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Blindsided by the need for surgery

  • 1.  Blindsided by the need for surgery

    Posted 11-13-2023 08:23

    Hello everyone. I am new to this group and to the "in need of a mended heart" world that has become my reality. I am learning how the heart does and doesn't work and a whole new vocabulary so please excuse any confusing terms and descriptions that I may use incorrectly. I have recently been diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve and ascending aortic aneurysm. I have been scheduled for open heart surgery in less than three weeks on November 28th for ascending aortic replacement, aortic valve replacement and possible aortic root replacement. All of this started in April with some tightening in my chest during hiking and has escalated to heart surgery. I already had plans to retire in June and spend my carefree, workfree days traveling the US and enjoying the benefits earned from 35 years of working. Now I'm caught up in this nightmare where I'm terrified that either I won't make it to fulfill by retirement aspirations or won't physically be able to do so. 

    It has been helpful to read your positive posted messages and I pray that when I get to the other side of this, I will be able to post a similar message. On October 3rd, I was absolutely blindsided by learning of my need for surgery and have been spending these many weeks researching what's next to prepare myself both physically and mentally. That's how I stumbled upon this group. I have made several adjustments based on the information that you have shared, and I finally decided that I needed to become a part of this community. I would appreciate any suggestions for things that I may need to be aware of moving forward. A huge concern is returning home post-surgery. I live alone and absolutely hate to ask anyone to do things for me. I recognize that this must change during my recovery time. So, my question to the group is how long after surgery will I need someone to stay with me? I know that we all recover differently so maybe a best- and worst-case scenario. I apologize for the long post but I'm hoping to help you understand my situation.

    Many thanks,



    ------------------------------
    Lesa Hines
    Retired
    Charleston WV
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Blindsided by the need for surgery

    Posted 11-13-2023 13:58

    Lesa,

    I'm glad you have found the mended hearts forum. Connecting with other open heart survivors should be an important part of your support team.  Many of your post surgery questions should be directed to your cardiologist.  In addition, there will be a social worker available at the hospital to answer questions about post surgery home care. 
    Best of luck,
    Vic 



    ------------------------------
    Victor Fabry, Founder
    Healed Hearts of New Jersey
    Short Hills, New Jersey
    fvfabry@gmail.com
    ------------------------------



  • 3.  RE: Blindsided by the need for surgery

    Posted 01-22-2024 18:56

    Hi Vic,

    I've read several of your posts and you seem very knowledgeable so I'm asking a question. I had my surgery in November. Tomorrow will be my 8 week mark. I will say that I am very glad to be on this side of it. I am mostly healed. My incision has healed and the glue has come off. I am a little concerned that my chest is still so sore and sometimes aches.  Each time that I  get up from bed, the area around the incision feels like it's on fire for a few minutes. Is this normal? If so, how long does it last? I've done my follow up with my surgeon but that was at three weeks after surgery and this wasn't an issue. I had planned to ask my cardiologist about it but my appointment last Friday was canceled due to a snow storm and it's rescheduled until February. I appreciate any information you can share with me concerning the healing of my sternum. 



    ------------------------------
    Lesa Hines
    Retired
    Charleston WV
    ------------------------------



  • 4.  RE: Blindsided by the need for surgery

    Posted 01-23-2024 08:25
    Lesa,

    I feel your recovery and healing is normal. All of us are different and the healing time and process can vary person to person. The pain and burning will go away but in all honesty it could be up to a year after surgery before your chest feels normal again. It won’t hurt but you may move or turn certain ways and it just doesn’t feel like it did before surgery. The main thing to focus on is you have come thru the surgery and you will enjoy what I call my bonus years. I have just celebrated 17 bonus years following 5way bypass surgery.
    Best wishes and things will get better.

    Tommy Broughton
    Mended Hearts Chapter 28

    Sent from my iPad




  • 5.  RE: Blindsided by the need for surgery

    Posted 01-23-2024 08:52
    Hi Lesa, 

    Congratulations, the hard part is over and recovery is just about time and patience. Make sure you aren't lifting anything heavy or driving until your medical team gives you the green light. Although the breastbone can take up to a full year to mend it shouldn't take long before your pain or discomfort subsides, but eventually it will be completely healed. 

    Best regards,
    Terry T. 
    2x mitral valve repair 





  • 6.  RE: Blindsided by the need for surgery

    Posted 01-24-2024 02:47
    I just had my Mitral valve replaced and Tricuspid as well in November and doing good. You will have emotions and this is normal. When I get this way I have friends who gets me through my concerns and the important thing is to go to Cardiac Rehab to help you with the exercises you need for recovery. Healing time does take time and have questions for your Cardiologist when you see him. This is my second heart surgery and it's been 12 years ago and doing good. I had my aortic replaced. The way they can do the different surgeries now is great. It takes time to heal and you will feel much better.





  • 7.  RE: Blindsided by the need for surgery