diane Maher Living on Canada's west coast, I found your journal entry to be most interesting, Bobbi. As I sit in my surgeon's office on Thurs. morning, I will be praying that there isn't a 'rain out' and that your recovery is speedy so that you can soon be back to enjoying lots of fun times with your grandchildren.
Phyllis Petersen Weather was on my mind too with my surgery, so it's not so strange. As it turned out in my case, the ... Read more
Phyllis Petersen Weather was on my mind too with my surgery, so it's not so strange. As it turned out in my case, the weather was nicer than it was supposed to be and I didn't have enough lighter clothing to wear. My sister had to buy me a nice loose t-shirt, which is still one of my favorite shirts. I think maybe we find lots of ancillary things to worry about so we don't think about the surgery itself. It's such a crazy emotional roller coaster! All the best for no delays, a successful surgery and an uneventful recovery!
Judy Shaw We too are in the tropics here in NC this week. Heat advisory for several days due to temps feeling l ... Read more
Judy Shaw We too are in the tropics here in NC this week. Heat advisory for several days due to temps feeling like around 104. Thunderstorms have been hit or miss.
Chris Purvis Bobbi it’s been an interesting stay so far! I’m off of 59 and Buffalo speedway....real close to J ... Read more
Chris Purvis Bobbi it’s been an interesting stay so far! I’m off of 59 and Buffalo speedway....real close to Joel Osteen’s Church....2.5 Miles from hospital city. Never seen so many massive skyscraper hospitals like this even in Atlanta. Saturday was about the only dry day for us and we got to enjoy Houston Space Center.
Kim Lonergan Bobbi, I live in New Braunfels. I understand the worry about rain! Texas thunderstorms are fierce! I ... Read more
Kim Lonergan Bobbi, I live in New Braunfels. I understand the worry about rain! Texas thunderstorms are fierce! I will be thinking of you Thursday and will send positive thoughts and prayers for the surgery to go forward as planned! Looking forward to hearing from you as you recover.
Bobbi Alford Chris, I love that you've re-named the Texas Medical Center "hospital city" That's exactly what it i ... Read more
Bobbi Alford Chris, I love that you've re-named the Texas Medical Center "hospital city" That's exactly what it is! Hard to believe that in the mid-1940's and 50's it was nothing but a bunch of rice fields. Glad you got to do some sightseeing. If you've been watching local tv at all, you've probably seen the weather mania going on. So far so good.
Ivana Okereke I am day 5 post-op and feeling so thankful that it is over! The waiting and anxiety beforehand were t ... Read more
Ivana Okereke I am day 5 post-op and feeling so thankful that it is over! The waiting and anxiety beforehand were the worst. I wish you a successful surgery and speedy recovery.
Bobbi Alford Ivana, I am so happy to hear you are doing well. I seem to be getting into a very calm place emotiona ... Read more
Bobbi Alford Ivana, I am so happy to hear you are doing well. I seem to be getting into a very calm place emotionally. Let’s hope I can manage to stay there.
Penelope Bodek Best of luck, Bobbi! I'll be watching for updates because I know you will inspire me. My surgery is ... Read more
Penelope Bodek Best of luck, Bobbi! I'll be watching for updates because I know you will inspire me. My surgery is one month from tomorrow. Praying for you.
Hello, my name is Bobbi and I'm a Vent-o-Phobic. Okay, that's probably a bit over the top. I'm not phobic about it. I'm just, shall we say, anxious? Yeah, ...Read more
Hello, my name is Bobbi and I'm a Vent-o-Phobic. Okay, that's probably a bit over the top. I'm not phobic about it. I'm just, shall we say, anxious? Yeah, anxious. I'll go with that.
This will be Surgery #9 for me - a tonsillectomy, hysterectomy, three breast cancer surgeries, a couple of broken bone repairs and knee scope (okay, that one probably doesn't count as a surgery, but it was general anesthesia and it hurt like all get out afterwards, so I'm counting it anyway).
Of course, every surgery is different, but those 8 other surgeries give me a general idea what the first few hours of my upcoming surgery post-op will be like. Well, mostly... this will be the first time I'll wake up on the vent and THAT makes me nervous.
I haven't seen many references to what being on a vent is like in patient posts or in the informational videos; that is, with the exception of Jim Davis' excellent series "A Heartbeat Away 4U" on YouTube. He describes it as feeling like you have ice cream in your throat - (huh?) He goes on to say that although many people are worried (yep, me) they might gag on the tube (me again), they don't. (Oh Jim, how I hope you're right.) It helped knowing that other people were concerned (understatement for me) about it, I'll admit to still being a bit skeptical. (Sorry, Jim.)
I wonder why there's not more discussion out there in Internet Land of what it's like to wake up on the vent. Is it one of those icky things people just don't want to talk about or tell you? Is it not-that-big-a-deal like some of the other stuff I've worried about - like having a TEE (piece of cake), or a CT with contrast (weirdly interesting feeling when the dye goes whoosh through your body), or the cardiac cath? Is the info out there and I just missed it?
So, I'm asking for the real scoop - what's it like to wake up on the vent? Don't worry, I can take it...probably. (*smiles and waves*)
Susan Killian Had Open Heart Surgery 9 weeks ago, full sternotomy, the vent /breathing tube was out before they wok ... Read more
Susan Killian Had Open Heart Surgery 9 weeks ago, full sternotomy, the vent /breathing tube was out before they woke me up, I woke up in cardiac ICU. But no vent, no recollection of one. Throat wasn't even sore. So it definitely was not a big deal.
Debbie Chatzky There is a section all about it in Adam Picks book.
Bobbi Alford Susan, I'm hoping for a similar experience. In my other surgeries it's been gone by the time I wake u ... Read more
Bobbi Alford Susan, I'm hoping for a similar experience. In my other surgeries it's been gone by the time I wake up, leaving me with little more than a mild sore throat. Fingers crossed.
Bobbi Alford Debbie, I'll go back and give that section of Adam's book another look. I read it a couple weeks aft ... Read more
Bobbi Alford Debbie, I'll go back and give that section of Adam's book another look. I read it a couple weeks after I found out I was going to have surgery. I was in a bit of a state then.
Lilly Black I agree with Susan! Initially I was scared to death about a tube going down my throat, but it was do ... Read more
Lilly Black I agree with Susan! Initially I was scared to death about a tube going down my throat, but it was done when I was asleep and then removed when I was drugged on anesthesia! I did not feel anything. Let that be the least of your worries, Bobbi! Cardiac nurses are experienced and typically provide excellent care to heart patients. Wishing you the best!✌️😊
Mary Woods Yes I have that phobia as well. I have 'politely declined ' a TOE because of it. My husband had a ... Read more
Mary Woods Yes I have that phobia as well. I have 'politely declined ' a TOE because of it. My husband had a CABGx3 last year and said it was horrible because he couldn't speak or swallow and it felt like he couldn't breathe. 8 months on and after a really successful recovery he just says it was a minor inconvenience. Six weeks after his op, I was told I need mitral valve surgery sometime and I have been freaked out ever since. I'm thinking about getting hypnotherapy to help me with this phobia?
This will be my 11th surgery so like you I'm pretty used to most of the issues , although I understand the chest drains aren't much fun.
Willie Radl The tube didn't bother me at all. I was awake and able to communicate through writing, but don't reme ... Read more
Willie Radl The tube didn't bother me at all. I was awake and able to communicate through writing, but don't remember any discomfort from the tube. Obviously still under influence of some drugs. It comes out fast as soon as you wake up (assuming no complications).
Bobbi Alford Mary, I agree the chest drains aren't much fun. Have you had them before? I had them after breast s ... Read more
Bobbi Alford Mary, I agree the chest drains aren't much fun. Have you had them before? I had them after breast surgeries, but that was over 20 years ago, so I'm hoping they've improved them since then. One of them felt like a bamboo stake. Was happy to get them out, even if that process felt a little strange. My experience with TEE (your TOE) was very surprising - I was nervous about that too but it turned out to be nothing at all. I remember my cardiologist saying that he was going to spray my mouth with something that tasted like breath mints and then I woke up.
Bobbi Alford Thanks, Willie. Yeah, bring on those drugs! LOL
Rita Savelis My vent was taken out before i was conscious, so don't remember it. This is often the case. It is the ... Read more
Rita Savelis My vent was taken out before i was conscious, so don't remember it. This is often the case. It is there only as a precaution. I also had about 7 surgeries before OHS. Waking up was different after OHS as i was not nauseated and not hungry. I also had no pain, very different from other surgeries but lots of discomfort and total exhaustion that lasted. Each day was not better than the former one. They were a blur of discomfort and exhaustion. Like u I worried more about post OHS, but the anasthesiologist had told me about it and it was what i expected. The lack of sternum pain surprised me. I did keep requesting morphine though just to be in that calm place it takes you! Wishing you only good surprises post-op.
Mary Woods Hello Bobbi, no I haven't had my surgery yet - just waiting for my mitral valve to get a bit more l ... Read more
Mary Woods Hello Bobbi, no I haven't had my surgery yet - just waiting for my mitral valve to get a bit more leaky. My husband gave me all the details! He didn't know any of the details beforehand so maybe that made it worse?
Pain relief is also a problem for me because it makes me vomit for England!
Sending my very best wishes for your surgery xx
Tom Lib Being just a week post-op, I will tell you I was also terrified. It’s about the loss of control and ... Read more
Tom Lib Being just a week post-op, I will tell you I was also terrified. It’s about the loss of control and knowing they actually stop your heart! For me, I came too with it in, but it was taken out within and hour or so. They kept me sedated and it came out like a breeze. I remember them doing it but I didn’t care a whole lot! My issue was PACs a little later but that is common and was gone within a day. Don’t let the fear rule you. You will make it
Catie B Gracious, that's a heap of surgeries, Bobbi! No recall at all of the vent, gratefully. Unfortunately, ... Read more
Catie B Gracious, that's a heap of surgeries, Bobbi! No recall at all of the vent, gratefully. Unfortunately, chest tubes are no better than in the past. Your description is apt--one was the most painful part of my process.
Bobbi Alford Catie, hmmm. Hate to hear that! Well, at least I'll know what to expect when they say, "breathe in. ... Read more
Bobbi Alford Catie, hmmm. Hate to hear that! Well, at least I'll know what to expect when they say, "breathe in."
Susan Lynn Absolutely no memory of the breathing tube going in or coming out. I did seek a surgeon and anesthes ... Read more
Susan Lynn Absolutely no memory of the breathing tube going in or coming out. I did seek a surgeon and anesthesiologist who were committed to early extubation - I wanted minimal vent time and that's exactly what I got. I also didn't have a sore throat, cough, nausea, or any breathing issues afterward.
Phyllis Petersen I know I had to wake up before they could take the vent out, but I don't remember having it at all. M ... Read more
Phyllis Petersen I know I had to wake up before they could take the vent out, but I don't remember having it at all. My family freaked a little when they first saw me, but I was pretty groggy much of that day, which was a bit of a blessing. I tried to blow a kiss to my cousin and uncle when they were heading out and no one could figure out what I was doing with my lips. Hahaha. Hopefully, you'll have no memory of it either.
Rose Madura I did not wake up for a while - 15 hours after the surgery. So the breathing tube was in. I kind o ... Read more
Rose Madura I did not wake up for a while - 15 hours after the surgery. So the breathing tube was in. I kind of freaked out to be honest. I did gag but was told I wouldn't throw up. But just to help me calm down, the nurse gave me a suction thing to hold in my mouth. But they were able to remove it soon after I woke up. But honestly, it wasn't all that bad. I wouldn't worry to much about it.
I spent yesterday with my sweet 6 year old granddaughter. I had 6 hours with her playing Barbie, Go Fish, supervising an awesome Fathers' Day craft project ...Read more
I spent yesterday with my sweet 6 year old granddaughter. I had 6 hours with her playing Barbie, Go Fish, supervising an awesome Fathers' Day craft project for her dad (my son), and talking a bit about the fact that the doctors will fix my heart next week, When I waved goodbye to her I'll admit I had a bit of a moment as the car pulled out of the driveway. I gave myself a good talking to, and thankfully it passed quickly. I am, after all, going to be able to do so much with her when this is all over.
It's funny how you attach yourself to comments made by others: I keep thinking about a post I read that was encouraging someone who said they were nervous about their upcoming surgery (*Imagine that! LOL) The writer said their 90 year old grandmother had the surgery and that they could get through it too.
I'm relatively new to this site, so I don't know the people involved. But I have to say that comment really struck me. I've grabbed onto that it and made it my mantra of sorts. So, thank you to whoever posted that comment. Encouraging words on this site are so powerful.
Civita Fahey You will do great Bobbi.. I think we have all had that "moment" regardless of how confident we are th ... Read more
Civita Fahey You will do great Bobbi.. I think we have all had that "moment" regardless of how confident we are that all will go well. Try to relax and have faith in your surgical team.. to them this is just another day the office. Please keep us posted on your recovery!
Judy Shaw Yes we all have our "moment". I keep reminding myself there is always someone who is worse condition ... Read more
Judy Shaw Yes we all have our "moment". I keep reminding myself there is always someone who is worse condition than me. Mine is fixable but their's may not be. Best wishes on your journey Bobbi. ❤
Bobbi Alford Thanks Civita and Judy! I keep telling myself that I'm SO fortunate to live at a time when this is e ... Read more
Bobbi Alford Thanks Civita and Judy! I keep telling myself that I'm SO fortunate to live at a time when this is even possible. It helps to remember that these procedures have all been developed in the past few decades.
Susan Lynn I remember a heart brother showing his 1-week, post-op mini-thoracotomy scar on a video and saying th ... Read more
Susan Lynn I remember a heart brother showing his 1-week, post-op mini-thoracotomy scar on a video and saying that waiting was by far the worst part. That's the comment that got me up to the surgery. I felt confident that I could handle anything after that pre-op anxiety! That's what I tell everyone else who's waiting in hopes that it also brings them some comfort.
Bobbi Alford Susan, I absolutely certain you have!
Rose Madura Yes, waiting is terrible. I'm glad you had a great time with your granddaughter. Remember that the ... Read more
Rose Madura Yes, waiting is terrible. I'm glad you had a great time with your granddaughter. Remember that the doctors do this every day and the outcome almost always very successful. The odds are in your favor. Keep us posted and best wishes.
Debbie Chatzky The best! I also told my grand babies I’m having my heart fixed. They are what get me emotional! An ... Read more
Debbie Chatzky The best! I also told my grand babies I’m having my heart fixed. They are what get me emotional! And I miss being with them while I recover.
Bobbi Alford Debbie, I've started Face Timing with them. That's helped some.
I opened the site this morning and glanced at the Upcoming Surgeries window over on the right hand side of the page...and there I am - 6/21. I've been counting ...Read more
I opened the site this morning and glanced at the Upcoming Surgeries window over on the right hand side of the page...and there I am - 6/21. I've been counting the days, so it isn't a surprise to see myself there, but still - THERE I AM! I'm still pretty calm with a moment here and there of fear. In a strange way, it helps that I'm getting tired more easily now. It's a reminder that I need to get this fixed.
My sweet 6 year old granddaughter is coming today to play Barbies and do crafty stuff with me today. It's the last time I'll see her before the surgery. I am SO looking forward to it. I'll be tired as all get out at the end of the day, but it will be worth it.
Chris Purvis Hey Bobbi I’m heading your way soon...surgery same day at Baylor St. Luke’s. 6/21 will be a great ... Read more
Chris Purvis Hey Bobbi I’m heading your way soon...surgery same day at Baylor St. Luke’s. 6/21 will be a great day for both of us and I’ve read about your surgeon and the amazing things he does.
Kelly Stoll Enjoy the time with your granddaughter. Try to relax and rest as your body needs it. Best wishes this ... Read more
Kelly Stoll Enjoy the time with your granddaughter. Try to relax and rest as your body needs it. Best wishes this week.
I seem to be turning into a germ-o-phobe in these last two weeks before my surgery. I'm almost recovered from the bad cold I got two weeks ago from my sweet ...Read more
I seem to be turning into a germ-o-phobe in these last two weeks before my surgery. I'm almost recovered from the bad cold I got two weeks ago from my sweet 3 year old granddaughter, but I am worried that I'll get sick again and have to postpone my surgery. My rational mind says to just be extra vigilant and follow all the standard advice about hand washing and not touching your face. My irrational mind wants to go into quarantine and stay there until the day of the surgery. I'm having a visit with my PCP today to make sure the cold is really on its way out and I'll speak to her then about whether or not it's necessary to limit my time with my granddaughters. They're in daycare so they're walking petri dishes. Anyway, having a bunch of thoughts that are pretty odd for me. *sigh* June 21st can't get here soon enough.
Anna Jones It's funny. I've been having the same thoughts! When I go to the grocery store I've been washing th ... Read more
Anna Jones It's funny. I've been having the same thoughts! When I go to the grocery store I've been washing the carts and then I wash my hands as soon as I get home. I wonder when I became this nutty! Now I am going to get on a plane and I am thinking about wearing a face mask. Will the airline even let me?
Judy Shaw I am on prednisone which lowers my immunity anyway. The surgeon told me yesterday that after surgery ... Read more
Judy Shaw I am on prednisone which lowers my immunity anyway. The surgeon told me yesterday that after surgery stay away from crowds and any sick people, including grandkids and church, for 4 weeks. Lots and lots of hand washing. Best of luck, Bobbi.
Anna, I would think they would allow you especially if you told them why you want to wear a mask. It could be a new fashion statement for some of us lol
Bobbi Alford Anna, I've seen several people in the airport wearing masks. The TSA may ask you, and maybe the airl ... Read more
Bobbi Alford Anna, I've seen several people in the airport wearing masks. The TSA may ask you, and maybe the airline at check in. (Flying SWA?)
Rose Madura Hi Bobbi. I think you are reacting normally. I am so germ conscious, I've used the same line of be ... Read more
Rose Madura Hi Bobbi. I think you are reacting normally. I am so germ conscious, I've used the same line of being like Howard Hughes. Constant washing of the hands - sounds like you are dong all the right things. I know it is hard to stay away from grandkids but for a while, you may need to for your health's sake. Ask your PCP about the face mask - not a bad idea. We have a lady in our church who has had many surgeries and treatment for cancer and she wears one quite often. Best wishes. Keep us posted.
Marie Myers I took the week off work before surgery, cuz I did not want to pick up any bugs from anyone.
Susan Lynn Better safe than sorry! I didn't come into contact with anyone but my husband and the necessary medi ... Read more
Susan Lynn Better safe than sorry! I didn't come into contact with anyone but my husband and the necessary medical professionals for two weeks before my surgery. I couldn't risk getting sick and having my procedure rescheduled.