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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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  • 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





  • 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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  • 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.






  • 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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  • 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 





  • 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





  • 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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  • 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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  • 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




  • 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




  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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





  • 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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  • 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





  • 19.  RE: OHS on Friday

    Posted 03-11-2020 13:56
    Hello Anthony and Welcome Home...

    I too had the feelings you mention about sleep issues.
    That will go away, though it took me about a 6 week period
    until I could sleep normally

    I am also still cold many times, and have put it down to being on the Metoprolol.

    You sound like you are doing really good...

    It is great to hear from you

    Mary





  • 20.  RE: OHS on Friday

    Posted 03-11-2020 16:04
    Hi Anthony,

    The metoprolol should slow down that heart beat but it also takes some time to adjust to it.  I also felt lightheaded at first when I walked around but it stopped after a month or two.  At the time, I stayed in touch with the cardiologist and we played around with carious dosages until it felt right.  You might want to do the same.

    Not feeling like you're asleep or awake?  Ha, I find that to be true of my entire life!

    Anyway, welcome home.

    Ira

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    Ira Reid
    Hoboken NJ
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  • 21.  RE: OHS on Friday

    Posted 03-11-2020 20:34
    Hi Anthony

    Glad you are home! I feel like I didn't begin recovering until I was home and I had to stay in Cleveland for 10 days before I was able to go.

    I woke up drenched in sweat for nearly a month or maybe more. I would lay a blanket or towels on the bed so my wife wouldn't have to keep changing the sheets in the middle of the night, that's how bad it was. I don't know if my heart rate would be up but the first week or two I would wake up disoriented and panic breifly. I would do the same as you and reassure myself that I was ok. The sweats slowly lessened over time until they went away. 
    I didn't sleep well for quite a while. I'm over 6 months post op and sleep pretty well but not like I did before surgery. I also have a 5 month old daughter so that could have something to do with it :)
    I was on similar meds when I got home. Asprin, metoprolol, amiodarone, and advil. Both the amiodarone and metoprolol made me feel like crap!! I think my Dr. took me off after 4-6 weeks or so. 

    Hang in there my friend! It gets better, just not as quick as we'd like...

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    Cole Morrison
    772-215-1621
    Saint Simons Island, GA
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  • 22.  RE: OHS on Friday

    Posted 03-12-2020 09:22
    Hi Anthony, welcome home!
    I'm ten months out now. My sleeping didn't return back to normal until about 6 months. I remember my surgeon saying it would take a few months. I had the night sweats for a few weeks after my surgery. One night while in the hospital they were so bad I stripped down to just my underwear. Needless to say I was quite embarrassed when I woke up in the morning! (Or maybe it was the pain meds haha!)
    Also, I was told to make sure I stayed hydrated because my heart rate was a little too high as well. Every time I would lie down I could feel it beating. That also took a few weeks to return back to normal. Give yourself time, it took me a few months before I was starting to physically feel myself again.
    Best of luck to you on your recovery : )
    Michelle

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    michelle leverett
    Ridgecrest CA
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  • 23.  RE: OHS on Friday

    Posted 03-12-2020 11:00
    Anthony, Welcome Home!
    Michelle gives good advice, and I second that.
    It took me several months to get back in the swing of things, and I too felt like I was or was not awake.
    After my first surgery in 1969 for aortic stenosis, my heart , in a matter of months, shrunk to its normal size, because it had been pumping so hard to get the blood through my defective aorta. And there were similar differences between lying down and getting up, and the sweating was a puzzle to me.
    No saying means more than "Time heals all wounds.!"

    Be well. Congratulations to you and yours!

    Ken






  • 24.  RE: OHS on Friday

    Posted 03-12-2020 12:21
    Welcome home Anthony!

    I'm glad you are recovering well. The heart rate should stabilize. I agree that it's a common thing after open heart surgery. Don't forget your heart has been through "trauma" and needs time to heal. 
    And I agree with Ira....I always feel half asleep/half awake. HA! I blame that on my kids though. 11 straight years of no sleep will do that to you. :)

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    Andrea Baer
    Grapeville PA
    (724) 396-7820
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  • 25.  RE: OHS on Friday

    Posted 03-12-2020 14:54
    Welcome home, Anthony.  Keep us updated on your progress.  I've had a lot of the post operation symptoms you describe.  They will dissipate after a period of time.   Cardiac Rehab has helped me a lot.   I highly recommend it when the doc give you the OK.

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    Bill Tully
    tully & company
    Irving TX
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  • 26.  RE: OHS on Friday

    Posted 03-17-2020 01:46
    The sleep problems you mention can also happen because of sleep apnea.  Sleep apnea can also be brought about from heart problems.  I recommend you bring this issue to your pcp or other provider, particularly if you find yourself getting drowsy during the day.  When in doubt, check it out!  Best for a quick recovery!

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    Ed M
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  • 27.  RE: OHS on Friday

    Posted 03-17-2020 13:08
    Hi Anthony, I did not sleep normal until about 5 months post op.

    My surgeon assured me that naps would do very fine during the day but not to make them hours long marathon naps that might play havoc with trying to sleep at night.

    At 7 months now, I have no problems sleeping at night

    Mary H





  • 28.  RE: OHS on Friday

    Posted 05-04-2020 16:32
    Hi All,

    It's been officially 8 weeks post op and my recovery has been going well with the exception of frequent PVCs. They seem to happen after a meal and lasts for hours. I spoke with my cardiologist and he put me on a zio heart monitor to see what's going on. I did experience PVCs before my surgery but don't remember them being so pronounced. I purchased an Apple Watch to help monitor my heart rate and when I have bouts of PVCs the HR monitor gets all out of wack. Has anyone else have issues with PVCs?

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

    Posted 05-05-2020 10:08

    Good Morning Anthony!

    I had frequent PVC's before my OHS and now having them again 11 months post op. I was on a telemetry monitor for 5 weeks immediately following surgery and again for 1 month just recently. Nothing serious was detected. We think the PVC's are brought on by exercise and stress. I was an avid runner leading up to my surgery and started jogging again about two months ago. I am scheduled for a stress test and echo cardiogram later this week to make sure my heart is structurally sound though. I'm careful to watch my alcohol intake and use of antihistamines, both bring on PVC's for me.

    Like you, I also have PVC's around meal time and mostly when I lie down. Sleeping has been difficult at times, adding to the stress. There is some great information on the Mayo Clinic website about PVC you may want to checkout. As much as they freak me out, I'm trying to learn how to manage and deal with them. I was hoping they would go away after surgery, however, that doesn't look like that's going to happen.

    Be well Anthony.

    Barry






  • 30.  RE: OHS on Friday

    Posted 05-07-2020 08:24
    I had gone through a period of PVCs. When I had a holter monitor on, I thought great, I didn’t have as many in this 24 hour period. I had 29,000. I too noticed that I when I was lying down, I had more, particularly when I was on my side. It took many rounds of tweaking my meds but eventually they subsided. I’m not sure what exactly triggered them aside from a lot of stress at the time, since I was many years post op. Hang in there. It will get better but stay on top of them. It just takes the right meds. Good luck.

    Sent from my iPhone




  • 31.  RE: OHS on Friday

    Posted 05-05-2020 14:57
    Hello Anthony,
    I also had PVC's post-op. They are stressful but treatable. My cardiologist also put me on a telemetry monitor for a month and was able to detect something. He decided to put in a pacemaker and the PVC's stopped. This may not be what you need as we are all different as you probably noticed. Mine had nothing to do with meal times but they were occurring when I was trying to sleep. I was a year post-op before getting my pacemaker. I have not had any PVC's since then. It has been three years now. For some folks, they are manageable and they are a minor concern. Just keep a record of how often they occur and how long they last That will give your cardiologist very useful information to help treat you.
    Take care,

    Richard Short
    Chapter 395





  • 32.  RE: OHS on Friday

    Posted 02-02-2022 18:14
    Thank you for your story, Anthony! Similar situation for my husband (active 32 year old who is getting OHS on 3/3). He'll have a mitral valve repair or replace and a Maze procedure to help with A Fib. Our Kaiser Cardiac Surgery pamphlet brought up Mended Hearts as a place to go and connect with people who are having similar experiences...thank you all for contributing because it is helping me get perspective, this has been CRAZY!

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    Corrine Housley
    Sacramento CA
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