Marjorie's Posts

Well my op was over and done with on the 14th of feb, and i am healthy and happy. My surgeon was just brilliant and the hospital and staff was the best i have ever seen. Dr Janz was going to try and repair my valves if possible but all 3 leaflets of the valve were completely prolapsed and irrepairable so he put in a new metal one. (so now i tick all the time) These are my experiences that i will share with you of the day. 6.30- start pre op procedures, forms, antiseptic shower etc 7.30- convince very nervous husband that i will be fine and send him on his way. 7.40 anesethtic and out like a light. 1.30 i came out of recovery. but not conciousness 6.30 pm vague recollection of ICU and dim memory of the dreaded ET tube, which i was so worried about, not as bad as i thought, due to residue of anesethtic and pain killers 10.00 am 15/02 - my family and support group came to see me (2 and 3 at a time) reassured me that everything went really well.- i feel strange so many tubes in me. Some time after lunch, doctors a bit concerned want me to cough and breathe deeply, can hardly breathe at all- damn lungs have both collapsed. Nearly 4 days in ICU trying to fix lung problem. feeling a bit better now, up to high dependancy ward. 18/2- can walk a bit now and feeling a lot better than i thought i could, staff are fantastic. 19/02- not half as bad as what i thought; right lung still won't inflate properly but only at night i have pain, through the days i am really good 20/2 Going from strength to strength, i have started the "Warfarin" and doctors are trying to get my levels right before i go home. 21/2 Should be going home today and cannot wait, i am so excited to see my children and grandchildren and my darling hubby. In for big disappointment my right lung still in not inflating in the right lower section and the doctors and a bit concerned about letting me out. oh well there is always tomorrow. 22/02 - D day, everyone (including myself. is happy and convinced that i am as fit as a fiddle) i am going home. Hubby is driving up (5 hr trip) to get me this afternoon i should be home by nightfall. 23/02 - I am home and settled, it was a long and tiring trip but so good to be back. Now that the op is over and done with. i cannot believe i was so concerned, it was much better that i feared and i have recovered so much easier. A positive state of mind really helps and the fantastic staff of St Vincents hospital, SYD. I am already feeling more energy than i have before in my life and can't wait for the body to heal fully so i can put it to good use. So for all of you who are coming up for surgery soon, take comfort it this and be reassured that while it is no walk in the park, it is certainly not the horror we imagine.

i had my pre-op today, it went all day lots of doctors to see and tests to be done, if i wasn't tired before i am now. I also met my surgeon, and i am really happy with him - he is just lovely and extremely confident and competent. I had a bit of a shock when he explained that the leak was a lot worse that he thought and would take a fair bit of time to repair. But replacement will be the go he thinks - he just doesn't like the idea of being on warfarin for the rest of my life with the cortisone

Well my last day of work for a while is here. I finish work at 2.30pm today, then go home and pack and prepare for SYDNEY. I am feeling a bit sick in the stomach and headachy today, probably nerves back again. I have been fantastic for the last week or so, feeling very calm and happy. I had friends down for dinner last night (they provided it) and caught up on all that has been happening in our lives over the last month or so. It was a good evening. Work is also having a good luck lunch for me to day to wish me well and god speed. I am very lucky having such great support. Then tomorrow i leave here at 6.30 am to drive the 5 hour trip to SYDNEY to see the surgeon, i find i am getting excited about that as i have not met him yet and i can't wait to meet this man who is going to play such a bit part in my life. Then i have to spend a huge day at the clinic on friday, getting all my pre admission checks done. i will be really happy to have Craig and Rachel with me. I think monday is going to come all too soon. Thank god that i will have all my family around me this weekend to lighten the mood and bond with. I will post again on the weekend - (if not before)