Linda Powazinik - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

1316 days ago

Andrew Dial reacted to this

Had my pre op today. Cardiac cath 1/4, surgery 1/11. Having aortic and mitral valve replacement and tricuspid repair at Mass General Hospital in Boston. They ...Read more

Had my pre op today. Cardiac cath 1/4, surgery 1/11. Having aortic and mitral valve replacement and tricuspid repair at Mass General Hospital in Boston. They sent out a package loaded with information. I think too much information. The part of what to expect after you wake up from anesthesia being attached to all these machines. I was scared enough before. This freaked me out

Richard Munson Its not as bad as they hype it up. Not a walk in the park either.

Marie Myers I was scared also when I found out I needed surgery. After having been through it though, I would say ... Read more

Marie Myers I was scared also when I found out I needed surgery. After having been through it though, I would say that it was not as bad as my worrying mind would have me believe. The first 2 weeks were the hardest, with fatigue and generally uncomfortable days. Sleep was difficult for me for weeks, but renting an electric recliner really helped me. I found that listening to calming videos, yoga, and meditation helped me though. You are going to one of the best hospitals for your surgery. They do this every day, and you will be pleasantly surprised like me when you are home. Wishing you a smooth journey through surgery and recovery!

Rita Savelis When you wake up you're in a daze and you don't notice much. A lot of people have fears about the bre ... Read more

Rita Savelis When you wake up you're in a daze and you don't notice much. A lot of people have fears about the breathing tube, but many here (like me) do not remember having a breathing tube or it being taken out, so I guess I was too groggy to notice. I had my aortic and mitral valves replaced and my tricuspid repaired in 2015. Perhaps you have post-radiation damage to your heart like I did, which can lead to so many valves needing work. It can be good to have information, even too much, because then you are not surprised when you wake up, but honestly you are groggy and sleepy and they give you more meds. I'm sorry that you have to go through this. For many the waiting is the hardest part. Then surgeons do the work. Take care Linda and give your body lots of rest after surgery. And have a happy New Year's Eve.

Ginny Turner Thinking of you, Linda. I don't have personal experience to share yet, but the encouragement from for ... Read more

Ginny Turner Thinking of you, Linda. I don't have personal experience to share yet, but the encouragement from former patients has helped me so much. I'm trying to stay focused and calm, knowing that my surgical team has got this, and I am in the best hands. And just think of the relief being on the recovery side! Best to you on the 11th - you'll do great!

Katheryn Applegate Hi Linda!,
Take it from me, the waiting is the hardest part. I woke up as the breathing tube was bei ... Read more

Katheryn Applegate Hi Linda!,
Take it from me, the waiting is the hardest part. I woke up as the breathing tube was being taken out but do not remember it as a horrible r experience, just one I was briefly aware of before drifting back to sleep. I also woke in ICU Aattached to all those machines. Same story. The meds you will be taking will assure you a calm recovery. Trust your team and God to get you through as you will have no control. I am 15 months out and reaping the benefits of my new aortic valve. See you on the recovery side!