Good morning.....my long awaited for, cancelled twice operation has happened and I'm out happily out the other side . Had op Wednesday and am out of ICU and back on the ward hoping that my recovery continues as well as it has so far. PLEASE...if you are able to....Do any chest and breathing exercises as I am sure this has helped me massively .
Also, please try not to be too fearful of open heart surgery if you are waiting for it....it's the unknown that's frightening but I can honestly say it's not anywhere near as frightening as I thought.....the staff are amazing and they manage your pain control really well have...I have already been up and walking with physio and nurse and am doing exercises...sitting out in chair most of the day. The best news is that the surgeon was able to actually repair my mitral valve instead of replacing it and repaired my tricuspid valve. So now I only have to stay on warfarin for 3 months instead of for life. So happy with this result. I am not posting to get lots of replies but am doing it in an attempt to take the fear factor away. enjoy your Sunday.....onwards and upwards.....and thank you for your wonderful support over the months.
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Larneybuds
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Absolutely fantastic news!! I’m delighted for you and thanks for taking the time during your own recovery to help people like me in waiting for the same op! 😘
At last. You are at the end of the long wait and now you can tip your toe in to the long recovery trail.. I found recovery enlightening because I noticed an improvement every day or two. Do please grab every ounce of advice the medics give you. It will help you get your long awaited retirement. As an older generation quoted…it will all be over by Christmas…
I agree completely with you....just listen and take on board all the advice....do your pre op prep and stay positive.....it's not as scary as our minds have told us!!. Thank you for your lovely reply xxx
Dear Larneybuds
Thank you so much for taking the time in posting your amazing post highlighting the incredible journey that you have started on.
I say started as in the recovery of your open heart surgery and the great news that you have had about the repair over what could have been replacement.
Prepare to have a few bumps along the way as your medication is reduced, tubes removed and getting home.
But just look how far you have come, the rest wont be easy but will become easier as time fly’s past.
Get well soon, eat everything, drink everything, follow all their advice and get home.
Looking forward to hearing about your recovery and if we can help in anyway, just ask.
I always take your lovely advice on board. Am eating well and making sure plenty of fluids. Have already had everything taken off except for a wrist canula that they are removing today. The worst part were the neck canulas but thankfully they have gone now. I know it is a road to recovery and I will drive it carefully lol. Start warfarin today and meds arent consistent yet as everything has to be stabilised again doesn't it. All I want to get across to people is don't be fearful of the op because you actually know so little about it all and the staff are incredible. I realise that everyone has a different journey and recovery is going different but staying positive, keeping as fit as you possibly can before hand ....even it's it's small bitesize pieces....it's all so important to aid an easier ' other side'. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday and thank you so much xxxx
Hello
I am glad you have posted
First so we have an update how you are which is fantastic and I am so pleased for you
Second a really positive post that I am sure will help others feeling afraid of upcoming surgery
I am so glad you have had it done especially having had your op cancelled twice and even better that you are doing so well fantastic news
Thank you so much. Knowing how scared I was at first I think it's really important to try and take the fear away for people and that's what I am intending to do with any posts. I've just been for another walk with physio without holding on to her but as she said....recovery doesn't always mean a good day every day. There will be a few setbacks until the heart finds its new normal......when you think if the shock it's been through it's just so amazing that it can recover so well. Hopefully I will deal with any setbacks, if any but look forward to just getting much better than I was. Thank you again for your reply and kind words xxxx
I agree letting people know it is actually ok is a great idea we read so much build this picture in our heads yet there is nothing better than reading a post like yours that says forget what you read and hear I will tell you it is not bad at all
I remember my Bypass op and so true you will et good and bad days but as long as we are prepared we get through them and I am sure you will
Well done letting go and walking on your own I can see you have a lot of determination and strength
Again I am so pleased this is now been done and you are on the road to recovery x
Aw bless you. Thank you. Yes....taking the scared out of it for people .....and it really is the unknown we are frightened of. I'm not trying to make it sound easy....it's a big operation and recovery is in steps, but what I am saying is the more prep you do beforehand, the better you will cope. Whilst in hospital too, if I'm not sure what they are talking about...doctors jargon....I get them to explain. It's so important that we understand what's happening. I am sure there are going to be challenges but I'm not so scared about it all now and have faith in the special people who look after us. Thank you again for replying xxxx
Great news. The breathing exercises are very important as is a cushion to pull in when you cough, I’ve still got my cushion now 9 weeks on. I wish you a speedy and happy recovery.
Yes....I have a soft rolled up towel but it does the job lol....especially today when I sneezed 3 times!! I think the breathing exercises are a must, not only after but pre op....so important and the chest exercises have I think stopped the old bones being too stuff and sore . Thank you for your message and I too hope you continue in good recovery xxx
Awesome post and news! Glad you are doing well. Its a long recovery after heart surgery and you will have good and bad days but ever onwards and upwards!
Hi.....yes I am aware it's not going to be all singing all dancing. Had a long chat to the physio today and she said you will make big steps then have set backs but it's the heart getting familiar with its new normal . We must take into account what the heart and body are going through and respect it. I am just so grateful for the chance of some new normal and hopefully some strength as my partner also has a few hurdles to face healthwise of his own. Thank you for your lovely words. All the best xxx
So pleased you have finally had your op (I had been ranting on to my husband about how long you had been waiting!) and even better news that you had repair rather than replacement! Thanks too for the advice, from someone with a defective mitral valve. I am taking in all in! Wishing you a smooth and speedy recovery x
Thank you so much. You really do just have to put yourself in their very safe hands....listen to everything they advise you to do and make the journey ' on the other side' as best as you can for your recovery. If you are waiting for surgery I just hope you don't go through the delays and cancellations....keep pushing for answers. All the best and thank you again xxxx
So happy you’re doing well. I agree, although the thought of it was daunting all the staff are wonderful and so knowledgeable. I found this massively reassuring. Good advice about breathing exercises, take care x m
Indeed....the staff have been amazing and actually do the worrying for you....yes....breathing and chest exercises.....an absolute must I would say before surgery. Thank you for your reply. Take care xxx
So pleased for you and wishing you all the best going forward.A great result and hopefully reassuring others, fear of the unknown often sets you back.Take care.
Thank you so much. I think it's good if we have been through our ops to try to support others who still have it all to face and yes....fear of the unknown can play havoc can't it when in fact you know very little about it once you are in theatre. Thank god for these experts who try to give us some life back. Take care xxx
Great to read that on a Monday morning. I’m probably heading for the same op on those same valves so it’s so encouraging to read your post. All best wishes for continued progress.
That’s really considerate. Thank you. At the moment they’re talking about monitoring me and there’s a chance if I have surgery it might be keyhole. (Out on the same day!?)
Well that would be an absolute added bonus for you. Just make sure you ask lots of questions if you are being monitored.....your recovery from keyhole surgery would at least not be as traumatic on your body xxxx
I loved reading about your successful operation. You are right it is the worry of open heart surgery that plays on your mind. But you have shown that it's not as bad as the old gremlins in your head make it out to be. I hope you don't mind me asking which hospital done your repairs? I may in the future require a tricuspid valve repair or replacement.
I remember the melt down i went into with my diagnosis....everything went into panic mode but I er the months of waiting I got used to how I was feeling and decided to do all I could to help myself. So glad I did. I had good and not so good days but tried to stayed positive. Now it's fine and I can't believe it. I'm 5 days on the other side and already so grateful for just even breathing normally without breathlessness. I had my op done at Castle Hill hospital in Hull....not in my area but the only hospital anywhere near where I live where the surgery could be done. Even after all the delay, cancellations and worry I am so very grateful. I had mitral and tricuspid repairs which was a bonus anyway as he thought he might have to replace the mitral valve. I wish you luck should you need this operation and if you want to message to ask any questions please do so xxx
Thank you so much for your reply. So glad you are getting. Better. It sounds so positive. Yes the hard part is the mental anguish of being diagnosed with something. It is that part that hits me now and again. If you don't mind me asking what did you do to help yourself. As I was born with my issue and have survived 56 years. I don't really know any different. Possibly a little worse as I get older. But anything to help keep what I have already in as good a condition as I can. But the mental anxiety is the worst part. Any way if I was to have anything done it would be London. Any way your post has given me alot of hope and so glad you are seeing many positives. Take care.
Well done you, so glad you are on the other side now. I agree with you the fear is the worst. I had my mitral valve repair a long time ago now. But glad it was a repair and not a replacement like you. They are so clever these surgeons aren’t they! Good luck with the rest of your recovery. My only regret was agreeing to try tramadol for pain relief which made me terribly sick not ideal after open heart surgery so just watch what pain relief they offer. Stay with what suits you. Definitely be climbing snowdon or whatever you want again before you know it. ❤️
You can't believe the difference can you....I hope you made a complete recovery. Yes....I am very mindful of painkillers and though I had strong ones the first couple of days I just have paracetamol now as I feel I am coping quite well with any discomfort. Thank you for your reply. Take care xxx
Wonderful news! And having the valves repaired too, only on Warfarin for three months, though for anyone reading this I have been on Warfarin for 34 years without any problems. Enjoy your active retirement, previous pains worries and restrictions will be in the past and you will be free to do whatever you want to do! Just make sure you don't make the staff feel too tired through your renewed energy 😅😅 (I nearly did)
Lol....to be honest, though I am pleased I won't be on warfarin for life, I wdnt have cared really....it's a life saver and the way I was feeling I would have taken anything they asked me too. As I've said to others, I know there will be ups and downs along the way but more than grateful for already feeling the improvement. I think the staff will be glad to see the back of me for asking too many questions lol ...thank you for your lovely reply. Take care xxx
That's amazing! Brilliant news on all fronts. Keep up the exercise when you go home - I built up my walking outside by 5 minutes each day and was soon able to get to the nearest cafe / pub as a reward for all the hard work! I feel amazing 6 months on from my OHS - it was so worth it!
Wow......6 months.....that's amazing and again , such a positive thing to read. Hmmm!!. Think our local is about 25 minutes so it won't take long to build that up will it lol? I'm still in hospital and already feel so much better just not getting breathless. I always listen to advice from people who have already been through it all so thank you for your reply. Take care xxxc
It's always good to read about a successful op, and hopefully a quick post-op recovery. Everyone is different, so you may be surprised how quickly your body will heal and you fully feel the benefits, which your probably already seeing. It's an exhilarating feeling to be honest.
I've always set myself targets and being impatient I was back doing thing quickly, after my first AVR, I was back at work 8 weeks later and moved house by 3 months, although to be fair I was only 33 at the time. For the Third Op, I attended a Stranglers gig five weeks later and a football match the following week (150 steps up to the upper tier of the stand, which I couldn't do pre-surgery).
As I say. I'm impatient, but, your body will tell you when it's ready.
Impatient?!!!....determined I wd say lol. I have to say, since I had my initial meltdowns about it all I have tried to be very positive. I am also very determined and though I completely understand that recovery isn't always a smooth ride, I do think the way it's approached and dealt with is so important . ....and as you said. . our bodies actually do tell us if we listen. Thank you so much for your lovely reply. Take care xxx
Brilliant news and so glad you're on the road to what sounds like a good and quick recovery.Your words are just perfect for people facing open heart surgery. It's always good to hear from lovely people like you who've been there, done it and got the T shirt!
It's always been my intention to obviously be on the forum for discussion and advice and people have always been so very kind. I am now in the grand position of being able to tell people perhaps a positive side to things after having gone through open heart surgery that so many are fearful of. If I can do that I will be very happy. Thank you for your kind words and reply. All the best xxx
So pleased your recovery is going so well - keep it up 👍 My family members have had open heart surgery and the thought of ever having to have it terrified me (I’ve had ablations and cardioversions which scared me enough - well done soldier 😊)
Thank you for your lovely reply. I hope yr family members have all benefited from their operations. I am looking at the whole thing now as a gift and the improvement on how I was before the op is so noticeable. I would never deny it hasn't been scary and I've had my meltdowns but the memory if theatre is minimal and controlled ....as I keep saying....fear of the unknown does all sorts to us and it's rarely all as bad as we think. Take care xxx
I am waiting for the same Op and am full of anxiety as my husband died during an operation last year..... THANK YOU for you positive encouraging comments. Keep well!
Oh so sorry to hear this but equally you mustnt give up the fight . Unfortunately I have had to stay in hospital due to an infection.....and don't panic about that either.......not uncommen. Apart from that I am doing well. If you want to private message me please do so at any time. Cheers xcc
Not sure if you still check this site but I’m 15 days post op and really struggling with pain around rib/chest area - nurse called yesterday and felt I should be able to taper off the codine. Feel quite disappointed really. Can you recall how you felt just over 2 weeks in? Feel I should be able to do more/walk more but pain holding me back.
Good morning.....what I would first of all is if you feel you need painkillers, take them. 15 days post op is no time at all and the last thing you need is constant pain. Perhaps just try taking them in the morning or at night, or when the pain is worse. I don't like codeine myself and took paracetamol but the stronger 500 mg. I still take them now if I need to and I am now 4 months post op. I have unfortunately had ongoing problems and have been back in hospital but would say to you that it is such early days for you yet regarding pain or discomfort. The physio told me in hospital...and I haven't forgotten this...this is major surgery and A shock to the whole body, not just your your chest. Everything has to get used to a new normal and that is so true. Everyone heals differently and the timelines given are only a rough guide. Are you doing chest exercises?. If not I highly recommend doing them along with breathing exercises. These are a must do. If you haven't been given any, BHF has guidelines or there are plenty of videos available. Don't lift anything heavy, hoover or do anything that will put strain on your chest. Even now, holding a full kettle us uncomfortable for me. Get out and do your walking ....even if you are in pain...just build it up daily. You have to push yourself to do the exercises etc but again, it is a must do. Of course if you are still worried about your pain, just get checked out by your doc for reassurance or to make sure nothing is going on like infection. If in doubt...get it checked.You will find there will be good days then all of a sudden you have not so good days. Again...completely normal. Don't expect too much from yourself. I am so independent but had to learn to ask for help or let others do things for you. Frustrating but really important you don't over extend yourself. Please feel free to private message me any time I am just a voice on the forum, not medically trained but here the same as everyone else to compare or share recoveries etc with others. Hope this helps but as i said, if you have ongoing worries have a chat to your doc or even contact the BHF nurses who be are fantastic.
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