Kathy's Journal

Lisa Guinan  Being first is great! I’m four weeks post-op and doing great. Prayers that everything goes as planned.

Kathy Archambault  Thanks so much everyone! I am home one week today and on Thursday it will be two weeks post op. I am amazed at how quickly they have you up an moving after a surgery like this, but it must be working. Getting stronger every day. I do have a couple of questions if anyone has any advice or experience with the same thing. My skin on my stomach is incredibly itchy as the healing begins from the removal of tubes and wires. Everything is starting to scab. Anyone have anything that helped with that? Also, it it common for coughing to hurt more as the healing process begins? My heart shaped pillow is never far away to brace for those moments. Thanks again.

Lisa Guinan  I was lucky enough to not have much itching but I read to fold up a towel and gently use it on itching scars. Not sure if you had sternotomy or MI. Coughing for me got easier after about 3 weeks. Good thing cause I caught a cold. Sneezing is no fun either. You’ll get better each week post-op.

Derek Schilling  I hear you about trying to stay positive and busy. Have my pre-op in 6 days. Not sure why they need 2.5 hours.

Louanna Miller  Derek, my pre-op appointment with the cardiologist took a long time to complete visit with cardiologist, another Echocardiogram, chest x-ray, EKG, blood work, etc. they make sure everything is in order. Another step closer.

Louanna Miller  Kathy, I kept busy the week before surgery with household task to complete before my surgery. I also used relaxation audio exercises from the internet. It helped keep me calm and focused on the positive.

Charles Hamel  If you can do some aerobic excersizes or go for a good run it will be good for you, toughen you up and help you relax...

Marie Myers  I finally asked for a sleeping pill. Temazepam 15 mg worked wonders for me, although I limit myself to twice per week usage.

Susan Lynn  You don't. Take it one day at a time, Kathy. I wanted something to help me relax, but my cardiologist's office was so unresponsive, they never replied. I made it to the big day without an ounce of medication and it was completely doable. I actually enjoyed my post-operative anesthesia withdrawal - it felt like the world's greatest nap. You can do it, too!

Dan Baltazor  Praying for Peace for you. Anxiety rules the night unfortunately. All fears and concerns are exacerbated in that time frame. Find your meditation foundation and put it to use. For us it was praying. Like Susan said take it one day at a time. -Stephanie

Louanna Miller  I agree with Susan and Dan. I prayed a lot and meditated on scripture. I also found a few relaxation dvd at Barnes and Noble and in the phone App Store. Those are helpful when I go to sleep, even used them when I was in the cardiac step down room.

Dan Vechiola  I tell everybody what I did. Distract distract distract your mind and then distract your mind some more. I distracted myself right up to the morning of surgery when I couldn't push it off anymore. When thoughts came I thought of something different. The wait definitely is the hardest part. Soon you will be on the other side and time will start flying.

Jill McDonald   Kathy I completely understand. I knew for 7 years this day would come and I still think they will say oh guess what we were wrong you're all good. I go the day after you! One day at a time and healing takes time!

Dan Baltazor  I was all over everybody’s journals when I found out to help me process it. You’ll find courage here.

Kathy Archambault  That was my thought as well. Figured one week trying not to stress about it was long enough! Best wishes for a successful surgery Mark.

  I (and many others on this website) know what you are going through Kathy.
Open heart surgery is a lot to grasp and process.
Joining this Heart Warrior community was the best thing that I did in helping me to prepare for my surgery. Lots of prayers, support, encouragement, understanding, and kind words here on this site.
Peace and blessings to you.

Dan Vechiola  What you are feeling is very normal Kathy. While in the waiting room it is difficult to process. All you can do is to put your fate in the hands of your surgeon and hospital and let go. Then distract distract distract your mind and then distract your mind some more. The wait is definately the hardest part.