Lorraine Hebert - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

3367 days ago

OK... so it's official I have scheduled surgery with Dr. Luis Castro on August 17, 2016. Now it's time to prepare and plan. I will be traveling from Alaska ...Read more

OK... so it's official I have scheduled surgery with Dr. Luis Castro on August 17, 2016. Now it's time to prepare and plan. I will be traveling from Alaska to California. Does anyone have any insight and advice on managing recovery and travel? What kind of arrangements (an easy chair? lots of pillows?) should I make for when I get out of the hospital?

Denise Campbell My big advice is to have someone with you the first week or two. It's hard to do for yourself. I sl ... Read more

Denise Campbell My big advice is to have someone with you the first week or two. It's hard to do for yourself. I slept with pillows so I was inclined in bed. But a lot of people need to use a recliner.

Tim Alonso Dr Castro has a good reputation...in particular the influence of Stanford Hospital and Sequoia..good ... Read more

Tim Alonso Dr Castro has a good reputation...in particular the influence of Stanford Hospital and Sequoia..good combo. Bring someone with you!

Steven A Husted yes it is nice to have someone with you i was alone and had no one to help when i got home and after ... Read more

Steven A Husted yes it is nice to have someone with you i was alone and had no one to help when i got home and after surgery so they put me in a rehab hospital after surgery for two weeks till i learned how to take care of myself you will need some help till you can manage on your own and a lot of patients use the electric recliners to help them i still use mine and i am 20 months out best wishes and prayers your heart brother steven a husted (popeye)

Petey Bello Definitely have someone with you to help. You won't be able to lift any of your luggage. Have wheelch ... Read more

Petey Bello Definitely have someone with you to help. You won't be able to lift any of your luggage. Have wheelchair access at the airport on your return. Give yourself enough time in CA after surgery just incase you're not up to travel & need a few days. I purchased flexible airline tickets for my return just incase. I had a bad reactions to the meds so I was really sick after surgery & couldn't travel right away. I packed two bags: one for the hotel & a smaller one for the hospital (since you don't need to much in the hospital). I also found either boxer or boy shorts a big help in the hospital for under your gown! Small snacks for your travel back home just incase you need something for in between meals or to take your medicine. I also found the little eye cover mask a big help if I needed to nap!
Good luck!

Corey Sines Great tips above for Flight and Travel. A recliner, or adjustable bed, or something similar is almos ... Read more

Corey Sines Great tips above for Flight and Travel. A recliner, or adjustable bed, or something similar is almost a must when you get home. I would shave regions of my body in advance of the surgery, like 5-7 days out. They don't want you to shave close to the surgery, afraid of nicks, infection, etc. But I hated being a half shaved weirdo, maybe more of a problem for guys, eh. You will need a caregiver for the first two weeks, or at least someone checking in on your multiple times a day if not with you. Even going the bathroom, and wiping can require assistance. Forgot your pride for awhile. ;p