Leti's Journal

* Respirator

* Wound vac machine over sternum incision

* Drainage Tubes (2)

* Pacemaker tubes

* Neck IV

* IVs in both hands

* Intermittent compression leg wraps

* Catheter

If you can have a family member stay with you during the first night in the hospital, it can be so reassuring. The first night, my brother stayed overnight with me and I was so appreciative. I didn't realize how much pain and discomfort I would experience and honestly I was just scared. My brother provided periodic pep talks in the middle of the night and occasional shoulder rubs. Fortunately, the University of Michigan allows a family member to stay by your bedside 24 hours/day.

Post-Op Updates:
I was moved from the ICU to the Cardiac Unit, where I remained in the hospital for 3 more days. Some things worth noting:
1) I was in a great deal of pain, especially back and shoulder pain, which I wasn't expecting. I learned the back pain resulted from being on my back during surgery on a metal table with my arms extended outward (like a "T" or a cross) for several hours. The pain was so intense I couldn't sleep in the hospital bed, but instead slept in the recliner chair each night. They also provided me with a muscle relaxant to assist.
2) As others mentioned on this site, having the drainage tubes removed provided so much relief. It was almost difficult to breathe with those tubes inserted.
3) I didn't have an appetite and my taste buds were off (everything tasted like chalk -- or some chemical taste). The hospital provided me with Ensure for the protein. My taste buds started to return to normal approximately 3 weeks post-op.
4) I experienced dizziness and aura (visual disturbances often associated with migraine headaches). I didn't have a headache, but I did have lots of visual disturbances and flashing lights while in the hospital and these issues remain today (4 weeks post op). I'll discuss during my post-op visit.
5) For the first 3 weeks, I was seriously exhausted. I couldn't sleep at night due to the back pain even though I was sleeping in a recliner. During the day, I was just so drowsy. Reading posts of folks who were walking 1-2 miles at 2 weeks post-op was making me sad. Any attempt to walk for more than 10 minutes resulted in dizzy spells, coughing and exhaustion for me. I just needed to be patient and show myself some grace. I'm happy to report that finally at 4 weeks post op, I'm able to walk for stretches of 20-30 minutes.

One day at a time. Seriously.