Jonathan's Posts

I tried to imagine a timeline of surgery to recovery to back to normal. Doing so helped me understand the actual surgery was a step on the trail not the trail itself. I just focussed on what I could be doing any given day to put me in the best position. Sleep, exercise that I was permitted, reading, whatever created calm and was productive.

Plan something fun for 2-3 months post-op! A little bit of travel planning...research the hotels, the activities, the restaurants. Give your mind something to do besides worry about surgery (which is normal though...) We were having a family reunion and I looked for attractions with different activity levels just in case I couldn't keep up with everyone.

Your emotions are very normal and don't fight it. A few hints from my side (I am not a religious person, nor a yoga/mediatator)... Get walks and gentle exercise. Organize your affairs ahead so you have a few days of solitude before surgery. Line up some fun television to enjoy when home and have your recliner ready. And do psyche yourself up to be a "gentle warrior". That is an essential part of the psychology. Go in resolved with a fighter attitude.

I had forgotten I drove to see my dad for his birthday about 11 days before my surgery for a mini vacation. Then I went to see him again around Week 11, when I was well on my way to recovery. I was even able to play 9 holes of golf.

I don't have a comprehensive checklist as I had about 1 week between diagnosis and surgery. Initially, they didn't even want my to leave the hospital. In any case, check out the learning center. Scroll all the way down past those advertisings. If you don't have a will/trust then that's a good time to do it. Not because of the surgery because you will be in great care and constantly monitored and you will come out healthier than before. A will/trust is just something you should have. If you live by yourself, your biggest issue will be that you can't lift more than 5lb and you will be tired because of having to sleep exclusively on your back for some time. Arrange for several pillows of different sizes, an electric declinable couch if you always wanted one anyways, etc. When they ask about how long you want to be out of work, get the full 12 weeks. It's a lot easier to get approval to get back to work earlier than extending it. You look pretty healthy so you might not even need rehab. But I guess it doesn't hurt to go a few times. https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/learning-center.php

In addition to the great advice you've already been given, I would add a showerchair, some loose sweat pants (we usually gain water weight after surgery), button front shirts (pullovers are challenging right after surgery), and maybe some slip on shoes (I found leaning forward to tie shoes to be difficult). You might also want to prep some easy microwavable meals in the freezer. They're handy for a quick lunch or dinner. Best of luck to you!

for hospital, take a long 6-10 ft. phone charger and wall plug. and a notebook and pen-you think of questions to ask doc but you think you'll remember them but you don't! write them down as you think of them. at home, consider borrowing or renting a recliner chair. or a wedge for bed-a foam wedge that raises your upper body in bed. laying flat is difficult.