Charlotte's Posts

I fell in love with my surgeon. In 2015 I had robotic hysterectomy. I watched videos then went in asking questions and my doctor was no intimidated. Fast forward: while waiting for my appt with Dr Eduardo C Alcantar here in Phoenix I researched for the 7 weeks. I wanted to know why my surgery could not be done robotic. I found information to convince me OHS was the best way. With all it turned out he needed to do, it could never have been done robotic. I stayed with him because he is also on the heart transplant team. I went in telling him "I have researched what needs to be done, now tell me how it all applies to me.' He explained everything with drawings and language I could understand. He knew my case - had no computer he was reading off of. That gave me a lot of confidence right there. When I went in for my 3 week checkup I had more questions which he explained/answered very well. He drew out what he did that took so much longer. I love doctors who are not intimidated when we ask questions or don't agree.

I am now home - last night first time at home. Today makes 4 weeks. Sleeping in my bed was a challenge because I kept slipping down. I was comfy but had to figure out how to get up. Finanally figured out to use my legs and body to slide up on the foam and pillow behind me, then toss a pillow behind my back. I made the mistake of letting friends take me to Asian food on the way home so I ended up with a lot of water retention. That meant getting up every hour so had to figure out an easier way to get up. I could have slept in the chair but the bed was so comfy! Saw my surgeon on Wednesday. He explained by a 2 hour surgery (his part) took 4 hours. By the time he removed the aortic and mitral, cleaned up the calicium which was worse than my test showed, the aortic valve was too small. So he remade the root annulus to fit the bigger opening so the aortic fit. A lot to heal so I have to be patient. Still get out of breath. My left chest and armpit is still hurting. I thought I did someone too soon. He said no, that is where the artery came from for the bypass. He said, remember I told you that you had strong pects? Your muscles were so tight I had a hard time getting the artery out of the muscle. Asked when I could drive - he said 2 months. I do expect a battle between the surgeon and my cardiologist (he has a big ego) because the surgeon said because of the cost I don't need to stay on Eliquis - aspirin will do fine. I am feeling OK, will have a burst of energy then crash. In rehab they had me dong 2 flights of stairs which was OK, only took maybe 4 minutes to recover. But I still have shortness of breath which I guess he said just keep walking.