Hi Mary,
It is quite normal to feel full of fear/anxiety for this surgical procedure. The unknown is always
scary. In fact, I almost called my surgeon to tell him I couldn't go through the surgery.
The truth is: we have no choice; we have to have this surgery. My family rallied around me and
helped me have the courage to go through it. When my neighbor had open-heart surgery, he told me he was out celebrating St. Patrick's Day a week later I said to myself, "Yeah, sure?!" But actually, you will be surprised how fast you will be up and about.
I remember waking up in ICU feeling uncomfortable. My family was told I would sleep, and they should
go home. However, for some reason I was wide awake. I really needed my husband to be with me.
that night. Also, make sure you have a pen and paper because you will have the breathing tube in
and can't talk. This way you can tell the nurses what you need. My nurse was like Florence Nightengale and brought me ice chips. Ahhhh! I finally slept.
The breathing tube wasn't bad; and the nurses are quite helpful and talk you through it. I remember the respiratory therapist said, "We will be taking out the tube." It came out about 4 hours later, and It did not hurt. The following morning, the two chest tubes and catheter did not hurt when coming out either. It was a strange feeling peeing through a tube. A special apparatus was used to hoist me out of bed the next morning. In fact, I was really hungry for breakfast, but my appetite was a little decreased. I think the hardest thing for me was getting into bed. It is a must that a nurse helps you and shows you how. Also, if you have pain 4 am, do not wait to call the nurse because you will be uncomfortable. There is a reason for pain meds, and it will help your healing when you are pain free. I did not get addicted to oxycodone. For me, it just took the edge off. Pain made me irritable. And there was time when I went
long periods without pain med, but you probably want to take it at night so you can sleep.
The family was concerned where I was going to sleep - upstairs or downstairs b/c of climbing the
12 steps we have. I did climb the stairs and slept upstairs with pillows propped up. I did not lay
down on my back for a while. I also put a riser by my bed. That little increase in height helped
when I had to get out of bed. And use your red heart pillow all the time when getting in bed and out
and coughing and when in a car.
I liked the fellow who said he did rumba on day 4. It took me longer. Don't be upset if you feel it uncomfortable to walk those early days or to step down. It will come. By the time I left the hospital on day 5, I was walking but not far. Walking is good in small doses and gets the body back.
Physical rehab is truly a must. I was in good shape exercising zumba 5 days a week, but it took a few months to get back my stamina. Every patient is different. Your physical and emotional bodies
have been through a major surgery. The experience can feel overwhelming, and that is ok.
And it is ok to cry to release those feelings. It helped me. I had a rare tumor (2 in a million) called
a paraganglioma by my aortic artery. I had to take an alpha blocker prior to surgery to keep my
blood pressure stable, and there was a concern of cancer. My voice was raspy
for 9 months because the tumor was by the laryngeal nerve. I was very lucky. No cancer!
But I do have to be monitored every year of reoccurrence. Within three months, I was back
to zumba.
Mary, I hope by sharing my experience it helps you. I was not prepared for this surgery even
though I read about it and watched it on u-tube In fact, Adam Pick wrote such a book.
that I purchased after my surgery. It helped me understand my surgery. Some people feel
good knowing about their surgery; some do not. Many people have gone through this
surgery and come through fine. Mary, I know you will be able to get through it, too.
My best to you.
Dee Rincon