Madeline's Journal

My 17 year old daughter Madeline recently had her 4th Open Heart Surgery on the 4th of December, a Pulmonary Valve Replacement. The mental stress for a teenager is quite testing prior to the surgery but thankfully she was well prepared on what to expect from the surgery and the pain to expect. She didn't realise her leg would be so sore afterwards from being on bypass though. The coughing was quite painful after surgery but she knew how important it was to do it to help clear her lungs. A small folded blanket was good support on her chest when she had to cough. By Day 3 Madeline was walking down the corridors of the hospital and by Day 6 she was allowed home with a bundle of Medications. Madeline needed Clexane (blood thinner) for 21 days after operation. She has learnt to give herself the injections, as she wants to become a nurse so it is good practice for her. (Plus she didn't want me to do it as my hand shakes to much) The worst part for a parent is the waiting during the surgery it is the longest day ever. She has had a follow up with the Surgeon on Day 15 and they showed us a before and after X-ray, it was amazing how much the heart had shrunk back to a more normal size in 2 weeks. Maddie is in recovery mode now, keeping quite and doing some walks. Looking forward to next year 2014 and what it may bring for Maddie. Jackie (Maddies mum)