Hi Joan, the cath test was not bad for me at all. Unlike others, I was completely out. As for the breathing tube, you'll still have plenty of anesthesia in your system when they take the tube out. Some people feel some soreness in their throat. I didn't have soreness personally but I did have trouble swallowing for a week after the surgery.

Sorry to hear the CC pre-surgery team/process is still leaving a bit to be desired. Hopefully your meeting(s) will go well. I would recommend you write down all the questions you have. Good luck. Lily Cardlin

Hi Joan, the cath test was not bad for me at all. Unlike others, I was completely out. As for the breathing tube, you'll still have plenty of anesthesia in your system when they take the tube out. Some people feel some soreness in their throat. I didn't have soreness personally but I did have trouble swallowing for a week after the surgery.

Sorry to hear the CC pre-surgery team/process is still leaving a bit to be desired. Hopefully your meeting(s) will go well. I would recommend you write down all the questions you have. Good luck. Lily Cardlin

Joan. Yeah the heart cath sounds scarier than it is. It's done to screen for cardiac artery blockage so they can fix that when the valve work is being done. You can ask for sedation. The hardest part is after when you have to lie still *forever* if they've gone in through the groin (4-6 hrs, actually). You'll be fine. -- DVB

On the heart cahterer, I had two of those, it wasnt' too bad at all, I didn't feel the pressure on my groin like they say I was going to, they gave me a mild sedative before the procedure, it does not hurt, if you get nervous asked them for warm blankets, they help to make you feel better.
And don't peel the tape off of it after your surgery like I did, lol. The scar still itches even after a year.

Hi Joan,
My cardilogist at Kaiser presented my case to the board of directors which consited of 10 doctors, they all came to the same conclusion as far as my surgery, so they then refered me to St. Joseph's hospital for the surgery, I pick my surgeon after reading about his history and looking at his picture and following my gut feeling, it sounds very scientific am sure but it worked for me. I then made the appointment with Dr. Kevin Miller and meet him in person, I liked him inmeadiatly, the spoke to me in a very kind and simple manner, told me about himself, that's how I picked my surgeon.
I pray that our Lord gives you a great surgeon too and that He guides his hands during your procedure.

Blessings
Patricia De Leon

Joan, my first cardiologist sent me to a surgeon. I didn't feel comfortable with him. I work with a lot of doctors. They referred me to a new cardiologist and surgeon. My surgeon has operated on other doctors so I felt comfortable with him. And he was wonderful. People say they can barely see my incision.

Good luck.

Hi Joan,
Everyone is talking about their catherizations and probably having it done through the groin. I was very fortunate as mine was done through the wrist. After the procedure, I had a tight band on my wrist but I could sit up in bed and had something to eat.

As far as the breathing tube I was petrified of it but my surgeon was aware of my concern and he made sure the medical team knew it. I remember waking twice with it in but my husband was there telling me to relax. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to breathe. I could. Next thing I remember being told to cough and out it came. I didn't even have a sore throat.

I think our imaginations can be our worst enemies. Good luck.

Pat (AVR 11/12)

Joan,
I had a blood clot about a week after the heart cath which delayed my surgery. But, that is not to say that you will have one. I had also just flown to Brazil which my have been a contributing factor.

Jan Beale

Joan, I don't even remember the breathing tube. By the time I was awake, it was gone. Actually I dont't remember a lot from my entire stay in the hospital.

It is really not as bad as the anticipation of the surgery.

Jan Beale

Hi, Joan --

Chief medical wuss here to tell you that the cardiac cath was a non-event. Really. As Jimmy said, you are out of it and only vaguely aware that there's anything going on at all. Once it's over, you basically have to lay still for a couple of hours.

Think of it like one of those drug ads on TV. They *have* to tell you all the possible things that can go wrong in order to cover their butts. But nothing bad will happen and you'll be just fine.

We're all scared about the breathing tube...that seems like a universal. But I tell myself this: 1) it's there to help 2) they don't want it in any longer than absolutely necessary either 3) right now I am 100% aware and awake and imagining how a vent will feel. BUT....when that thing is in, I am gonna be so out of it and loopy I probably won't know which direction is up. I can't compare how I feel now to what it will be like then.

We will speak to our anesthesiologists, tell them our fears about it, and ask them to do what they can to minimize our fear and discomfort. Right?

Hang in there!
Selma

All the concerns and question you have are normal. Let me see if I can help and answer some of your questions with my experience.

The heart cath was no big deal though beforehand I seemed more nervous about that than the idea of open heart surgery. You will get an IV..They will give you happy juice..If you need more ask for it and they will give it to you. It doesn't knock you out but it relaxes you and they will numb the area were the cath will enter. The pinch of the needle is the only thing that really hurt during the 30 min process. It will feel warm as the numbing solution gets in. And that is all you will feel. Then they role you back to a recovery room where you will need to lay flay for 2-4 hrs. Then you go home. I was sore for 3-5 days and I had a lot of bruising but nothing that wasn't normal. They will tell you what to be on the lookout for so you can call the DR.

I know it's hard not to think about the breathing because it's a big deal but I am telling you now you will not even feel it. I was so worried about that. But Remember when you wake up you will still be on Morphine and the Anesthesia so you will still be pretty out of it. For me I remember waking and heard ok Jimmy give us a big cough and I did and the tube was out. It didn't hurt coming out. That’s all I remember about the breathing tube.
Yes you will sign all kinds of things and going to OPEN HEART is for sure one of thing you will consent to if they need to do it.

feel free to e-mail me at JimmyJohnson26@gmail.com

Jimmy Johnson
AVR (Bovine Valve) 2/20/12..Moo

Joan,

I had my aortic valve and root replaced. I was in the hospital for 9 days only because I had to have a pace maker put in. Long story short, it was my third open heart and with each successive procedure, there is a chance of delevoping an arrithmea. It wasn't anyone fault and it hasnt impacted my life. Im a very active 28 year old. Anyway, I was in the hospital that long cause wanted to wait a few days to see if my heart rythm would normalize and they don't implant devices on the weekend! So thats why I was there an extra few days. Most patients are out usually by 7 days I believe. Anyway I hope I have been of some help and can continue to help need be. Feel free to email me at jhweiner@gmail.com

Best,

JW

I had surgery last year with dr Stewart. He, and the entire staff at NYP are just amazing. When I met with him pre op, he gave me his cell phone number and put me in touch with a former patient who was my age and helped easy any anxiety I had. Post op he was just as great. If I ever had a question he would respond within minutes, pending he was not in surgery of course! If you have any questions feel free to contact me.

Best,

Jonathan

Joan,

I'm sorry you've been having problems with Dr. Gllinov's office. My experience with the CC was completely different. I heard back from Dr. Sabik's nurse right at the 2 week mark and she couldn't have been more friendly and helpful. We scheduled my surgery during that phone call (just short of 2 months out) and she told me if I became more critical to call at once and they'd get me in earlier. She explained everything that would happen and I got the packet of info a few days later. My surgery was on a Thursday so I flew up to Cleveland on Monday, had pre-op on Tuesday and Wednesday, met with Dr. Sabik on Wednesday and Thursday morning at 5:15 I was on my way. Everything ran like clockwork. I can't imagine a better experience.

THAT said, I agree with (I can't remember his name) who suggested Hackensack. It's an excellent hospital and it's close to you . . . no travel worries. OR, go into the city where there's many excellent surgeons. I can understand if you don't wan to drive but there are many car services or even take the bus or train. You need to take control of your situation and make sure you are confident in in your care. At this point, I;d suggest you write off the CC - too far and you're discouraged with them.

Good luck!
Ricki Shine

Hi Joan

I wrote you April 6 that I was "trying" to put a positive spin on CClinic approach to scheduling. I believe I have done that. I am sorry you havenot.

Scroll the HUNDREDS of HVJ comments: NO ONE likes CClinic preop communications skills, but once inside EVERYONE loves the OHS skills and treatment.

In short, I am developing that "eeerie calm" based on the collective input of HVJ. You too can get thru this if you only try.

Best regards....J Teeftt

Hi Joan,

Having just checked out of Hackensack University Medical Center a few days ago I can now say with perfect knowledge that the level of care was incredible. I would suggest you consider a visit to explore. Obviously it is pretty convenient (kind of down route 80 from you). From the nurses to the aides and the staff everyone was great.

My surgeon Dr McCullough was wonderful. Mine turned out not to be straight forward surgery and he handled it like a magician. Plus he is a dear sweet man.

Any way just more options for you. I wish you the best.

Robert Tucker

Joan,

Not sure which procedure you have decided on but have you considered Texas, there is Dr. William Ryan in the Dallas are and John Oswalt in Austin, both listed in Adam's book. I am staying right here in my home town of San Antonio and will have Dr. John Calhoon prefrorming my procedure, I had been seriously traveling elsewhere until I met him, he was so kind, he spent all the time we needed, coaxed us to ask questions, it was if no one else matter except for me at the time and he was in no rush.

Best of luck in whomever and wherever you choose, but I agree it has to feel right for you.

Cindy pastrano

My husband had his surgery at Mt. Sinai with Dr. Stelzer. We could not have been happier with our choice of surgeon. We left Houston to go to NY just for him. Check out my husband's journal (Chris Dixon) and you will see why we loved him.

Best wishes!
Niki

I'll share my experience with CC if you send me you personal email. Barb barb.tesno@gmail.com

Hi Joan, I understand your disappointment. I suggest you take Linda's advice and call CC if you are still willing to consider them. I know both Linda and Stephanie had great experiences at CC.

Other things to think about. Jane Porpura used Dr. Smith at Columbia and loved him. I met with Dr. Allan Stewart at Columbia. He is their aorta specialist and I was very impressed. Or I highly recommend my surgeon, Dr. Len Girardi at Cornell. He is the top guy there and is totally amazing.

I know NYC is not tops on your list. So, I guess you need to weigh how upset your are at CC vs your preference not to come to NYC. Perhaps let is sit for a day or so and see how you feel. But, stay away from the smokes :-). Good luck!

-Mitch Friedman

Dear Joan, I understand your frustration and I'm sorry you're feeling unheard. I think my expectations may have been very different. My expectation was that I would get about 5 minutes with Dr. Adams. I was pleasantly surprised that we spoke for much longer. I did not speak to him until we actually met. I also did a lot of research and asked a lot of questions before heading into meeting Dr. Smith and Dr. Adams. BTW, even though Dr. Adams' specialty is mitral valve, it's my understanding that a valve is a valve. I'm no expert but that wouldn't be a barrier for me personally. It may seem impersonal to you but I think this is the way of the world. Any top notch surgeon will be doing the critical surgery but there will be lots of other co-surgeons working on opening/closing you up, etc. It's really a team of people you work with. There's the Physician's Assistant, the Nurse Practitioner, the Surgery Coordinator, etc. I didn't even see Dr. Adams on the day of my surgery or after the surgery. Anyway, perhaps it's easier to chat. Please feel free to call me at 917/420-0770 whenever you want. Lily Cardlin

"Joan, also, let me say that if you prefer, you can go and meet with Dr. Gillinov before your surgery date. I don't know how long it will take to schedule an appointment, but if that would be better for you, it is an option. Also, when I did meet with Dr. Gillinov, he spent a long time with me, answered my whole list of questions and I had a lot of them. He did not rush at all and was very patient. I do not think it is typical for you not to get a phonecall from his nurse before you get the info packet, because when she called me, she even told me that he felt he could do the mini-sternotomy, etc.
Linda"

Friday, April 13, 2012 07:34 AM
Hi Joan, I received a phone call from Dr. Gillinov's nurse explaining Dr. Gillinov's recommendations, giving me a surgery date, etc. This came before the info packet. I assume you have an answering machine? By all means, call the number and ask to speak to one of the nurses. I didn't actually speak with Dr. Gillinov until the day I met him, which was the day before surgery. When you have to be there depends on the day of the week your surgery is scheduled. I actually had to be there on Friday before my surgery on Tuesday. This is because you have preop testing, labs, xray, echo etc., meet with the anesthesiologist, get swabbed for MRSA. Then on day 2 you will actually meet with Dr. Gillinov. I cannot imagine that you would not like him. His credentials and experience is impecable and he is very confident, yet humble and compassionate. If my surgery had been on a Wednesday, then I would not have to be there until Monday, but because it was on a Tuesday, I had to be there over the weekend. It does take a while to get on the schedule, once you get there, you will better understand why, there are people from all over the world going there for heart surgery and he can only do 1 or possibly 2 per day they are so time consuming. As for the communication with them, I found it to be exceptional. They are very efficient and yet I found everyone from admissions to the surgical staff to answer every question.

Of course, it is totally your decision and you have to do what you feel is best for you, but I feel that if Dr. Gillinov felt that your case was urgent, he would have "moved people around" to accomodate you. I totally understand the "wanting to get it over with", I was exactly the same way...but...I am so glad I waited on Dr. Gillinov. My surgery went so much better than I had prepared for and I have no complaints whatsoever.

Look through your packet and call the number and ask to speak to one of Dr. Gillinov's nurses and ask her to explain what his recommendations are. Good luck, and let me know how it goes.

Linda Dixon

Dear Joan, Also, the communication with Dr. Adams' office was top notch. I received emails, calls back quickly, proactive calls. I had all my questions answered. The only negative was my initial visit. I waited two hours but I felt it was worth it. People fly in from all over the country to have Dr. Adams perform the surgery and he wants to make sure everyone walks away from the initial conversation with confidence and an understanding of what will be done. I felt extremely confident and comfortable after meeting Dr. Adams and the co-surgeon, Dr. Chan, who I thought was equally awesome. Anyway, this was my experience and by the time you're reading this, you've probably already heard from Cleveland Clinic. :o) Take care. Lily Cardlin

Hi Joan, I commend you on quitting smoking. I'm sure that's not been easy, along with the stress of trying to schedule your surgery and selling your home. I'm familiar with Sparta because I have a good friend that lives there. While I understand your desire to go to Cleveland Clinic and your apprehension about driving in the city, might I suggest having a friend drive you in, or calling a car service? It's got to be more economical than flying but these days you never know. Like Selma mentioned, Columbia Presbyterian and Mt. Sinai have highly regarded Cardio Thoracic units. I had my surgery done at Mt. Sinai by Dr. David Adams and it was a very good experience. I suggest you read his page on the "Find a Surgeon" link. I met him and Dr. Craig Smith (he performed President Clinton's surgery as well as Barbara Walters I think). I thought they were both great but I decided on Dr. Adams. My point is, you live so close to the city, you may want to consider NYC if you're still not getting a response from Cleveland Clinic. Regards, Lily Cardlin

Hi Joan
My name is Susan VandenBussche I am 61 and have had 3 surgeries in my 30's,40's and the most recent age 59, mechanical valve. Yes us older folks blog I have not just been on HVJ most recently.
As you can see this is a great resource. My only recommendation and I am so glad I did my last 2 surgeries was to have a hosp bed in my home. I sort of knew that my recovery as opening my chest the 2nd and 3rd time would be a longer recovery I would be more comfortable. Feel free to browse through my journal and if I can answer any questions I would be happy to answer if I can. As far as finding the best facility for you that does take alot of research and lost of questions when interviewing Dr's. This last time we stayed close to home here in Charlotte with no regrets
Take care
Susan

Hang in there Joan! My vote is no to the smokes and yes to Cleveland Clinic. It was such a fantastic decision to go to the top facility in the US, I don't think you should change paths. But then again, I don't get a vote. Try to stay strong and stay the course. I am thinking of you often. Good luck!

-Mitch Friedman

Hi, Joan --
Sounds like you're in a tough spot. If your insurance would cover it, it might not be a bad idea to speak with one of the NYC hospitals. Both Mt. Sinai and New York Presbyterian are very well regarded.
Selma

Joan, please try not to be discouraged. It did take about 2-3 weeks for me to hear back from Dr. Gillinov also. And even though my echoes, cath etc. indicated my stenosis was critical, Dr. Gillinov said it was not "urgent" and I would be fine for 4-5months. It did take almost 3 months for a surgery date, he is extremely busy and they do schedule the most urgent cases ahead of those that are not as urgent. As for the TEE, Dr. Gillinov does those on everyone, but they are done after you have been sedated in the OR after the endotracheal tube is in, so you don't know anything about it. The only thing I had to have done again, once I got to CC was another echo and ekg. I know it is difficult waiting and for me it became even more difficult after I was given a date, but just try to remember...that really is the hardest part, honestly. I don't know why I had such an easy time, I am certainly nothing special, I am not an athelete and I hate exercise, etc. I believe with all my heart - sick as it was, lol- that it was because of the excellence of Dr. Gillinov and the staff at CC. That said...I can't imagine trying to get my house ready to put on the market...I feel great considering that I had open heart surgery...but I think the only way I would consider moving right now would be if I didn't have to touch a thing, I could leave EVERYTHING here, move into another house that had EVERYTHING there, move-in ready and I didn't have to do a thing! None of my business...but as great as I am doing...that would be a "NO" for me. And don't even think about picking up the cigarettes again! I have thanked God over and over that I quit when I did...14 years ago. Hang in there...I predict you will hear from CC this week. By the way...did you send your records yourself by overnight and did you receive confirmation from CC that they had been received?

Hang in there,
Linda Dixon

Not everyone has a TEE. I had my surgery at CC and never had one, unless they did one after I was knocked out for surgery although my surgical report does not mention it.

Did your Cardiologist say you need surgery within the next several months? If he/she thinks it can wait, and IF you're feeling ok, and you really want to put your house on the market before summer, go ahead and do it. You won't want to do what you need to do to get a house ready for the market and go through with showings and such for months after surgery - I'd say at least 6 months unless you can have someone else prepare it and you can live elsewhere during the process. (Just my 2 cents)

Ricki Shine

Hi Joan,

My tee was done on the morning of my surgery about 30 -45 mins before my surgery took place. They can either do it before the surgery or a few days/weeks before. You will not feel anything or even remember it.

Jimmy Johnson

Hi Joan,
A TEE is trans esophageal echocarddiogram...which means they go down your throat and do an ultrasound to look at your heart from the inside.
You get a better view from the inside rather than through your chest as there are fewer structures to go through.
Yes, I believe everyone has one ordered be either your cardiologist or surgeon. I mailed my TEE on a CD from the hospital where I had (I work there) to the surgeon before meeting with him.
I had mine 3 weeks ago, it was a piece of cake.

Nancy B

TEE test is done so they can see the valves close up. It is done by your cardio and at the hospital.

Hi Joan,

If you really are at the severe stage, CCF I'll not make you wait ......and waiting truly is the hardest part of the whole ordeal. Dr. Gillinov is not only an amazing surgeon, but also one of the kindest human beings I have ever met. You will feel so much more relaxed and confident after you meet him.
I really don't believe CCF is all that slow ( at least not compared to the docs around here).......I think they are just really thorough.
You say you really don 't have any symptoms, but I think you will be amazed at how much more energy you have after your surgery. I thought my only symptom was the palpitations, but I couldn't believe how much more energy I had just a few short weeks after the surgery. I didn't realize how tired I was until after I got my heart fixed.
I hope you hear from CCF soon!
Deb Ziegler

Hi Joan,
I sent my records to CCF and it took them three weeks to get back to me, and then they wanted me to come to Cleveland for more testing. I chose Dr. Gillinov, and he is booked about 2 to 3 months out (unless you are an urgent case). It is a long process, but worth the wait. CCF is an amazing place.
Deb Ziegler

Joan,

The Clinic says it will take at least 2 weeks to hear back . . . my experience was 2 weeks almost to the day. When I hadn't heard on Friday, I figured it would be the following week. I was very surprised when Dr. Sabik's nurse called me on Sunday.

I know it's hard but try to be patient. They will get back to you as soon as they can and in my opinion, it's well worth the wait.

Ricki Shine

Good morning! My residence is Akron, 45 min from the Clinic. My cardo is with University, my PCP is a Summa Associate. It took us 3 weeks just to secure and transfer records Clinic wanted. Another week then I received verbal confirm that I had been "accepted" and they were "offering" AVR with angioplasty.. Another week, I get a packet of literature and scheduling. In my case, pre-op (with heart cath) is 3 days, then 7 days off, then surgery. Total elapsed time, if things go as planned, 10 weeks. Since you have to travel, maybe they will cut you a break.

I am trying hard to put a positive spin on this, and concentrate on the post-surgery details.

John Teeftt

Hi Joan,
It's Stephanie Cole here. Hope I can help answer some of your questions.
I sought out CC online. I paid $650.00 to have Dr. Prieto review all of my records since my 1st surgery at age 5. It's an online second opinion. I was hoping this would save me a trip there. Unfortunately, CC's response was YES I needed surgery and YES I needed to go there for a week of testing. I went for testing in January 2012. I could have booked surgery a week later. However, decided to wait until March. That's a bit different than your situation. It sounds like you've had all your tests elsewhere and records sent.
What I can say is that CC is very good. It may take a bit longer with Dr. G, as he is in HIGH demand, but I can assure you it's worth waiting.
I had several things go "wrong" leading up to the surgery. For example, when I went to register (high stress) the day before surgery-- they actually told me my date had been changed. Then when I did get to surgery, my time had been moved back by a couple of hours. Again, looking back... IT WAS WORTH IT.
When you are there, you feel nothing but PURE confidence in the team. I felt safe, secure and I knew I would live through the procedure. You will feel the same.
As for your age, I was the youngest by 30 years. Many patients appeared to be in their 60-80's. We all did great in the days after the surgery. There were lots of us on the floor, about 15-20.
As for driving, yes you can drive 8 hours. I'm sure you'll have to stay in a hotel for a few days to get your final check up. I stayed 5 days and then rode back to Maine. Bring pillows. I loved my little neck pillow. They want you to ride in the back seat (no airbag). I took about 8 hours in the back and moved up front with seat reclined.
As for pain, don't even worry about it. Childbirth and tonsilectomy are much worse!
CC is truly a center of expertise. You will do great!

Hi Joan,
While sitting in the waiting, both pre-op and post-op I became aware of the fact that almost all of the patients were older than I (60 at the time).
I was encouraged by their stories. Most had only taken tylenol for pain relief and were walking faster than I was and I was really doing very well.
I think the older females do well because we have little to no muscle in the area of the incision. The younger guys that are built up have a lot more discomfort.
Hope this helps,
Jane (12/5/11 surgery)

Joan,
I had an aortic valve replaced at 67 and my neighbor had one at 83. We are doing well. Mine was done at University Hospital in Cleveland and the neighbor had her's done at the Cleveland Clinic. Cleveland rocks.
Wish you the best,
Allen Wilhelm

Hi Joan,

here is a link to Barbara Walter's talk on open heart surgery, I believe she was 80+ when she had her aortic valve replaced.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RUu0s532Fg
20/20 from ABC News: Barbara Walters on Heart Surgery,

There is a short TV commercial at the beginning

Rose

Hi, Joan --
I'm 60 and have a different diagnosis but I just heard a web talk by my soon-to-be surgeon. He emphasized that the the general outcome for folks in their 70s and 80s is excellent. Of course, the healthier you are going in, the better. I've had several relatives who've had OHS well into their 70s and one uncle who had a quadruple bypass in his 80s so I bet you'll do great. Particularly if you're going to Cleveland!
Selma Kaplan

Hi Joan,
I am 64. I'm into 4th week with very few problems. was also very surprised to see how many young people were having the surgery. However, I was the youngest of about 20 people in my hospital wing.

When you are older like us, the decision on what type of valve is easier!

Jan Beale

Hi Joan, I am just catching up on some journals and wanted to say hi. I think it is great you have decided on Cleveland Clinic. I hear they take a few weeks to get back to you.

As for recliners, they help because it is hard to lie flat. If you want to rent one, I rented from Churchill Furniture Rental. They are national and there is probably a location near you.

Good luck with everything.

-Mitch Friedman

Hi Joan, When my daughter had her valve replacement, she was in hospital for 3 days came home and had to walk up 3 flights of stairs to get to her apartment. She just went slow and did real good.Better than me. But then I didn't know about me in those days. Now I have trouble and have to rest in between flights if I have to do stairs.

Now for the recliner. I do have one but not like the one you have been hearing about. When I had my hysterictomy 10 years ago, I found it hard to get into my bed as it is a little on the high side, so I got a little stool to help, but the big problem was trying to get up. You don't realize what muscles you use trying to move so I went to my recliner so I could sleep. That worked real well. So hope that helps you. Everyone is different. Good luck to you.
For the long haul
LInda H

Joan, Rob had his surgery done in Albuquerque NM by Dr. Lagerstrom, who is compassionate and just wonderful! He even said he is obsessive and a perfectionist, that is what we want right!!?? Rob did not have the mini, I am sure he would have rather had that. He is doing great!! He slept in his own bed the first night home!! Linda W.

Hi Joan, Rob my husband had the aortic valve replaced 12 days ago. We debated over the lift recliners and the stairs. We didn't get a chair, our grandson put some twoxfours under the recliner we have so it won't rock and a large board under the chair to lift it up some. This works fine! Work on strengthening your legs as you will use them to sit or stand instead of your arms to push you up or hold you up. We live in a tri-level home and Rob used the stairs as soon as we got home which was 6 days post op. I would walk in front of him for each step and he would maneuver them at his pace. He just went slow, now, 12 days post op he is more steady and I am not going in front of him. He is healing nicely! He is walking more and doesn't get tired as quickly so his stamina is improving. You take care and strengthen your legs! Linda W

Jan,
I'm so glad to hear another success story! Sorry to hear about your blues but that seems so understandable.
Would you mind sharing a little more on the breathing exercises? Did you start that prior to surgery or is that a post-op only thing? Also, what was the answer to your question about taking the stairs? I'm considering recovering on the main level of my home as opposed to upstairs. Is that a good plan?

Again, I'm happy to hear about your success.

Steve

Joan,
Tomorrow will start the 4th week post op of my aorta replacement.

I immediately started walking, I did the coughing and deep breathing exercises regularly. For two weeks, I had very little pain. I only took tylenol. I have slept in my bed since coming home. The wedge pillow helps, so does a bra. I only had two sports bras so I am washing daily. This past week I had several days of depression, not bad but just the blues.. I also began to experience discomfort under my arms, across my back and in my neck. I have found that if I lay flat on my back, the pain goes away. I am now doing the stretch exercises. That has helped my neck and back a lot.

The only thing I would do differently is schedule my surgery ASAP. The wait was worse than the procedure and I would have more than two sports bras.
Underwire does not work!

I know everyone is different, but I think movement has been key to my recovery so far.

Good luck.

Jan Beale

Hi Joan, I had my surgery at Columbia Presb. in New York. When you are in the hospital, it doesn't matter where you are, big city or not. You just have to be cared for the very best way you can be. I had a very good experience there. I was home on a friday after surgery on a monday. I never used a recliner and walked upstairs the first few hours I was home. I just didn't go up and down many times in a day.
My experience was the same as Jimmy's. I used a wedge pillow with other pillows to create a comfortable position. I slept in my bed right away.
My surgeon was Dr. Craig Smith. I never had a single days doubt about his ability. He is often quoted on this site.
Good Luck,
Jane