Posted on 05/11/2024 12:28:02 AM PDT by eastforker
Just wanted to touch base with anyone that has had open heart surgery and what I can expect post surgery. I understand they want to replace my aortic valve, have had a heart murmur for many years and I guess it has gotten worse. Bless the VA because there is no way I could afford this any other way.
Actually it was the staples that caused me problems when removed. They came out well till the last one and it hung up for a few minutes. I toughed it out. They never removed the wires in my chest.
Two tablespoons Chia seeds and a teaspoon of magnesium citrate in a ayogurt will keep things moving smoothly and gently. Throw in a scoop of collagen to increase your protien if you wany.
I haven’t, but I had a friend who had a quadruple bypass, and my mom had a valve job. Here’s what I can tell you.
First after the surgery you will go through a period of depression. It’s a common thing and is even called post-op depression. It occurs after any major surgery. My wife had her knee replaced and she had it.
Second, do what the doctors tell you in terms of rehab. They will give you an exercise routine. Do it. My friend did and he recovered nicely. My mom didn’t and never fully recovered. Once the heart is fixed it needs to be strengthened, that is what the rehab is for. Do what they tell you if you want to get better.
And last, it’s a long way back. It won’t be easy, but if the doctors say you need it, then the surgery is probably better than the alternative. Go in with the right attitude, follow your doctor’s orders, pray a little and you’ll hopefully come out better on the other side. Good luck and my God be with you.
Where is the procedure to be done? Which VA?
Nashville/Vanderbilt campus
I iamgine that VA gets some good doctors from the Vanderbuilt University Medical Center. That’s the way it goes at the Los Angeles VA next door to the UCLA Medical Center, and at the New York-Manhattan VA just a couple blocks from the NYU Langhorn Medical Center, and the San Bernardino-Redlands VA right near Loma Linda University Medical Center.
I think you’ll be in good hands.
We’ll keep the prayers open for you.
Thinking about getting a lift chair that also reclines, would make getting up out of chair a bit easier.
Its a long recovery. If you can afford a lift chair, it would really help.
Are you not a candidate for a TAVR? Trans Aortic Valve Replacement. I had a TAVR last September, I’m 69. My aortic valve was replaced with an Edward’s Valve.
They found a murmur about 2 years ago, was being treated with meds until las year. I thought my being out of breath and no energy was just me getting old and out of shape. After extensive testing I was offered the procedure. During tests they determined I had no blockages which was a blessing. 2 nights in hospital and a week recovery. I feel great now.
Good luck to you!.
I think I may have some blockage.
To all those that responded to this post, thank you for all of your valuable information.I went under the knife on the morning of may 29th for a valve replacement and bypass surgery. Coming out of post op was quite the experience but I got to come home june 5th, yesterday.I needed two units of blood for the operation and it lasted about 6 hours. Was unsure if I was going to need pacemaker but nope, everything ticking on its own. The chest huger they give you really works well in suppressing the pain of the coughs. Glad I got the powerlift chair for home use, comes in real handy. Now getting ready for my 4-6 months of recovery.
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