D Day has arrived: Finally after 3.... - British Heart Fou...

British Heart Foundation

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D Day has arrived

highburyted profile image
47 Replies

Finally after 3.5 years of poor health and constant nightly fear of the worst, my operation to repair the valve is on Thursday 10/08 at 8am, I’m first apparently.

By first initial thoughts being the worst pessimist you will ever meet were the worst but I’m lifting myself slowly. I couldn’t have a better surgeon, he’s world renowned so I’ve told them “ you get me through it I’ll do the rest.

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highburyted profile image
highburyted
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47 Replies
Cat04 profile image
Cat04

Not long to wait now and to the start of your new life. First slot of the day is always best so you are not hanging around waiting, it's get up & go, go, go.Ask for a sedative the night before if you think you may need it.

Very best wishes for a speedy recovery and go show them what you can do 😊

Anon2023 profile image
Anon2023

ahh I’m so pleased that you have a date for your surgery. Not long to wait now.

Yumz199725 profile image
Yumz199725

Ahh I'm so glad your waiting is finally over! Wish you all the best for Thursday 😘

Tos92 profile image
Tos92

Happy to hear you’ve now got a date for the op. I really hope it’s all positive going forward from here on out. You really deserve it!

Good luck with the op and will be thinking of you.

Tos

Survivor1952 profile image
Survivor1952

Had my AVR surgery along with a CABG x 1 on 16th June after being deferred for 48 hours.

I was told on 17th May I had had a heart attack, the attack itself was, we think, on the 16th May. Had two stents implanted on 22nd May.

Like you I had an 08:00 theatre due time. I was nervous (anyone who says they aren't is a fool or lying) but took the view that it was a journey to a new lease of life. I had two days in Critical Care. I've got my first rehab session in a weeks time and clinic after discharge in 3 weeks.

I'm walking two miles in about 35 minutes already, doing extremely well and feel great. Not a real fitness fanatic but I am back to where I was 2 years ago already in terms of what I'm able to do.

Biggest things are to remain positive and listen to your body. It'll be sore and telling you when to take it easy.

Gribbin profile image
Gribbin

You're right to be anxious... I am like you and build things up in my mind... in that respect I was luck and had my CABG x 4 as an emergency, so very little waiting... even a week in hospital was too long, but at least I had others on the ward to talk it trough with - you'll just have to do with us for the time being.

They get you moving fast... had me walking around ICU, and discharged on day 4!

They were obviously so impressed with my progress some bright spark removed all my cannulas in ICU, so when I got to the ward they couldn't administer pain relief as all my scripts were for intravenous, so had a painful wait while they got a doctor to update them to oral.

Chest pain wasn't that bad... vein extraction sites were worse... along with all the pipes, drains, pacemaker wires, cannula you end up trailing about... I even had a vacuum pump on my chest dressing too.

Removal of drains and cannula were quick but sore... they know what they're doing.

That was my philosophy throughout... they do this every day, and know better than me what's going on... but they cannot read your mind, so don't suffer in silence... press that call bell before any pain gets too bad, or you need help.

Up to and during the OP your in their hands... after that you have to start helping yourself, and that will speed up your recovery.... I know we're all different, but you'll soon be on the mend.

For me physically it has gone well... mentally is another story, it takes a while for it t sink in!

Good luck... don't be a hero, ask for as much help/sedatives/pain relief as you need.

highburyted profile image
highburyted in reply to Gribbin

Thank you

devonian186 profile image
devonian186 in reply to highburyted

After my operation the thing I wanted most was fluid but was too weak and dry to ask for it as often as i Wanted, so establish a rapport with the nurse so they are aware of this need.

I was also out after 4 days after a very scientific test of having to climb a short flight of steps! Have you got support at home and a comfortable bed a comfortable chair and lots of distractions, from books to tv, tablet to newspaper?

highburyted profile image
highburyted in reply to devonian186

Hello

Yes I have support at home, 2 brothers and a new carer will be in place when we can arrange it, social worker is kept informed

Hrty profile image
Hrty

Good to finally have a date, wishing you all the best with it.

Rhinos67 profile image
Rhinos67

Wishing you all the best for Thursday 😊

Heyjude31 profile image
Heyjude31

wishing you all the best. We’ll be waiting to welcome you back on the forum after your op. We are all with you and thinking of you. I am nearly 2 years post CABG x 4. Be kind to yourself and think positive. One day at a time.

ETHEL103 profile image
ETHEL103

Excellent news.

Evaluna profile image
Evaluna

Good luck, we will be looking forward to hearing from you when you're back online.

Coper10 profile image
Coper10

So glad you now have a date as the waiting can be the worst part. I also recommend having a sedative prior to help calm you a bit. Operation first thing is good as things are on the go quickly. My op was also at start of the day. Afterwards I have a vague memory of briefly waking and being told it was 11pm that evening then back asleep until 6am day after when they woke me for a wash. Physio had me marching on the spot and sitting out for a few hours that day and I was out of critical care that evening. Sending you virtual hugs and every good wish for Thursday 🤗

highburyted profile image
highburyted in reply to Coper10

Thank you

devonian186 profile image
devonian186

Excellent news and first slot of the day is great as you know that no one else will be parachuted in and you move down the list. When you are able, do keep us all informed of your progress. Very best wishes.

Plum53 profile image
Plum53

Oh wow at last . Good luck HighburyTed.

Wooodsie profile image
Wooodsie

Good news. Don't mention being first, from what you said before, you'll be first and last on that day. Wishing you the best recovery.

SLK-14 profile image
SLK-14

Wishing you all the very best for Thursday 😊

Safeangel profile image
Safeangel

Wishing you all the best and a speedy recovery ❤️ the path to your new and improved life.

francesw47 profile image
francesw47

Excellent news - and welcome to the Zipper club on Thursday! There is a lot to do pre op - so you will have little time to feel anxious. 8.00am slot is great - no time to sit around thinking! Please let us all know how you are when you are able to post - op. Good luck.

1234_6 profile image
1234_6

Best wishes for Thursdsys Op & for a speedy recovery & return home too

Elsabounre profile image
Elsabounre

Now you need to be more positive and optimistic..it helps your mind and body...and gives you more strength the fight begins with you..we wish you all the best

roughquest profile image
roughquest

Go Ted 👍 Looking forward to Fridays update!

Bingo88 profile image
Bingo88

Try to keep calm and positive. I know its going to be difficult. But I will be thinking of you tomorrow morning and hope everything goes well and look forward to hearing from you again after the operation. Brian

Glyndebourne profile image
Glyndebourne

Wishing you all the very best for Thursday! Looking forward to hearing how it goes 😊🤞

Beatles1956 profile image
Beatles1956

All the best for a speedy recovery. This time next week you'll be wondering what you were worried about! Rest assured, these people really know what they are doing, you will be in very safe hands.👍

Loveheart123 profile image
Loveheart123

All the best ..

LSCE profile image
LSCE

Great news. We'll be thinking of you.Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Noodlesalad profile image
Noodlesalad

Sending happy thoughts your way. Try not to worry. I know easier said than done but it sounds to me like your surgeon has got your every worry and concern in hand.Blessings and hugs.

jerry12953 profile image
jerry12953

All the best!

Jermum profile image
Jermum

Wishing all the best of luck for your operation and a smooth recovery.

Qualipop profile image
Qualipop

Great news at long last. We're all rooting for you. I h ope you have someone who can post to let us know you are through it .

Callie456 profile image
Callie456

All the best, sending lots of love and prayers for smooth surgery and recovery.

DoggieMum profile image
DoggieMum

Hope all goes well for you. Take care

Aljo profile image
Aljo

Hope all goes well and I wish you better health in the future. Best wishes.😊

elephantsaregreat profile image
elephantsaregreat

All the very best Ted on Thursday. Yeah 1st in....thats the best. I was 1st in 4weeks ago at Barts. Surgeon did a top job and visited me in ICU the next day. All i remember was the anethetist putting some stuff in my arm and whoosh felt high then woke up in ICU. Dont worry all will be in hand. Its been a long road for you in the hospital facilities. Nearly there. Be thinking of you tomorrow as will we all be on here :-) Stuart

highburyted profile image
highburyted in reply to elephantsaregreat

Thanks

HHH2017 profile image
HHH2017

Full steam ahead 👍🏽 Enjoy waking up tomorrow with a healthier life to look forward to ❤️👌🏼

Catkin-blake profile image
Catkin-blake

Though I havent commented before as I have no real experience, bar the scariness of a heart event, of what you are going through ( I had a MINOCA due to mayo-pericarditis), I' ve been reading your posts and updates and truly wish you all the best for a speedy recovery to get you out of hospital

Smitty1956 profile image
Smitty1956

Hi, highburyted,

That is excellent news! You have a date for your surgery and some time to get mentally/emotionally prepared. It is always scary to go into any procedure, but you should do fine!

Keep walking some (as you can) and eating well and you may be even fitter by your surgery date. You have already progressed in the hospital!

Take care and my thoughts and prayers will be with you for success! ❤️

Anon2023 profile image
Anon2023

Good luck for tomorrow. You will be fine. Xx

cappachina profile image
cappachina

Best wishes for tomorrow You will be fine

Cat04 profile image
Cat04

Thinking of you today & wishing you all the best for a speedy recovery 😊

Yumz199725 profile image
Yumz199725

Hi Highburyted. Wish you all the best with your operation today, look forward to hearing from you in a few days take care ❤️x

Terri14 profile image
Terri14

Good luck and hope you feel great after your recovery x

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