Lynda's Journal

Tomorrow is 4 weeks since surgery. This I have a new challenge with a cold. My chest is a wreck with coughing and sneezing. I have my first follow up appt with general cardiologist this afternoon so will see what she says. Also the drain tubes site is not fully healed - hope it does soon. Has anyone else gone through this?

Questions. My dressings came off Wednesday and now it feels so naked. Also they burn & itch - oh my to keep my hands off. Was it like that for you? Nurse is coming in this am, so I can ask her. What did you wear, something with full coverage? I feel other family members coming over might be aghast. I don't own any high neck items.

Released yesterday and at my sister's recovering. Another sis flew in to be in charge. They are nervous of every move I make but goid at reminding me of reaching too far, etc. We made it in to house just before huge rainstorm going on since. I will be driven to my dad's apt for showers as he has walk in with rails inside and out . Home health care makes first visit today.

Day 6 post surgery. Getting pacemaker in 4 hours. Finally took neck ports out - clogged & all vent out of shape. Chest drain tube has been getting pink material not red for couple days. Tested, they believe chylothorax. Researching what's to be done. Walking ok, but get very out of breath with chest pressure. Staying on oxygen ft. Not what I signed up for but continue in my Faith of the Lord being with me.

My heart cath went great yesterday and it was good to hear my arteries are clear and good. They were able to go through the wrist and was very happy about that. Sedation did not work,in spite of getting 2 doses. By that time it was nearly finished. No pain but for the initial prick of the line going in. Onward to Thursday. Did anyone here go to a rehabilitation/skilled nursing facility post surgery? After my knee and hip surgeries I did for 2 reasons. One I lived aloen and 2 I wanted daily physical therapy. For some reason my family here in TX where my surgery will be expected would be going to such a facility. I have told them that even if I would be doing that, it is not arranged till in hospital. Second, the Drs office here said that after about a week in the hospital I would not need constant care at my sister's house. Another sister from Cincinnati is coming out just in case.

Had my first visit with the cardiac surgeon yesterday. Although I had been easily handling anticipation of surgery, a couple hours before I experienced some anxiety, but blood pressure was good in dr. office. He will be going forth with the surgery (I wasn't sure if he would consider me "ready enough") and similar to Jim Stutler, I will be getting a 3 for one also. While the main purpose is to replace to aortic valve due to stenosis, I also requested the MAZE Procedure which I learned about on this site (to control Afib). We will be going with a bovine tissue valve and coumadin for only 3 months (YAY). One thing my home cardiologist had not identified to me is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopath (HCM), a thickening of the heart. the surgery for it is called Septal Myectomy. Surgery continues to be scheduled for May 25th andI go intomorrow for my first heart cath. Hoping they can go in through the wrist. Other pre-op testing should be done same day. I am impressed they are getting me squeezed in for all this. My sister said it takes longer to get a dematology appt! Surgeon prefers me to still be here in TX for for the first follow up appt 3-4 weeks post surgery date. Our family is gathering here in Plano, TX for my dad's 90th birthday the first weekend in Aug and am now thinking maybe it would be a good idea to rent a short term/Corporate apt and just stay. No worries of accidently picking up suitcase and saving on more flying. So now, to not become nervous....

Question for those who chose to go a distance/out of state for their surgery. How long was it before you flew home. Somewhere on this site a Dr said 3 weeks. Also did your home cardiologist refer/know about your decision to go elsewhere?

I'm here in Plano TX where my 90 yo dad had his TAVR procedure 3 days ago with Dr Harrington. Took only 30 minutes then an hour in recovery. 2 hours later they had him up & walking. Discharged the next morning. I'm sleeping in his recliner while keeping an eye on him, but he's doing great. Slept long time catching up the first day but up & at em since. I go in for my consult Wed. Everyone raves about Dr Ryan so my family feels good about that.

I read on posts here where people are worried or scared. I have had that question asked of me regarding all my recent diagnoses and surgeries. I have the best Physician on my side, the Lord Jesus Christ. As a believer I can trust in the earthly doctors to fix me, but I know if I die I am going HOME. Win/win situation.

I have not updated info since January. Received my clearance for hip surgery, albeit "high risk". Cardiologist notes to hip surgery team was I would be having valve replacement within a year. Everything went well and recovered in skilled nursing since I live alone and also wanted daily physical therapy. Since then my 90 y.o. dad, in TX, received the word on 4/3 it is time for his aortic valve replacement via TAVR. It took until yesterday 4/20 to be scheduled for his 6 hr testing. He goes back for heart cath on 5/2 and surgery on 5/10. I wanted to be there for his surgery so I called to schedule my testing at Plano Heart Hospital (same as his) which will be done a week after his surgery. The really crazy part is they also scheduled me for the my actual OHS on 5/25! I was in shock they could be doing it so soon when it took longer for my dad. She said TAVR procedures have to go through more. So now my mind is racing & in preparation mode, including canceling all my local activities here during a 4-5 week period. My sister is gracious enough to have me stay in her home there. I will stay at least one night at my dad's when he comes home just for assurance in spite of his independant nature. Has anyone else had a non-emergency surgery scheduled so fast?

I'm new to all this. 2 years ago I was diagnosed with afib, murmur have aortic stenosis with annual testing. After echo last Sept it changed to 6 most. Since I have hip replacement surgery scheduled for 2-13 echo was done & conversation started about possibly needing aortic valve replacement first. Then did echo stress on treadmill (whew) & not getting results till 2-2. Delayed my pre-ops for hip till 3rd. Initial anxiety was calmed after research. If this is done it may help some of my other problems such as Vasculitis that has damaged my kidneys have COPD (from lifelong bronchitis). I still have questions. Here in northern AZ we don't have hospitals as highly rated as in PHX. From this site's list of best hospitals in see Plano,TX where my family lives. For anyone who had surgery out of state, how did you go about getting seen, etc.