Suzanne's Posts

Oh no, that's no good to hear you have a cough. I hope it doesn't develop and disappears. I too am concerned about getting sick leading upto mine, especially because I work around children and seem to catch everything more easily and severe. Did they say how long in advance they need you to be well, in order for your surgery to go ahead? I hope it all goes according to plan now. All the best wishes, Emily.

Hi Suzanne. My surgery is on November 11....6 days and counting.... I have been using a free app Cleveland Clinic developed called Stress Free. These meditations are geared at helping you relax. Michael Meyer (a patient in our community) told me about it. I find that they are helping me relax and sleep better even as I move closer to my surgery date.

I stayed busy, prepared for surgery by doing things I might not to be able to do right after. I also exercised to the end. I think that might b helping me the most with recovery. I am two weeks out and did about 45 minutes of walking today. Right after surgery make sure you use you breathing incentive hourly and get up and moving. Peace to you. Drn

My surgery was too urgent to change my routine. As a runner, I actually was told not to exercise because my aneurysm was so large. It was only 2 weeks. I did write long letters to my children and my wife. ( still sealed 4 yrs later). I found it very calming. I met with lots of friends and family before and realized how much support was around me. We laughed and cried but we're scared together.

Suzanne, I am 11 months post-op, second OHS. I found it very helpful before both surgeries to completely let go, meditate, pray and stay very positive. Positive thoughts, and positive visualization of a successful outcome was also very helpful. Find a way to be at peace with yourself and everything you will be going through. Diet was very important. No sugar at all, as sugar can trigger infection and delay healing. Fresh fruits, veggies and walking every day to reduce stress also very important. Staying positive for my family was very helpful because they were freaking out more than I was. My second surgery was the valve replacement, and I had a fantastic surgeon. By 6 weeks, I was already feeling great! If you have any questions at all free to contact me. :o)

Keep your mind busy for sure and focus on what it's going to feel like to have it over with. For me, I tried to look forward to having some down time and have everyone wait on me for a few weeks! It has been kind of nice despite what I've been through. I had to find some positives:)