Ross's Journal

Deena Elani  Hey Ross, that’s some great exercise you had. It’s really helpful to go into the surgery in good shape! As for pain, most heart warriors will tell you ... Read more

Deena Elani  Hey Ross, that’s some great exercise you had. It’s really helpful to go into the surgery in good shape! As for pain, most heart warriors will tell you that the physical pain was well controlled by pain pills and was not as great as they thought. I know this is hard to believe given the magnitude of the procedure, but I also found this to be the case. I had a full sternum cut. You’re also young which means statistically you ought to heal faster than most of us over 60. The hardest part is uncomfortable sleep because you are on your back 100 percent of the time, your shoulders and back may ache, limited, mobility for the first two weeks or so and fatigue. You will get through this better than you imagined and heal faster than you think. Focus on the prize: a much healthier you. That 10k hike will be even easier in one year post recovery! You are getting stronger and going to live longer!! Godspeed.

Marie Myers  I was also worried about post-op pain, but the whole experience was easier than I thought it would be. Like Deena said, it is more being uncomfortable, and ... Read more

Marie Myers  I was also worried about post-op pain, but the whole experience was easier than I thought it would be. Like Deena said, it is more being uncomfortable, and not sleeping well. My upper back and shoulders hurt more than my full sternotomy. Would have paid anything for a massage... It is great that you are physically active; you will do well in recovering! Let us know how the consultation goes!

Marie Myers  You could get a chair massage while in the hospital. I did not plan for that in advance, and was too tired while in the hospital to arrange that. There were ... Read more

Marie Myers  You could get a chair massage while in the hospital. I did not plan for that in advance, and was too tired while in the hospital to arrange that. There were no such services at the hospital where I had surgery.

Susan Lynn  Welcome, Ross! You've come to the right place. Everyone here is just waiting to help our current and future heart warriors. You may get more specific information ... Read more

Susan Lynn  Welcome, Ross! You've come to the right place. Everyone here is just waiting to help our current and future heart warriors. You may get more specific information if you tell us a bit more, i.e,, the type of entry (sternotomy, mini-sternotomy, minimally-invasive, robotic), and the valve(s) that is/are being repaired or replaced. I can tell you very broadly, most people will tell you that surgery wasn't as bad as they expected and waiting was the worst part. Medical treatment has come a long way. even in the last decade There are streamlined approaches to these procedures and the surgical teams and nurses have minimized discomfort with the entire process.

Trust your team - they'll do the work while you'll enjoy a quick, restful nap! When you wake up, it will all be behind you! This may not be something you're looking forward to, but it's the best investment you can make in your future. You're going to be just fine!

Ross F  Thanks so much Susan for your warm welcome! i will be having mitral valve repair, mini-sternotomy (6-8cm). I am 41, actually living with severe mitral regurgitation ... Read more

Ross F  Thanks so much Susan for your warm welcome! i will be having mitral valve repair, mini-sternotomy (6-8cm). I am 41, actually living with severe mitral regurgitation for 6 years and kept on delaying my surgery, until my doctor told me to do it since my measurements are increasing. I don't have any symptoms though, but yeah - quite anxious about it. But seeing this message, made me feel very happy. I am still doing some chest xray and ct corononary scan in the next few days, and will be scheduled for the mitral valve operation in the next few weeks i would guess :)

GREGG KENT  Hey Ross, the anxiety waiting period is almost the worse part of the whole situation. I think one almost looks forward to having the procedure. I know I did. ... Read more

GREGG KENT  Hey Ross, the anxiety waiting period is almost the worse part of the whole situation. I think one almost looks forward to having the procedure. I know I did. A couple of challenging days post op. Then, on the heal. I'm one week post op. I'm listening to caregivers instructions, listening to my body. Taking it easy (mix of energy and tiredness different times of the day). The pain is virtually gone. Healing has begun!
Hang in there - you'll do great!

Ross F  Thanks Gregg! Yeah, i just got told to do surgery 2 days ago hence i am still in the 'processing' stage :) yeah, hope would come a time that I would look forward ... Read more

Ross F  Thanks Gregg! Yeah, i just got told to do surgery 2 days ago hence i am still in the 'processing' stage :) yeah, hope would come a time that I would look forward to it. Happy to hear that yours went very well. Cheers!

Susan Lynn  Ross - You're going to be fine. You're young and will bounce back quickly. I had a little soreness, but no pain with my mitral valve surgery. I felt ... Read more

Susan Lynn  Ross - You're going to be fine. You're young and will bounce back quickly. I had a little soreness, but no pain with my mitral valve surgery. I felt tired for awhile afterward. Afternoon naps were my friend. Take your time - don't overdue it and you'll be surprised how great you'll feel after a couple of weeks. Walk. Rest. Repeat. Add an extra couple minutes to your waking each day. They're the keys to recovery. Slow and steady wins this race. All the best! ❤