Open Heart surgery help?

[Rm61012180]

My wife is having open heart surgery in June to repair tricuspid valve and getting maze for afib...she is 78 and scared...Any tips on what to expect would be helpful...

[CDreamer]

May I suggest that you remove your email addresses - you have published on an open site! You are making yourselves extremely vulnerable to cyber attack.

If you want private messages then use the PM service - ‘Chat’ on HealthUnlocked.

[Buffafly]

Try BHF site (without the email addresses)

[Rm61012180]

Would love to read advice from others that have had open heart surgery

[Rainfern in reply to Rm61012180]

Hi Rm6 I had open heart surgery many years ago and am alive to tell the tale! I don’t know why but as we get older we get more scared of things, but the cardio team wouldn’t be offering your wife surgery if they didn’t think she was fit enough. When I had open heart surgery it was still a relatively new thing and the risks much higher. I was left with a scar where they cut through the sternum right at a time when a girl worries about such things. I must have been so vain, I was more worried about the scar than dying - what it is to be young eh!! Please tell your wife she’ll be fine, both procedures are now routine and as long as she rests up and practices some breathing and relaxation techniques (starting now!) her heart will do all the healing for her. Wish her well from an old open heart veteran with scars to prove it!

[Kevin2331]

Hello, I had open heart surgery in August 2021 to repair two valves. The doctor also fixed a hole in the septum, did a left atrial appendage where blood clots like to hide out and lastly, a cryo ablation maze procedure. I was scared too, but the doctor told me I was a very good candidate for this surgery. I was hospitalized for 5 days. Nine days after my surgery I was enjoying a mile long walk. For me I had very little pain, I'd say allll 2 at the most on a scale of 1-10. My procedure was done by mayo clinic in Rochester Minnesota. I was 64 years of age. I could have put it off for a few years, but doc said the results wouldn't be as good. Hope this is of some help to you and your wife. And, I wish you well

[mav7]

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

Also, check the BHF forum. Best to your and your wife !

[2learn]

Hi I had open heart in Dec 21 to repair 2 valves, plus left atrial appendage and an ablation, aged 72 . All went very well, and scans since say everything good and working fine. However, I have various foot and leg pains since, which are I think due to nerve damage, its something thats common, can clear up, but may not and docs don't mention it or want to talk about it cos it implies they aren't doing their job properly. In USA it may prompt someone to sue.

[Splashthecat]

Hi there, I had open heart surgery at Derriford in 2016. I needed one bypass, a faulty valve repaired, and treatment for atrial fibrillation.

I waited in hospital five weeks before the op but I didn't mind as I knew I was getting the best care possible with the NHS.

I had a few nerves just before the op but that soon passed and everything went well. Just go with the flow and hopefully, everything will turn out well—best regards to you.

[quratulainjutt]

Open heart surgery is a major medical procedure used to treat various heart conditions, including blocked arteries, valve issues, or congenital heart defects. Here's an overview of what it entails, how to prepare, and what to expect:

What is Open Heart Surgery?

Open heart surgery typically involves opening the chest and performing surgery on the muscles, valves, or arteries of the heart. The most common type is coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), where a blocked artery is bypassed using a blood vessel from another part of the body. Other reasons for open heart surgery may include:

Heart valve repair or replacement (e.g., due to stenosis or regurgitation)

Repair of congenital heart defects

Heart transplant

Aneurysm repair

Placement of medical devices (e.g., pacemakers)

How to Prepare for Open Heart Surgery

Medical Evaluation

Your surgeon will review your medical history, perform diagnostic tests (e.g., ECG, chest X-ray, blood tests), and may advise lifestyle changes.

Preoperative Instructions

You’ll likely need to stop certain medications (like blood thinners) and refrain from eating or drinking 8-12 hours before surgery.

Smoking should be avoided weeks before surgery as it can interfere with recovery.

Mental and Emotional Preparation

Understand the risks and benefits. Talking to your healthcare provider can help alleviate anxiety. Counseling or support groups may also be helpful.

Arrange Postoperative Care

Plan for help at home during recovery. You’ll need assistance with daily activities and transportation after the surgery.

The Open Heart Surgery Procedure

Anesthesia: You will be given general anesthesia, meaning you’ll be asleep during the procedure.

Incision: A large incision is made down the center of the chest, and the breastbone (sternum) is separated to access the heart.

Cardiopulmonary Bypass Machine: Your heart may be temporarily stopped, and blood circulation will be maintained using a heart-lung machine (though some procedures can be performed “off-pump”).

Surgery: The specific heart problem will be addressed (e.g., bypassing blocked arteries, repairing valves).

Closure: After the procedure, the heart is restarted, the sternum is wired back together, and the chest incision is closed.

Recovery After Open Heart Surgery

Hospital Stay

Intensive Care Unit (ICU): You’ll spend 1-2 days in the ICU where your heart and lung function are closely monitored.

Hospitalization: Most patients stay in the hospital for 5-7 days after surgery, depending on their condition.

At Home Recovery

Rest and Limited Activity: Full recovery may take 6-12 weeks. You’ll be encouraged to avoid strenuous activity but may gradually increase movement under guidance.

Wound Care: Keep the incision clean and dry, and watch for signs of infection (redness, swelling, fever).

Medications: You’ll be prescribed medications for pain, blood pressure, cholesterol, and possibly anticoagulants.

Cardiac Rehabilitation

Many patients undergo a supervised rehabilitation program, which includes exercise, dietary advice, and emotional support to improve recovery and prevent future heart problems.

Follow-Up Appointments

Regular checkups with your cardiologist will be necessary to monitor healing and heart function.

Potential Risks and Complications

Like any major surgery, open heart surgery carries risks, though these are often outweighed by the benefits for most patients. Possible complications include:

Infection

Bleeding

Stroke or heart attack

Arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms)

Blood clots

Lifestyle Changes Post-Surgery

To improve your long-term heart health after surgery:

Quit smoking (if applicable)

Adopt a heart-healthy diet (low in saturated fats, sodium, and cholesterol)

Exercise regularly (as recommended by your doctor)

Manage stress

Take prescribed medications (for blood pressure, cholesterol, etc.)

When to Call Your Doctor

Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:

High fever or chills

Uncontrolled pain at the incision site

Signs of infection (redness, swelling, discharge)

Chest pain or shortness of breath

Irregular heartbeats

Would you like more information on recovery tips or specific heart conditions related to open heart surgery?