Renee Fain posted a note for Yvette that says: Good luck today with getting your broken heart repaired. I am getting ready to head out.

Renee Fain posted a note for Yvette that says: Good Luck tomorrow. I know the 3 of us will all do great tomorrow. I too cut my hair so I wouldn't have to deal with nasty hair after the surgery.

I will be thinking about you as I head to the hospital in the morning.

Asiya posted a note for Yvette that says: May creater of the universe make easy your operation and help you recover fast

Clare posted a note for Yvette that says: I didn't get a heart pillow. The nurses had me hold a folded blanket. The cold weather here in Missouri has made the driving easier...the big winter coat helps hold the seatbelt away from the chest. :)

Tom posted a note for Yvette that says: I think I read about it somewhere. All I got was a very holiday festive heart pillow that the ladies auxiliary made.

Tom in KC posted a note for Yvette that says: Yvette,
In case I did not mention it earlier, I did not have any noticeable or significant symptoms prior to surgery. Other than losing my breath at the end of a long sentence or conversation.
It was the size of the aortic aneurism that dictated doing the surgery now. Glad it is done and I am recovering. And after 8 weeks at home, I have a week of work in the books.
I hope you have a great party his weekend. It is our daughters 23rd birthday. Today my surgery was 2 months old.
I will be thinking of you and praying for you, your surgical team and your family. I know that God will watch over you and the surgical team.

Aida posted a note for Yvette that says: Hi Yvette,

I wish you the best possible outcome and recovery. I will look forward to your posts and updates. If there is anything you need, please do not hesitate to ask.

Aida posted a note for Yvette that says: Hi Yvette!

Hope you know that you are not alone. My husband had OHS last year to replace his mitral valve. As his caregiver, I wish I had been better prepared and so I was very motivated this year to create a site to compliment wonderful sites such as this one. You can find us at: www.heartcarematters.com

I also did research on how our emotional state impacts recovery. If you have the time, it is worth reading :)

http://www.heartcarematters.com/blog/open-heart-surgery-patient-preparation-guide-emotional-and-psychological-effects-on-recovery/

Our best to you and your upcoming surgery. Please keep us posted.

Meredith Bray posted a note for Yvette that says: I've been thinking about a haircut as well! And like Glenn said below, the crying is a relief for me. My FMLA leave and sick time brings me to the last week of school, so I'm looking forward to returning in August at 110%+! Last appointment with the surgeon this afternoon, finalizing LOA requests. I'm dreading the next 12 days....they are going to draaaaaag by, and fly by at the same time. I totally agree on the germs front. I lit into one of my coworkers last week for coming in while he was coughing & sniffling. there's a part of me that says I should just take leave now and stay home, but I KNOW that would make me bonkers. I'm looking forward to continuing to trade stories with you. Make sure to upload a pic of the new 'do!

Tom in KC posted a note for Yvette that says: Yvette,
I found that journaling was part of my hobby while home. But it was more than that, it was a hobby, a way to pass time when you physically can't do other things, a form or type of mission (reading, listening and sharing experiences, emotions and spiritual thoughts and beliefs) with others. I also had the HGTVdream home sweepstakes to sign up for every morning, but that ended last Friday. I had planned to try some new or old hobby, but I never really got there. Although I did spend a lot of to e searching the Internet for classic car and vintage race cars and photos. I enjoyed that. And now here I am just one day left on my approved leave. The 8 weeks went by relatively fast.
I your other entry you mentioned being out from work up to 3 months. The norm even for aorta replacement by traditional means is typically 8 weeks. But every situation is different. I just got my clearance today to go back this week.

Glenn Oden posted a note for Yvette that says: Hi again Yvette,
I'm a 69 year old male who hadn't cried since my last dog died unexpectedly. We had been considering the surgery and surgeons for several months. As I was walking across the parking lot, after making the decision and setting the date, I suddenly was consumed by crying. It had nothing to do with sadness. It was the profound relief that it was all finally decided. I had a hard time explaining to my wife, because she hadn't seen me cry very often.
This whole process you're going thru is very emotional. Expect it to pop out unexpectedly.

Clare posted a note for Yvette that says: I am an elementary special ed teacher. I hear you about the hugs. :)

Clare posted a note for Yvette that says: I am not typically the crying type but I found myself doing that a lot both pre and post surgery. Good luck. Take it one day at a time and enjoy the nicer weather. My snow is finally melted here in St. Louis.

Asiya from ethiopia posted a note for Yvette that says: Take it easy Yvette first is your health everything comes later. Hear I am afraid to go to my doctor not to hear about surgery .....

Barbara Colvin posted a note for Yvette that says: Hello Yvette -

I had surgery on Friday, February 7. I was in the ICU until Saturday afternoon, but was up in a chair in the ICU. I left the Cardiovascular step down unit late Tuesday afternoon to go home. You will needs someone with you 24/7 for a couple weeks. I am limited to lifting five pounds and cannot use my arms to push or pull and have to get up from sitting using only my legs. I have a toilet seat that makes the seat level about 5 inches higher than usual and that has been very helpful since I am 5"11". I also have a seat in the bathtub and a shower head which can be lifted off the wall and held in the hand. These items have been very helpful- allowing me to sit while I bathe.
I have not really used a walker since my first night at home. Having a "grabber" is helpful in reaching things that fall on the floor. For me my power recline/lift chair is a must have. I have also used a microwaveable pad to help relieve muscle tightness in my back. I like it better than a heating pad - you do not have worry about leaving it on too long.

I was on a sodium restricted, low fat, low carb diet in the hospital. It was okay when I learned what to order. A lot of things were too spicy and all the desserts had artificial sweetener in them which I hate. I just ordered a turkey sandwich with lettuce and tomato every day for lunch and as much fresh fruit as I was allowed and broth. Ordering a plain baked potato versus mashed potato and meats or fish without sauces for dinner worked for me.

I have not noticed any big change in my energy or ability to do things, but I am sure that will become evident after I get through the initial stages of healing from the incision.

Tom in KC posted a note for Yvette that says: Hey home state girl!
I was in the hospital 6 days total. 3 in ICU and 3 in a room on the cardiac floor. I agree with Glenn, you typically get more attention in ICU.
They got me out of bed once on day 2 and then once on day 3.
They did not have me walk until day 4. Then we walked twice as far each day.
They gave me a sponge bath upper body on day 4. I did not shower until I got home. While it was tough reaching my head to shampoo, the shower felt great.
Diet - They gave me suggestions, but no specific diet.
Home-you need a responsible adult with you for at least 3 to 5 days. It varies form prison to person. My wife Vicki brought me home Wednesday afternoon and stayed home thru Monday. My daughter and her 1year old rode the train over from Wentzville and they stayed with me the second week. I could not fully enjoy the visit, as I could not pick her up. but mom put her on my lap once a day and we shared pudding cups and bananas. I wonder if she will remember it later?
By 5 days at home I could do some things for myself.
Don't stretch for the first 6 to 8 weeks. Trust me it is easier to think you won't, but you likely will. It is natural instinct. I thought doing the laundry old not be an issue, but getting socks and undies out of he bottom of the machine was a stretch!

Glenn Oden posted a note for Yvette that says: Hi Yvette,
I'm six weeks post-op from an aortic valve and stem replacement.
-My ICU stay was 5 days because there were no beds available on the floors. This isn't a bad thing. You get more attention in ICU.
-My whole stay was six days.
-They got me walking about 12 hours after surgery…with help.
-They will want you on a healthy diet.
-Within the first day or so I noticed that my hands and feet were warmer and pinker, but the biggest difference has been a month or so post-op. I now have no arrhythmia and my energy level is much better.
-Advice: 1. Get in as good a shape as you can before. I will make the recovery much easier. 2. Be as nice to the help as you can. Learn their names and thank them for what they've done for you. It makes you feel better and they will be happier to spend more time with you. 3. As soon as you can pre-op go off caffeine. I suffered with terrible headaches for the first few days post-op. I really think it was withdrawal.
4. Coughing or sneezing will produce the worst possible pain for a month or so post-op. Be very careful when drinking. What normally in a simple clearing the throat type cough will make you consider calling 911.
5. Don't put off the surgery!!! Symptoms or not, waiting can only make things worst for recovery. You want to be as healthy as you can before surgery.
6. If you haven't decided on a surgeon yet, consider the minimally invasive method…do the reading.The whole post-op experience is cut in half…or more. I can attest to all the things you read or hear.
Good luck. I hope this helps.

Clare from St. Louis posted a note for Yvette that says: I was in ICU for about a day and a half. I had to wait for an available bed, or we would have moved sooner. I remember waking up with the tube. I did not like that feeling. I was in and out though so didn't get to freaked out. The day nurse was convinced that she was removing the tube before she left at 7 so I don't think it was in too long. I also remember that day nurse giving me a bath of sorts right out of surgery. I remember sitting in the chair in ICU and using the toilet in there after the catheter was out...so probably the day after sutgery. I also know I did not ride the wheelchair to my new room but walked with the nurse. Pain was kept to about a four. I quit taking the pain meds after day 10...regular tylonal was enough.
Hope that helps

tom posted a note for Yvette that says: The highest I remember telling them was a 4. Typically is was between 2 and 4. Once home is never got above 3. Most was focused on the sternum. I still have occasional pains in top left of the sternum. But my mid 20's coworker who had aorta valve replacement about a year ago says pains will show up along the way. Especially when you try something new or something you have not done in ages.
The surgeons partner asked my on the 2nd or 3rd morning "do you fell like a train wreck or that a train just hit you?". My reply, " it feels like a train crossing, the incision one direction and the stretching pain the other direction. Stretching is what I notice the most, now at 7 weeks.

Tom in LS posted a note for Yvette that says: I do not remember many details about waking up in ICU. I know that they took me from surgery to ICU around 3:30 pm amd they took the breathing tube put around 9:30 pm. My wife Vicki said I fought it when I was awake, but I wasn't awake much of that 6 hours. I remember I vaguely remeber the night nurse taking it out and telling Vicki and I that I would be much happier from that point on.
Generally I remember feeling disoriented, trying to figure out if I was in the basement or on a higher floor. Turns out ICU at Research is in the basement.

Tom in KC (Lees Summit) posted a note for Yvette that says: How did the 'tea party' go?
A pre-surgery party sounds great. My surgery was two days after Christmas, so there was a lot going on already.

I thought that the somewhat surprised comments from others about knowing of the bicuspid valve since youth was interesting. I to found out that my murmur was a bicuspid aorta at age 8, back in1965. Pretty new technology to do heart cath, especially on an 8 year old, back then.
How did they determine yours was bicuspid? Just curious.
I to got a few reactions of 'why did ou wait so long if you knew about it since 1965'. My reply, "I have not had noticeable symptoms and with all the medical advancements, wait as long as possible w/o putting yourself at risk".
Lees Summit is not that far away from Cole Camp. Both our daughters had their senior pictures done at Jeanene's foto flair in Cole Camp. My wife got that connection from someone at CMSU.
Small world isn't it?

Meredith Bray posted a note for Yvette that says: Woo! A party! That's a great idea! Enjoy!

4d posted a note for Yvette that says: Wish you the best from Ethiopia

Marci Stanwix posted a note for Yvette that says: Yvette! Welcome to this great group of people. I am from Lawrence, just west of KC. I had my valve replaced at KU Med. I know you will do just great! The first three days are the hardest but its all good after that. Just take it slow and steady and you will win the race!

Meredith Bray posted a note for Yvette that says: I've always been a night person. It's tough when i wake up in the morning and realize "This is the best I'm going to feel ALL day." Keep your chin up, chica, we can DO this!

Susan Smith posted a note for Yvette that says: Yvette, hope the "tea party" went well. Where are you in this waiting game that we all are playing or have played? I am pre-op and waiting. Next time with the cardio is 3/7/14 and am not sure what to expect. I sort have the feeling he will want to do more test. I have had the TEE. I have been losing weight at his instructions and hope it will be enough as I am still working on it, but difficult without much exercise. Keep us posted as you go forth. Have a great day. Happy Heart day for all the patients and caregivers.

Sherry Stevens posted a note for Yvette that says: Wow Yvette, My bicuspid valve wasn't even found until I was in my 50's. You went a long time without surgery- whoo hoo for you. I am exactly 6 months past my AVR and doing great. The technology and care now is amazing. We are very fortunate to be in a period where this surgery is not the massive mountain it used to be. Keep your spirits up, look at every step as one day closer to life without all this. I know many people suffer from depression after the surgery. I found that not to be true for me; but we will certainly pray and talk you through it if it happens. One thing that I think helps a lot is rehab as soon as you are allowed to start. Going to a small gym with others in the same situation and having staff help and watch you allows you to start moving again knowing you are safe. The activity alone helps your whole outlook. Please keep posting and we will keep an eye on you. I had many people on this site following me before and during my surgery, so you know there are others out here that understand where you are. Take good care and we will talk again.

Dora posted a note for Yvette that says: Hi Yvette, you will be in my thoughts and my prayers. I came home from the hospital yesterday. I felt like a million dollars after a nice shower and shampoo and having my 2.5 year granddaughter by my side. It's great to be on the "other side"

Carolyn Lee posted a note for Yvette that says: We have been friends for many years and I am looking forward to the next 50 years or more! Take care; prayers are bing lifted on your behalf and for your family. Love you, Yvette!

Debbie Cross posted a note for Yvette that says: Hi ,I live between Branson and Springfield.Saw your post and wanted wish you well.Pray all goes as planned for you!

Meredith Bray posted a note for Yvette that says: We've got the same diagnosis and the same surgery date! Best of luck to you, you're in my prayers!

Tom in KC posted a note for Yvette that says: I had mine at Research. South of the Plaza. Dr. Seligson. He is awesome.
I know that many times it is driven by insurance networks, and recommendations from cardiologists. I am very fortunate to get a great cardiologist that my primary recommended years ago, and then a great surgeon, who does many of the more complicated valve and aorta replacements in KC. But I have friends and coworkers that had aorta replacements by other doctors and they all liked theirs as well.

Tom in KC posted a note for Yvette that says: Yvette,
I had my aorta and aorta valve replaced in KC on Dec. 27th. So it has been about 6.5 weeks. Pretty much healed by now. Everyone says I look great or just having open heart surgery. I go to cardio rehab 3 mornings a week. Going back to work in about a week.
What city are you having your surgery at?
Are you choosing a tissue valve or a mechanical valve? I chose a tissue valve, so I did not have to deal with blood thinners. My aorta and root were replaced with a surgeon fabricated Dacron sleeve. Technology is amazing. I knew about my murmur since birth and that I had the bicuspid valve since birth.

You'll find fellow Missourians and other Midwesterners on this journal site. Also a lot of good information form the site resources and the fellow patients.
Feel fee to ask lots of questions. We all have. It is a great support group that stretches across the country and across the globe.
Tom

Mitzi posted a note for Yvette that says: You Are an amazing woman. I have known you all your life,and even at times when we were small, thinking you were way to spoiled, you are a great cousin. Our roots are deep thanks to both of our grandparents. I wish you all the prayers and great thoughts that you deserve. Because of the type of woman you are, we know that it won't be easy for you to be the one depending on others. Smile, even through your tough times you will be the great person you are! Love you

Clare posted a note for Yvette that says: Welcome. I had my bicuspid valve replaced just over a month ago on 1/9/14. You will find lots of good information here.
From St. Louis