Gary's Posts

Total Bummer! One deserves a very detailed and specific explanation when anything like this occurs. Hope it occurs very seldom, as this is the first I've heard of it and I have been researching the subject for 10 years. But that is evidence of the power of this heart family...what others might consider anecdotal stories come out here as experienced, with the truth. Glad you were able to move on, Debbie!

I think the breathing tube is a given with valve surgery. From what I read here, and from my own experience, they are getting it out as soon as you are waking up. I think that scared me the most of anything, but in reality it was over in a minute, and not scary. I'm hoping and praying for all the best for you! A friend just had the robotic surgery and is raving about it.

I had the breathing tube still in, because they were trying to wake me probably wooner than I would have come awake by myself. For me, any type of anesthesia stays in my body a long time, it take me longer to metabolize. My (adult) daughter was freaking out that I was not waking up, so the ICU nurse brought her back again and woke me up, so that Erica could see I was actually fine. I remember her being there, and that I waved, gave her a thumbs up sign, and waved to the family friend that was with her at that moment. Apparently I also pointed to the breathing tube (as though saying "can't talk, got this thing in place") and gave her another thumbs up for "its fine". They let me sleep more, and when I was awakening and able to breathe on my own, I do recall the nurse saying "you and I are going to take this out. I will count 1, and 2. You count with me" and on two it was out. No problem, in spite of my fears of it. It does leave your mouth and throat dry, and you feel like drinking a gallon of water, which they can't give you because your stomach is still "asleep" and it would create nausea and vomiting, so they give you ice chips, one by one. Best things ever. You will do fine, I hope. Let us know how it goes. Eleanor