Post Surgery Experience

[pankajbhomia]

Hi ,

I have finally got my surgery date as 17th Oct . Phew, now all the anxiety and nervousness kicking in.. Though everyone is different, may I check (and I am sure it's been asked before):

- How do you feel immediately after waking up after surgery? Any pain? Do you remember anything? I heard the first couple of days are blurry.

- Once the anaesthesia goes off, what's the level of pain you feel? what is the most challenging part at the beginning?

- Chest tubes, how much of discomfort they are?

- Any advices?

Thanks, and apologies for grammatical errors.

[DodgyTickerMum]

Hi, pleased to hear you have a date for your op. I had O.H.S last year for a mitral valve replacement, so not the C.A.B.G procedure you’re having - but access via a median sternotomy will presumably be the same.

I understand that my op lasted over 7 hrs (initially my own valve was repaired, but unfortunately the repair wasn’t able to withstand my blood pressure - so the decision was taken in theatre to replace it with a mechanical valve). I went to theatre at lunchtime and woke up in I.C.U - still intubed, at midnight. My immediate reaction was to try and remove the breathing tube but 2 Nurses were by my side and told me they would take it out shortly. Prior to them doing so, I can can recall holding one of the Nurse’s hands and spelling out the word ‘GENTLE’ on it. I remember she squeezed my hand and assured me she would be. They get you to cough and then they remove the tubes. I recall being so thirsty and requesting some water. Initially, they give you mouthwash on a sponge lollipop but you’re so dry - anything will do at that point!

My lasting memory of the first few days post op - is feeling like you have a pallet of bricks sitting on your chest. This is down to your sternum being wired tightly. It does ease after a while but you will be very aware of it, whenever you move.

You will have a morphine button that you can press, which can give a dose every 10 minutes if needed. I can’t have pressed mine that much, as I was quite alert and aware of the 4 days I spent in I.C.U. (I had really low blood pressure - usually you’re in and out much quicker).

As a result of this, my 2 drains and the 2 pacing wires were removed whilst in their care, prior to me going back to my room on the ward. To be honest, they were the least of my worries whilst in situ - albeit I was much more aware of their presence when being taken out! Especially the pacing wires, which I had assumed would be far easier… It was a bit eye watering, but in the grand scheme of things, it means you’re well enough to have them removed, which is a positive step. You will also be catheterised until you are well enough to get to the bathroom.

The first few days post op are no picnic. It’s seriously major surgery and your poor body will have taken a battering. But you will soon turn a corner, make progress each day and then be up and about and headed home.

I would recommend you invest in a V pillow to take into hospital with you (as you will be sleeping upright for a few weeks post op), some loose nightwear as you can retain fluid post surgery, so your regular size may not fit. Noise cancelling headphones - as all the beeping (yours and everyone’s else’s will slowly drive you crackers) and a pic of your loved ones to keep on your bedside in I.C.U, as mobile phones may not be allowed. Your hospital should give you a booklet detailing lots more info regarding what to expect.

This will naturally be an anxious time now for both you and your family, but rest assured there are many members on this forum, who have been in your shoes and are now here supporting others like yourself.

Keep us posted of your progress. Wishing you the speediest of recoveries.

[Billett]

When you first come around in ITU you feel great eventually the drugs wear off but i had no real pain nothing a paracetamol wouldnt take off but after a couple of days and you are up and about night ti.es were uncomfortable and i did have a stronger painkiller the drains hurt when they come out i can tell you but its 5 secs each time . You will have your ups and downs but just take everything nice and steady and listen to your body it tells you when you've done enough and if you can definitely go to Cardiac rehab its brilliant for mind and bodyGood Luck