Katie's Posts

Thank everyone! It's been such a help hearing of others experience. My husband started sleeping in bed, with pillows to elevate him, after about 2 and a half weeks. Today we are at 39 days and he has started sleeping on his side again. This happens about a week ago, he just ended up sliding Down almost flat and waking up in the morning sleeping on his side.he said it was only mildly uncomfortable, but not painful. It's so nice to be getting back to normal. During the first 2 weeks honestly, It felt like it would be such a long road and it was difficult to see the light at the end of the recovery tunnel. I'm so thankful that we are on the other side of this now. Still a ways to go to "normal", but so much closer than he was. Few weeks ago.

I was also asymptomatic being checked every 6 months. When at cardiologist in May was sent to surgeon because it was becoming worse. Saw the surgeon in July and was operated on in September and am 9 weeks post-op. My surgery for mitral and tricuspid repair was successful and am 75% healed. Sternotomy is still a bit painful and get winded waking up stairs. I am 65 and am back to walking 20,000 steps a day and riding the stationary bike. You take one day at a time and every day you see some progress. Wishing you all the best.

Hi ! Depends on what surgery type he is having how that might play out. I had a sternotomy, but if you have a thoracotomy, acute pain for a period of time may happen - not sure if age matters. Certain things do seem to track with younger patients. Pericarditis - for instance - does happen more in younger patients, or at least as frequently. Other things seem better, so it really depends... Most hospital teams do a great job managing pain - but here is pro tip Do stay ahead of the pain on day 0 to 1 - and be really communicative with nurses so they can dose appropriately. Regardless - it is a super stressful time, and I wish your family well...