Sally's Journal

Adam Pick  Hi Sally, Here is some information that might help your husband dispel the fear of heart surgery. https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/valve-mortality-surgery-repair-replacement.php

Lenore Mitchell  Sally - Although it's normal to experience fears and anxiety about any surgery, each of us has different reactions. Prior to my mitral valve repair on Jan 7, I had some worries but actually felt more confident as I got closer to the surgery date and then arrived at the hospital (we flew to Cleveland Clinic in my case). It does help if your spouse expresses his fears, and it also helps to know that so many others have experienced the same range of feelings. It's normal to have concerns, of course, but if it's interfering too much with daily routines, perhaps talking things over with the doctor might help. In my case, being a nurse as well as having had other surgeries myself gave me a certain level of comfort, but also a heightened awareness of potential problems. If your spouse is willing to join our group, it may help to read some of our experiences. This certainly isn't simple surgery, but there are many highly skilled surgical teams which offer expertise and get us through this in great shape. I'm now 2 weeks post op, and live alone, doing fine although tired. My daughter went with me to Cleveland and then stayed at home with me until today, and I feel very capable of handling my own basic care now - with the help of a group of fantastic neighbors who are bringing way too much food to my door!
Best to you both, and keep us informed. This group is full of people who care and who provide lots of encouragement.

Lin Casebier  I , too am experiencing fear, anxiety, being overwhelmed. My surgery is one week from today and I feel I am running a foot race to get things in order both at home and, especially, at work, before the day. I also live alone and have yet to get the gaps filled in as to who will get me home from the hospital, fill prescriptions, etc. A friend of mine from high school will be here to stay with me for a few days, beginning at day 7 but I still have some days not taken care of and worry about how I will handle those days with all the restrictions they give at the beginning.

Sally Blackwell  Thank you for the positive comments. My husbands surgery went well. He has been home for a week now and gets better daily. What a process though!! I honor all of you in my prayers!