Jeri's Posts

Thanks Jeri for sharing your progress on your near first anniversary. Many of us wonder how we will get back to normal after such a big surgery, (I am scheduled for MV repair March 3rd, 2015), so it is good to hear that one can get "back to feeling well," and yes, playing golf, it can be accomplished!

Hi Jeri, I have not had my surgery yet, but I think that it was Elaine? maybe that said to just think of it as breathing through a straw, just relax and accept it. Her wisdom was comforting to me and then I also kind of thought of it as like snorkeling.

Jeri, I was very worried too about the vent. When I was waking, it was almost like a dream state. I could feel the vent, but I was so out of it still that it all seemed to happen very fast. As soon as I felt it, I heard a man say, "Let's get that out". He told me to cough and took it out. I fell right back to sleep. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I wrote about my surgery experience in my journal. You are welcome to read it. Best wishes!

Jeri, The best thing about the vent tube is... You know about it. Fyi, no one told me I would wake up with a tube in my throat. Needless to say, that was pretty dislocating. There is some great advice here as how to manage the experience -- relax, accept it, and... know that the tube will be removed as soon as possible. The medical teams know how uncomfortable this is for patients.

Jeri, I agree with Adam's words that knowledge is helpful. I think it was one of my biggest fears as well. I did wake up on the vent, and was on it for about 4 hours because I was not breathing well on my own. I tried to remember advice here to just relax, not fight it, and find ways to communicate with my nurse with hand signals. All of that happened, and they do get it out as soon as you are safe to have it out. In retrospect, it was over quick and the healing began. You'll be fine.

2 yrs post op for a BAV replacement. I told my husband when I wake up I don't want to be intubated. I was adamant about it but guess what? I woke being intubated still, I remember giving my husband the evil eye trying to communicate to him my displeasure, lol. But it really wasn't that bad. I didn't have a feeling of choking or gagging and I have a very sensitive gag reflex. I just knew it was there but I was in and out and then suddenly it wasn't there anymore. It really wasn't a big deal like I thought it would be. So don't worry too much about it. Good luck to you.

I appreciate all of the support from this community. I will update you on my progress ASAP. I can't believe the day is almost here. Wil and I will get through this and back to our wonderful retirement! It's a bump in the road. It's great that we can rectify these heart issues as a result of today's advanced medical miracles!

I pray that your surgery and recovery will be peaceful. Tomorrow will be a new day with your fixed heart. God bless and rise up! Many on this board referenced the breathing tube after surgery. I told my wife about it, so she was prepared. My recollection is that when they reduced my sedation, they also reduced the lighting in my ICU room (that is what they told me). I saw my wife talking with the nurses, and I noticed the breathing tube. It was working correctly with no problems. I was calm. In a moment, the nurses removed the tube, I turned my head and vomited a little amount of water. No problem.

Jeri have no fear about the breathing tube. When I awoke the ICU nurse gave me ice chips to help me out. I was still under the effect of the anesthesia and didn't even notice the tube! Early the following morning they took the tube out and all was well! I'll pray that your time be peaceful and that you'll be in great spirits post surgery. Onward & Upward!

My wife was intubated about 6 times. I spoke with one of the doctors on the team asking him to be more careful, and if possible, use a smaller mouth piece. Needless to say, her voice box has sustain some damage. I have a voice teacher working with her to restore her voice box. I pray that your procedure runs smoothly, and that you do not face any complications. If you believe, God promised that He will satisfy you with long life, and that your future will be better than your past. Amen

I feel better after reading all these posts about that tube. The thought of it scares me too (and I'm a guy that used to think that getting hit in the head for a hobby was fun !) But the part about snorkeling and scuba diving helps. I have no trouble with either of those. Maybe I'll bring a diving mask and and a life jacket too. Can't hurt.