Surgery date

[Praline]

Hello,
I have a date for surgery. Pre-op is January 12 and surgery is January 18. I went for a second opinion yesterday and made an appointment for a consultation with the surgeon for today.
He said that it was not an emergency but he felt that it really needed to be done soon. He thinks that the blockage needs to be taken care off and he discussed the possibily of a heart attack if let go too long. He suggested waiting no longer than 4 - 6 weeks. He said I could go home, think about it and call him in a few days. A few days won't change anything...It has to be done!! I just feel that the longer I wait, the more scared I will get. So I just scheduled it for January 18th.
He will repair or replace the mitral valve, do a bypass for the blockage, and maze procedure for the AFib. Of course my heart has been pounding since I made that decision. My hands were shaking so bad that I could hardly sign the check for the co-payment.
I can't believe that when I went to my PCP for a yearly check-up November 4th, I had no idea anything was wrong. And now 2 months later I am heading for open-heart surgery. And just as scared as I was when I found out something was wrong with my heart.

[carista]

I know exactly how you feel, though I had a little more time than 2 months. I found out in Feb of '05 that I would need surgery and had it in December. I remember when I was talking to the surgeon and actually set the date for surgery I started crying. I NEVER cry in front of people I don't know very well. But it was weird because at the very same time I was relieved to have the date set. Don't worry you will do fine, and the anxiety leading up to the surgery is definately the worse! Best wishes to you on your upcoming surgery, you'll do great!

Carista

[Karlynn]

Everyone is pretty scared upon the realization that "it" is actually going to happen. Courage isn't doing something without fear, it's doing something despite the fear. You are courageous.

Once you have the surgery and get a nice recovery on the way, I think you'll find you have more energy and feel better than pre-surgery.

[Cris N]

I know how you feel about the 'suddenness' of it all. I saw my PCP on May 5 and underwent surgery on May 16. At least I didn't have too much time to worry about it. The good thing is that the date will be here before you know it and you're going to be fine. Now, plan a strategy for some relaxation time... do something fun. You deserve it!

Cris

[SteveK]

The waiting is the hardest part, I found out I needed surgery in August 2003 but it was not an emergency. I went through the usual tests and scheduled the surgery for January 6, 2004. It was a very tough 4 months; if you just found out recently and are getting it fixed on the 18th, that is a good decision. The stress of waiting for the surgery can't be good for anyone.

Today is my 2 year anniversary and I feel great! Hang in there and all will be fine.:)

[Mary]

I understand how you feel. After waiting for 18 months, I met with the surgeon on May 5 and received a surgery date of June 7. He actually wanted to perform the surgery the week of May 12, but I begged off due to school commitments.
Looking back, it would have been less stressful if it had been done the next week. Once you know it's going to happen, there's nothing to do except wait. Hopefully, the posts you read on VR will serve to reassure you that you will fully recover.
We'll be here to help you along the way.:)
Mary

[Dustin]

Hello,
I can't believe that when I went to my PCP for a yearly check-up November 4th, I had no idea anything was wrong. And now 2 months later I am heading for open-heart surgery. And just as scared as I was when I found out something was wrong with my heart.

This is a tough cookie to swallow. I'm seeing my cardiologist on January 13th and may well be in a similar situation of heading towards the operating table in no-time. I feel OK, though. On the other hand, some people say "ignorance is bliss" and that a surgery so soon is not that bad. Just imagine the mental stress we'de have to endure knowing the operation is much later. My prayers are coming your way, pronto.

[Marguerite53]

Hi Praline. I'm glad you made the decision to set a date. I would not like the heart attack business hanging over my head for too long. I've known about my condition for 30 years but they always said I'd be in my 70's before it went "bad". They were just off by 20 years! So for the last 2 years I've been in this holding pattern. Then, a few weeks ago when it became clear that the stenosis had progressed far enough to warrant a surgeon's consult, this big tough girl that I thought I was started falling apart a little. I know just what you mean about shaking! It's like they inject you with a high dose of emotion and your body just can't handle it all at once like that!!

But, you'll do great!!! Keep posting and let others help you through the wait. Hang in there! I may be close behind you! I'll know more after my first visit with the surgeon this coming monday, the 9th.

Don't forget to stop and "smell the roses" everyday!! Enjoy the simple things. Gather some pleasant images to take with you through this journey.

:D Marguerite

[Roberdowski]

Good luck on your surgery. Mine it the same day including the 12th for pre surgery. Im having my Aortic valve replaced and the Mitral repaired here in New Jersey. My thoughts will be with you (trying not to think of mine) Good Luck Bob A.

[Georgia]

Good for you. I know you're scared to death, but you will get through this. If you feel like you're falling apart, tell your doc - a little chemical help through this period is perfectly understandable and they REALLY don't want your stress to tax your heart. I personally gulped a few xanax.

Enjoy your next couple of weeks. Shop shop shop - it takes your mind off stuff.

[aussigal]

I'm sending out prayers for courage as well to get you through til the big-day!....

I know I will fall apart mentally the day they tell me that "yep its time to operate"...! and yet today I can walk around and discuss "IT" with all the courage in the world and not a hint of worry...

I have seen how our members rely on this forum more than ever in those days/weeks before our surgeries...and isnt it great we can....

Its normal to worry,,,

I suggest a therapeutic-dose of Chocolate :D its actually good for the heart according to the latest studies ...


(((((((((hugs)))))))))

[geebee]

I wish you all the best and I am sure you will do well. Glad you are having the maze procedure. I have constant a-fib and really wish it would go away. However, I am not willing to go through another surgery to get rid of it.:(

Keep smiling, this will be over before you know it.

[djexec]

Praline,
Your pre-op and surgery dates are exactly one day prior to mine. I have known about my condition for about 7 years and did not expect to be having surgery at 36 but....looks like I will. Like many have said in this forum, realize that you are not alone in this trek and accept the tremendous support that this site offers. I am very thankful to have found VR.com and to have had the time to research my valve decisions instead of having the choice made by my surgeon. We are blessed to be in this position, have faith, relax (as much as possible) and trust that God will take care of the rest. Please keep us all posted as to how you are doing...you will be in our prayers!

Deane

[joanne6]

Praline,
Glad you made the decision to have things fixed sooner rather than later. I found out 7/21 that I need OHS and had the surgery 8/15. Even that short amount of time made me a nervous wreck. I worked through 8/12. Tried not to think about it while I was at work. Took Ambien for sleep from 7/21-8/13.
Never would have slept without help. I wish I had known about VR.com before my surgery. I have learned so much from the people on this site.
We will all be thinking about you and praying for you and the others having surgery that day.

[Blanche]

Praline:
I admire you for your willingness to take care of this so soon. Even though the time may be short, the waiting will be so very hard. We wish you the very best and will hope to hear from you soon after your successful surgery is completed. Please have someone post here for you to let us know of your progress. You have many people here who are interested in you and the results of your surgery.
Sending you my very best thoughts and wishes,
Blanche

[knightfan2691]

Waiting IS the hardest part, as others have said.

And, if you're like some of us, you'll be "calm and collected" once you get to that surgery date ... I know I was.

Good luck ... thoughts/prayers are coming your way....


Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 32swm/pig valve/pacemaker
MC:family.IL.guide.future = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/
chdQB = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/quilt.html
"We got mountains to climb" ... Rod Stewart ... 'Broken Arrow'

[Praline]

Thank you for all the kind thoughts. It helps to see so many people who have been through this same surgery and are okay.
aussie gal, can't have chocolate .. no caffeine because of AFib.. . so please don' t tempt me..lol

[Tam]

Good luck to you - I'll check back after that date to see how you're getting along.
I discovered yesterday that my aortic valve will have to be replaced in the next year or so. even that considerably longer time span stopped me in my tracks, so I can imagine how you're feeling right now. Hang in there, the stats are all on your side for a swift and full recovery.

[Phyllis]

Best of luck, Praline. Use this time to indulge yourself and also to prepare for an uneventful recovery- lots of good suggestions in the forum for that! Sooner is better, and we know you will do just fine and be home telling us all about it and encouraging others about to climb the mountain.:)

[susieq14]

Praline,

Wow things are moving quickly for you! I know you must be very nervous and scared but aren't you glad that your doctor discovered your problem at your physical and it didn't just sneek up on you and cause you a bigger problem like a heart attack or a damaged heart from the leaky valve? I know that is easy for me to say as I sit here in the "waiting room" - however someday I will be feeling exactly like you do right now. I can't compare it to OHS but last year I was a mess waiting for a surgical breast biopsy worrying about having surgery and what they would find (which turned out benign!). I think you are feeling exactly like you should feel at a time like this.

Please take care and try to calm down and rest a little! :)

You will be in my thoughts and prayers!

Big Hugs!!!

[Praline]

Thank you for the encouraging message. I know what you mean about the scare with the breast biopsy. That happened to me a few years back. It was nothing here too.
But you see , if it had been malignant, I would have been scared silly , but scared of the cancer. I would have been scared that they would not be able to get everything out, that the cancer would come back, etc..Not scared of the surgery itself.
BUT it is the surgery that scares me. I am worried about the after surgery stuff BUT what mainly terrifies me is what will be going on while I am asleep. I worry about dying, having a stroke,hemorrhaging. etc.
I am just plain scared is all.

[Georgia]

Praline: nothing we say will eliminate your fear of the surgery. That being said, you need to concentrate on your surgeon's and hospital's expertise in dealing with this. They do this all the time, and do everything possible to effect a good outcome.

I was one of the unlucky ones whose biopsy came back bad; it was 15 years ago, and was awful. I'd go through any number of ohs's again rather than have to go through the breast cancer surgeries, chemo and radiation. And the years of not knowing one's status.

This is primarily a mechanical problem that's going to be fixed by great mechanics. Have faith and prepare for your recovery!

And remember - what happens in the operating room STAYS in the operating room. ;)

[carista]

You mentioned part of your worry is after the surgery, and I can tell you one thing about that...at least for me, when I woke up from surgery I felt like I could have dealt with anything that came my way after that just because of the fact that #1 I was sooo happy to be awake and have made it and #2 I was sooo relieved it was over. Recovering from surgery might not be a bowl of cherries but once you know it's really finally over you almost feel like you could conquer the world. I was also worried about what was going to be going on while I was put under, but once I woke up, I didn't care about that either. I'm not saying it's easy, but I'm willing to bet you're thinking it's so much worse than it is.

You WILL do just fine and you will be so relieved when it's over.

[knightfan2691]

*raises eyebrow*

Ya know ... I hadn't quite thought of it like that carista, but, my dear, you are absolutely correct. When I awoke after surgery (well, my last one, anyway, Jan 2003), I felt like I could conquer just about anything. Course, I had to get past the breathing tube and the mucus building up (at one point, I remember thinking to myself, 'Great, I make it through the surgery with flying colors, but my own mucus is going to kill me'...lol). But, once the tube was out ... I was already on my way to recovery. Granted, I had some "bumps" in that path, but here I am ... typing away ;).

And, Praline, we know you are scared ... and you have every right to be. However, try to put your mind on something else for a bit....something that makes you happy. In other words, think "happy thoughts" and see if you can put some of that "worrying energy" into something that you enjoy doing.

*pauses*

Heh...like I have any room to talk.... It is much easier said than done; I know from experience. BUT, it DOES help....

[susieq14]

Praline,

I'm sure if I were facing surgery next week I would be just as scared as you are and having the exact same worries. (And unfortunately someday I will! :p And I'm counting on you being there to reassure me that all will go well) Anyway, I think you do have valid worries and no one is saying that you don't have reason to be scared; but you need to take the advice of the experts here who have been through it all and try and relax just a little so that you go into the hospital at your best and not worn out from all these pre-surgery jitters. I don't think that is good. Is there anything that the Doctor can give you to calm your nerves just a little?

Please take care!

Susie

[Granbonny]

Try to focus on your recovery at home..:) ..Get things ready for a nice recovery.Recliner, family in to help out for first few weeks..Someone to drive you to post-doctor appointments.......Remember when you check in to hospital. first thing they give you is a Good-feel shot.:D You should be out before you leave the prep room and know nothing until you awake.:D ...Hopefully with all tubes gone..Then, you need to get up and start walking the halls. helps get the nasty drugs out of your body quicker.:p ......Like others say, maybe your PCP can give you something to relax you for the next week...You need to be in good health. No colds, ect. Bonnie

[joanne6]

I am guessing you have checked out the hospital and your surgeon. I love the analogy that this is a mechanical problem being fixed by a great mechanic. Unfortunately it is not your car. You will be given antianxiety meds and then you will go to sleep. When you wake up(which you will), you will be so glad it is over.
Recovery is not easy but at least most of it is in your hands and your control. Walking, breathing, eating, pain meds, sleeping ,etc. You will eventually feel so much better and this will not be hanging over you.
We are all here for you and have either had OHS or will at some point.
You know you can write any time day or night. Someone is always around.
Try to take a deep breath or ask for something to reduce your anxiety.
Keep posting.

[DinahS]

Hello!

Prayers are coming your way. I had AVR on Dec. 28th and then an AICD implanted on Jan 3rd. I am at home today recovering, sitting in my recliner emailing you and telling you that you will do great and come through just fine. Have faith in God and trust him to get you through this. All things happen for a reason. Prayer is so powerful and God will get you through this. Make sure you have a wonderful anesthesiologist too and he will be your best friend...hehe! Mine gave me something (adivan, sp?) the night before and morning of surgery to help calm my nerves also. I was SOOOO stress free, I fell asleep and didn't care about a thing. I woke up from surgery coming off the ventilator and I don't even remember that now...thanks to my wonderful anesthesiologist. I told him I didn't want to remember any of that stuff this time around, and he made sure I didn't and I don't!

God Bless and let us know how your doing!!

[MitralMan]

Thank you for all the kind thoughts. It helps to see so many people who have been through this same surgery and are okay.
aussie gal, can't have chocolate .. no caffeine because of AFib.. . so please don' t tempt me..lol

I mean, puh-leeze -- scars? FEH. They heal. Tubes and wires? They'll be out before the drugs wear off (I promise). But when they told me caffeine and chocolate had to go...

So two weeks after I got home from my surgery, I went out with the family to a movie -- and did what any red-blooded, breathing human being ought to do in a movie theatre. I ate a whole bag of M&M's (peanut).

You know what? Not worth it!!!

You'll be fine -- better than fine. Better than you were before you went in. Just remember to bring your iPod for the hospital stay. It saved me from unspeakable boredom. :cool:

[paulk]

I can't believe that when I went to my PCP for a yearly check-up November 4th, I had no idea anything was wrong. And now 2 months later I am heading for open-heart surgery. And just as scared as I was when I found out something was wrong with my heart.

Praline, maybe it will help to know you're not the only one in this situation. I had a routine physical in November, felt great, Doc heard a murmer, said it should be checked out. One thing led to another, and I'll be getting my mitral valve repaired or replaced, very soon. My anxiety has risen to new heights, so I'm just trying to relax a lot lately with my favorite pastimes, reading, learning guitar, and model rocketry (oh, and spending time with my kids!). It helps get my mind off my heart. Take care,

-Paul

[aussigal]

Thank you for all the kind thoughts. It helps to see so many people who have been through this same surgery and are okay.
aussie gal, can't have chocolate .. no caffeine because of AFib.. . so please don' t tempt me..lol


sorry bout that...I guess i shall have your share for you...ok...;)

[Roberdowski]

Pre surgery this morning and surgery the 18th. Waiting Waitinggggg waitinggggggggg!