Paul's Journal

I feel so much better than just 4-5 days ago. I do have some moments of agony but I'm shocked I'm now managing my pain with just regular Advil. My DR gave me pictures of my heart while it was stopped. And a picture of my new graft. Honestly, I'm surprised I feel this good considering. Only after one week. The walking and naps help the most I think. I'm still amazed these doctors can do this. Ps. Everyone thinks having pictures of my heart stopped is creepy? Am I the only one?

Ps. The tubes coming out was a piece of cake. They ask you if you want novacaine to tie the couple stitches after they pull out the tubes, I can tell you guys you will not need It. It does feel funny, but it does not hurt: The stitches hurt like your kid pinching you to wake up in the morning to play. And the releaf after the tubes and wires were pulled out was the #1 positive moment so far when it comes to feeling better. Be excited when they tell you the tubes are coming out. It's wonderful. I promise

All done! I'm so happy I did it and it's now over. My surgery was last Monday. 12pm At some point I gave up the fear and placed my life with my gifted medical team. Sunday night I did take a .25 anti anexity pill around 10pm Said some prayers and turned over my anexiety and fear to god and the medical team. Monday morning I took my son to school, told him I loved him and would see him soon. Then I got a call the procedure was going to start early, could I be at hostip in next half hour. I'm not sure why or how but I was very calm, told some good jokes and didn't try to control what I can't. I don't remember Waiking up after the surgery. Do not remember the air tube coming out at all. My memory of waking up starts about 4 hours after they woke me up. Felt fine, surgery meds mask all pain. Went very well. First night I did t sleep at all but was comfortable. They sat me up that first night and I walked in place for about 2 minutes. Day 1 after went well Night 2 I had a set back, my lungs collapsed, they had a code something to my room with about 9 people running in with in seconds. They got my Doc out of bed, and all was fixed over the next two hours. It scared the life out of my wife who was sleeping in s chair next to me. Then things just started to get better every couple hours. Today is Friday and they say I may go home early, I feel like I can. Brings tears to my eyes, I'm so happy I finally did this and it's past me now. If you get one thing from my words, I found it be be easier and much less painful than my fears were prior. Good luck to everyone. Ask me questions if you want to. I really want to help others feel better about what your about to go through. Bless you all who helped me prior. God bless your medical teams if your coming up soon. You can kick this surgery's ass if you put your mind to it!

The date is quickly approaching 11/12 so my nerves are really starting to kick in. The unknown after i wake up is causing a lot of stress. Just like you all went through. How do i calm my self down as the day approaches? i know i have to do this procedure because if/when it bursts, it over for me. But how the first couple hours days will go is causing me stress. I see people on line who had the same procedure through, OHS, so seen not so bad and others a train wreck. Im 50 in very good shape. just want it to be over with.