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OHS on Friday

  • 1.  OHS on Friday

    Posted 03-03-2020 16:26
    Having OHS this Friday to repair my mitral valve. I have to say that I am not as nervous as I would have expected to be. I guess my mindset now is to just have it done so I can start the long road to recovery. I will try and document the surgery/recovery process as much as I can.

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    anthony truong
    Austin TX
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  • 2.  RE: OHS on Friday

    Posted 03-04-2020 04:43
    It's great that you aren't feeling that nervous, Anthony.  When they told me that I was being scheduled for emergency OHS the next morning after my heart attack, all nervousness about the heart attack left and I got very calm, even super-calm.  It was as if I knew that this was something I just had to do, that there was no choice and that everything would work out fine.  

    And then I felt real peace when I saw my wife early the next morning and they wheeled me into the OR.  The last thing I remember was talking to a nurse and then the next thing I knew ws my wife standing over me telling me that everything went great and I was going to be okay.  And I remember thinking to myself, "I know."

    Good luck.  We'll all be here for you when you wake up.

    Ira

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    Ira Reid
    Hoboken NJ
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: OHS on Friday

    Posted 03-04-2020 08:41
    Thanks Ira,
    I definitely feel the same way you felt. I'm in a good place right now and ready to get back on track once this is all done.
    Sent from my iPhone



    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: OHS on Friday

    Posted 03-04-2020 05:00
    Good morning Anthony, I underwent a mitral valve repair almost 11 years ago.  Apparently I was born with a valve defect that, if it had gone unfound, would have likely lead to CHF in 5 years.  I was only 50 at the time.  Like you, I was somewhat nervous but had the mindset to get it done.  I felt better almost immediately and it changed  my life in oh so many ways.  Regular checkups and a yearly echocardiogram show all is well.  Prayers for you.

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    Allison Allen
    Conroe TX
    (936) 520-4622
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: OHS on Friday

    Posted 03-04-2020 09:08
    Thanks Allison,

    I actually feel fine now but my EF is right about 55% which is not so good for a 34 year old. The doctors are a bit surprised that I am not short of breath or feeling any of the effects. But I chalked that up to being a pretty active person that works out 3-4 days a week with an occasional 3-5 mile hike in between. I'm also pretty lean and try to keep my BMI within the healthy range.
    Although, I do have some issues with perspiration and some other chronic issues and hope to see some improvement after the operation.




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  • 6.  RE: OHS on Friday

    Posted 03-04-2020 19:00
    Yep I felt ok, too until one day my blood pressure rose and, when checked by medics, was 200+ over 100+.  Quick trip to the ER led to the discovery.  I'm far from overweight, worked out regularly, very active.  I always had breathing issues so I never liked running.  No idea I had a heart issue.  I took up running shortly after my cardiac rehab.  Everything works out, just trust the process.  I actually had pretty bad restless leg syndrome prior to surgery which was alleviated afterward.   It's all good, we are here for you!

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    Allison Allen
    Conroe TX
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    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: OHS on Friday

    Posted 03-05-2020 06:56
    I felt relieved to see others had gone through surgery confidently. I always felt guilty and fortunate that I went through bypass surgery relatively easy. My trip started in the cardiac care unit where they played a CD of soothing music and a soft voice telling me I was in a good place with great care and support. I went to sleep feeling all would go well the next morning. It did. My only problem when I woke up was I couldn't breathe comfortably through my nose. Nasal spray took care of that. I guess if someone had suggested breathing through my mouth I wouldn't have panicked. I had gone into the hospital on Saturday and went home on Tuesday. I attribute my quick trip to the fact my work involved going up and down a step ladder all day long. I was in great shape for a 62 year old guy. That was 15 years ago. Since then I have had 3 stents and brain surgery to install a shunt for Hydrocephalus. I feel fortunate that my problems have been fixable.
    My greatest pleasure is being able to talk with patients in the cardiac care unit and try to help with their concerns and listen to their story.
    Terry Martin  
    Lexington, Illinois 



    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: OHS on Friday

    Posted 03-04-2020 09:00
    All My best to you Anthony....Let us know how you are doing

    Is this your first OHS? You have alot of good people here that have gone through this Friend...

    Good Luck and God Bless

    M



    Original Message


  • 9.  RE: OHS on Friday

    Posted 03-05-2020 09:13
    Hi Anthony,
    Sending you the best wishes for before, during and after your surgery! Best of luck to you during your recovery as well  : )
    You got this!
    Michelle

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    michelle leverett
    Ridgecrest CA
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    Original Message


  • 10.  RE: OHS on Friday

    Posted 03-05-2020 21:33
    Best wishes to you tomorrow Anthony. You will be beginning your recovery before you know it!

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    Cole Morrison
    772-215-1621
    Saint Simons Island, GA
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    Original Message


  • 11.  RE: OHS on Friday

    Posted 03-05-2020 23:33
    Thanks everyone for keeping me in your thoughts. I am definitely ready for battle!

    Sent from my iPhone


    Original Message


  • 12.  RE: OHS on Friday

    Posted 03-08-2020 19:15
    Hi everyone, surgery was a success and I am up walking and showering without any assistance. Most of my tubes are out and I am told that I may be discharged tomorrow. Thank you everyone for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers.

    Sent from my iPhone


    Original Message


  • 13.  RE: OHS on Friday

    Posted 03-08-2020 19:19
    Good news Anthony! Glad you are on the road to recovery. Keep us posted

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    Cole Morrison
    772-215-1621
    Saint Simons Island, GA
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    Original Message


  • 14.  RE: OHS on Friday

    Posted 03-08-2020 19:20
    Welcome back, Anthony!!  Let us know if you have any questions as your recovery progresses.  We're all here for you.

    Ira

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    Ira Reid
    Hoboken NJ
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    Original Message


  • 15.  RE: OHS on Friday

    Posted 03-08-2020 19:24
    Fantastic!  Thanks for the update.  Let us know how you are progressing

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    Allison Allen
    Conroe TX
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    Original Message


  • 16.  RE: OHS on Friday

    Posted 03-08-2020 22:22
    What wonderful news tonight, Keep up the Great work, I am looking forward to hearing about your recovery and progress

    M



    Original Message


  • 17.  RE: OHS on Friday

    Posted 03-09-2020 19:24
    Way to go! You have a very cute emotional healer right there.
    And a very nice family. 
    2 dogs! They will be happy to see you.
    Congratulations again !

    Ken levine
    Middlebury Vermont ​​

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    ken levine
    volunteer, retired
    802-236-8186
    kenpaullevine@gmail.com
    Middlebury, Vermont
    05753
    United States of America
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    Original Message


  • 18.  RE: OHS on Friday

    Posted 03-11-2020 13:19

    Day 2 at home (5 days post op)


    Currently on an aspirin regimen, metoprolol to suppress any bouts of afib and Tramadol for pain. 


    Bowel movements are not an issue nor hunger or energy. But sleep is a bit of a strange phenomenon as I don't ever feel that I am really asleep or awake. I'm an incredibly light sleeper now and find myself waking up a few times at night drenched in sweat with heart rate above 105. It calms back down to the 80 range after laying back down and assuring myself that everything's ok. I sweat quite often now and have to change my clothes or carry around a wet towel to cool myself. I feel as if I am having mini heat flashes. But then again I also get cold real easily too and my hands feel like they are freezing. When I walk around the house I feel light headed as if I'm in a bit of a haze. It could be the drugs or my body trying to repair itself from the major trauma it recently suffered.


    Sent from my iPhone



    Original Message


  • 19.  RE: OHS on Friday