JP's Journal

This is to Sommer. I am 73 and had mitral repair 3/28/2018 so about 7-1/2 months ago. I finished rehab and am back at the gym and in better shape than I’ve been in for decades. You can request something to calm you and help you sleep, like Xanax. Also, you can let the anesthesiologist know that it would be a kindness if he/she put you to sleep on the way to OR so you never have to see it. You don’t need the auto lift chair. Helpful to have a hubby or friend to assist at first. Especially to go potty or take meds in the middle of the night. They will give you a second gown to wear over your Hospital gown to walk the halls. No need to bother with clothes while you are there. I bet you have a great doctor at a great hospital. They will take great care of you. Worst part at my hospital was the food. Thank goodness my hubby brought more interesting food from outside! All best wishes and prayers for your successful journey. Be patient and be a good patient. Recovery starts slowly so keep track of weeks and months post-op and don’t get discouraged that it takes so long to gain strength. As my cardiologist told me at 3months post op, it’s a pretty big surgery for a little old lady! Button front pj’s are a help first few weeks. They will show you how to get a pullover over your head. Pretty easy to do after 1st week

This is to Sommer. I am 73 and had mitral repair 3/28/2018 so about 7-1/2 months ago. I finished rehab and am back at the gym and in better shape than I’ve been in for decades. You can request something to calm you and help you sleep, like Xanax. Also, you can let the anesthesiologist know that it would be a kindness if he/she put you to sleep on the way to OR so you never have to see it. You don’t need the auto lift chair. Helpful to have a hubby or friend to assist at first. Especially to go potty or take meds in the middle of the night. They will give you a second gown to wear over your Hospital gown to walk the halls. No need to bother with clothes while you are there. I bet you have a great doctor at a great hospital. They will take great care of you. Worst part at my hospital was the food. Thank goodness my hubby brought more interesting food from outside! All best wishes and prayers for your successful journey. Be patient and be a good patient. Recovery starts slowly so keep track of weeks and months post-op and don’t get discouraged that it takes so long to gain strength. As my cardiologist told me at 3months post op, it’s a pretty big surgery for a little old lady! Button front pj’s are a help first few weeks. They will show you how to get a pullover over your head. Pretty easy to do after 1st week

Four months post op from mitral valve repair Scar is fading. I can exercise like crazy and still be able to breathe. At the beach with grandchildren and can swim right alongside. I thank Dr Gaudiani and the Good Lord!!! And Adam!!!

55 days till surgery. Hopeful for good outcome. Pretty much scared to death. Worst fear - waking up intubated and restrained. Can anyone tell me about that?

Because my surgery is not 'emergency', my husband and I picked March 28, 2018. My cardiologist said 90% of people with mitral regurgitation ask for the surgery because their quality of life is so bad. Then he said 10% of people have to be told it's time for surgery. And he said I was in that group. We wanted to enjoy our Valentine's Day anniversary-33 years - and Bob's birthday February 23rd. And I want to go to my friend's 65th birthday bash March 25th. And I want to be well in time to meet my favorite cousins and our grandchildren at the beach mid-July.