A new path: 3 days post Aortic Valve and root

[StevepH2012]

So many of you have posted messages and replies I feel I should keep you updated with progess since my 'procedure'.

I can't bring myself to read my notes - part of me doesn't want to know. I know it started a bit later than planned and the surgeon phoned my wife at 6:30.

She then called me which was shortly after the breathing tube was removed

The morning after I was still high on morphine etc..and had to say goodbye to the angels who looked after me so well immediately after the operation. I remember faces and voices appearing out of the darkness - one moment that had a big impact was when the nurse held my hand when helping me to move on the bed - I'm sure something that would have happened more often in pre-COVID times in the pre & post op stages.

Around mid-day I was moved to the High Dependency Unit where I was looked after almost 1:1 - and had tough time in the night. But I suppose that's only to be expected after having been through OHS.

At mid-day, having had catheter removed, walked to and used the loo (laxative assisted), had drains removed and was transferred to a normal ward. It felt quite quick, but surgeon visit each day had said this is on plan.

So Monday night I managed a few hours sleep (having had 'on demand' morphine taken away).

During today (Tuesday I think) I actually have had something of an appetite - managed a couple of walks along the corridor and had a shower! This another big point score in I-spy book of 'the path to discharge.

More later -

[Nic25]

Hi Steve. Congratulations and well done! It sounds like you're making great progress, amazing in fact. Take it easy, take the painkillers and remember it's called 'patient' for a reason - take it slow and steady. Hope things continue to improve and you're back home in short order to enjoy the summer. Good luck. Nic x

[StevepH2012 in reply to Nic25]

Thanks Nick,

Love that tag-line. For any who are travelling this journey and haven't found Nic's posts -do it now!

[Nic25 in reply to StevepH2012]

Thanks Steve. I'm very flattered! But there's so many great 'hearties' on here who all really helped me before, during and after my AVR. And now it's so good you're post op too...

[swingyourpants]

Well done buddy. That's the scary bit over. Nic has given good advice so I won't go on.

[RoyM]

Great news Steve and well done. Was thinking of you...onward and upward now. Cheers Roy

[080311]

Great to read your post, you are doing really well. Welcome to the mended heart road. Remember it’s a marathon not a sprint, take it easy.

Best wishes Pauline

[ITSINTHEBAG9]

Wonderful stuff

[Fredders]

Sounds like you’re doing really well Steve. Don’t think I managed a shower until day 3! If you need painkillers, ask for them. You won’t move around as much if it hurts and I found I especially needed them at night just to get comfy and get some sleep. Hope you’re recovery continues to go well and that you are soon allowed home. It’s a big step when you get to go home and can be quite scary when you no longer have nurses around you, but we’re here if you need us 😺. Take care.

Wendy

[Purple1935]

That is great news that you are ‘out the other end’ & progressing so well.. what a relief for you & your family after all the waiting.

Keep up the good work, you are doing great & giving the rest of us who are still waiting encouragement...

Alison x

[Rugbymad]

Hi Steve

I had a AVR and CABG in Oct 2018.

A positive attitude is the way to go setting small goals along the way !

One of mine was to walk the length of ICU to be able to toilet properly lol.

It may seem a long journey but following the advice of staff and engaging in the exercise plan which I found brill progressed me although some days early on had to dig deep to take part.

Day by day mate ! one of my goals was to play golf again which I am now doing.

Speedy recovery and remember you are not the first there are many of us out here 👍

[Oboebec]

Great to hear you're doing well! Keep going...

[Samgeorge]

Fantastic news. Really glad to hear you are doing so well. Just remember one step at a time. 👍

[road2ruin]

Thar's amazing progress in such a short space of time, well done and keep it up...

[Sunnie2day]

Great update, thank-you! All the best for a continued good recovery!

[Tweedsider]

Hi Steve. Congrats and well done indeed. October brings round the fourth anniversary of my emergency surgery to repair an Aortic Dissection, the Aortic Root, and the valve. All in all, and including an infection aquired along the way I was in hospital for 21 days.

I remember, very well, the steps to eventual release. The first movement, the first shower, climbing the stairs, the physios and their "Can you cough for me please?"

The joy of getting home, for me, was beyond belief. Four years on andbthe joy of being alive is still beyond belief.

My very best wishes to you and your family. Keep up the good work.

Tweedsider

[Sunnysummerdays]

Well done stevepH2012 !!!

[AndtH]

I had my AVR 6 years ago, seems a long time. Just do what they tell you to do and you will be home before you know it.