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T.C.'s Posts

Diagnosis: Aortic Stenosis, Aortic Aneurysm

Member Since: March 29, 2019

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T.C. Sayles posted an update

6 years ago (October 27, 2019)

So, I haven't been on here in a while and today I realized I need a community to share these moments, so I am back! I am 8 months post OHS #2, had the Bentall procedure done by Dr. Starnes. Went through a little hell with my incision opening up and having to have a nurse come to the house every day for 10 weeks to clean and redress the hole in my chest! Whatever, I am young and strong and well it all turned out just fine! But the area is all new skin and more sensitive than further down my chest. I went through cardiac rehab just fine, lost a little weight (bonus!) and go to the gym 3x a week as instructed. So mainly no structural issues and have been going about daily life as one should...right? Yes and no...and here's where I would love to hear from you. Even this late after surgery my chest is tight, I have emotional moments where I want to cry (omg..like now writing this!), sometimes I feel a little cracking in the upper chest, I touch my scar and wince a little and want to cry (even though I have lived with a scar down my chest since I was 5 and Dr. says I have double the scar tissue in the exact same place so double the recovery) I think the newness of this one gets to me more, I feel less confident at the thought of being romantic (divorced 2 years ago) let along "hitting the dating scene", and hide all this from friends and family putting on the "I'm great" face. Does anyone else have these emotional moments, these sensations/pains? I was made aware that the anesthesia takes a VERY long time to leave your body because it can get into your muscles and sit there, and that could explain the moments where I tear up...I don't know though. Anyway, I would love to hear from you. I do find when I eat well, no sugar, no alcohol, no carbs, it is less, and I find when I am close to my woman cycle it is a bit more! lol Trying to take it all in stride. The more I smile, the better I feel, but I have come to realize there are others out there that have gone through similar situations and I would really like to hear from you. Thank you for your support!

Shannon Gray

6 years ago (October 28, 2019)

You are not alone...I'm almost 4 years out from surgery and I still feel "tender and sensitive" inside and out. Sending you hugs and thank you for being so brave to share.

T.C. Sayles

6 years ago (October 28, 2019)

Thank you Shannon! I hate to say good to know, but it makes me feel better that I am not the only one! I keep going back to when I was 5 having had my first surgery and CLEARLY DO NOT remember being like this! I was back on the... Read more.

Marie Myers

6 years ago (October 28, 2019)

Yes, I also felt that it took a while to get through the emotional/mental aspects of open heart surgery. I think the whole experience makes one aware of their own mortality. The enormity of the procedure can take a physical as well as an emotional toll. I felt teary and... Read more.

T.C. Sayles

6 years ago (October 29, 2019)

Thank you Marie! Yeah, it is a tough one, but I know I will get through it and have been doing so quite well. It's just these little moments! ugg!! Thank you for your encouragement and kind words!

T.C. Sayles posted an update

7 years ago (April 20, 2019)

I am almost at 10 weeks post surgery...I was wondering if anyone has gone for a massage before this point in recovery? If so, did you find it hard, any discomfort, able to lay on your stomach (I still haven't). Thanks!

Claire Kreger-Boaz

7 years ago (April 20, 2019)

10 weeks! How do you feel?

Marie Myers

7 years ago (April 20, 2019)

I am thinking I waited about 3 months before I could get a massage. It took me that long to be comfy lying on my stomach.

T.C. Sayles

7 years ago (April 20, 2019)

Claire, I feel good..but my incision opened up and now I have a hole in my chest! Been dealing with daily wound care for 3+ weeks. Hoping for only another 2 until it closes. No fun. At 46 I was hoping for smooth sailing and almost back to normal-ish by... Read more.

Tracy Fallu

7 years ago (April 20, 2019)

I had one sitting in a chair and lying in my side. The massage really helped with my shoulder knots.

Claire Kreger-Boaz

7 years ago (April 20, 2019)

TC, omg that sounds traumatic! I'm also 46 & thought age would be on my side but I am still having so much pain in my sternum! I'm going to look up the femoral artery to see if that's where my pain is. I had three good days in a... Read more.

Meredith Bray

7 years ago (April 20, 2019)

I went for a massage at about 10 weeks! I told the therapist about my surgery and she helped me maneuver when I needed it. I was not uncomfortable laying face down on the table, not one bit. I couldn't roll over by myself (I still have issues with that... Read more.

Gina Fiorentino

7 years ago (April 20, 2019)

Yes, all of the above. Difficult to lay on stomach for many months, but did lay on top of a soft blanket doubled up under my chest for a gentle massage at about 5 months. Still was uncomfortable, but also relieving.

Diane Esposito

7 years ago (April 21, 2019)

T.C. I am a licensed massage therapist and you can also have the therapist work on you in a side lying position with pillow under your neck/ head, between your knees etc to take pressure off sensitive body parts, assuming you are comfortable on your side. I would of course... Read more.

T.C. Sayles

7 years ago (April 21, 2019)

OMG!!! Everyone!! Thank you so much!! Happy Easter to you all and Happy Passover too! All great tips!! I am going to go brave it next week!

T.C. Sayles posted an update

7 years ago (April 2, 2019)

Today I am 7 weeks past my OHS at USC Keck by Dr. Vaughn Starnes! I am 46! I had a complete Aortic Root Replacement and a new Resilia Aortic Valve put in me. This is my 2nd OHS, the first was when I was 5 years old! Zipper #2... Read more.

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Darren Ketchley

7 years ago (April 2, 2019)

Good luck to you hope it heals soon. Have you heard of manuka honey? It is trul amazing for healing wounds you may find it in health stores. Google it and you can learn more. I used it on my wound and healed beautifully. Hope that helps god bless

Tracy Fallu

7 years ago (April 3, 2019)

Prayers of fast healing.

T.C. Sayles

7 years ago (April 3, 2019)

Thanks Darren!!! You think it is ok to put in a "hole-like" wound? I have been putting a blend of essential oils on my other parts of my scar and they have been healing nicely...but I will check out the Manuka Honey!! Thanks!