Open heart surgery what to expect...from a patient's point of view.

I received an e mail that said "I feel so alone and scared that I've been procrastinating on getting open heart surgery, because it seems so overwhelming. " I had made this video but had not posted it, but spiritually I felt this e mail was a strong message to post it now. I am posting it for this person and anyone else who is facing open heart surgery to let you know ...If your doctor is telling you that you need open heart...Don't worry too much...It wasn't that bad. That doesn't mean that you shouldn't consider a second opinion. It has been a little over a year since my last open heart surgery, so some of the edge and memory of the pain is gone...I had some problems..the morphine made me sweat, it wasn't all easy, some of it was difficult, but in the big picture, not bad for that long...and I'm happy to be here! I AM NOT A DOCTOR! This is not medical advise... FInd a good Cardiologist..Be your own advocate.

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People & Blogs

Tags:

• valve repair

[Crackerton0006]

I have a bentall procedure in acouple of weeks. You have scared me but i want to at least know what to expect. Thank you.

[vickahn]

@Crackerton0006 I am sorry if I added to your being scared in any way...but Glad you know what to expect...Don't be scared. Really. Try and relax about it. It's not that bad...and it's saving your life... worry is if you know you have a problem and don't do anything about it...good that they found your problem and can fix it. I know it's hard not to be scared. I was too...But you are going to do fine. Take Care God Bless...and take a deep breath and try to relax.

[musicman196545]

Thank you for posting this I will be have my bypass on the 12/29

[vickahn]

@musicman196545 Thank you for your note... This will be a great new year for you. I think the people who get a chance to learn out they have a problem and have surgery are blessed... you will do fine...Probably feel better than ever and have a new perspective on enjoying life. Even your music will sound sweeter. Good luck, God bless... have you heard "A day without Rain" by "Enya" ...Great song to relax to... A good thing to remember to do in the next couple weeks. Take care

[cbrmike67]

Thank you for posting this video, it helps me feel better knowing that Im most likely over thinking all my fear and recovery. Im a week away from valve replacement and its worried me so much that I need meds to sleep.

[vickahn]

@cbrmike67 Thank you...I am happy that I could help you relax a little about your surgery...Trying to stay calm the week before might be the hardest part! Open heart surgery is serious business so over thinking it makes you pretty normal. Know it's a blessing they found your problem and now they are going to fix it. I'm sure that before you can believe it you'll be back at home getting better. Good luck, God Bless... You're going to do fine.

[shahbaz777]

vary nice one thanx for poasting

[firefighter8762]

thanks for your video...

[Crackerton0006]

Thank you for the encouraging words. Have a meeting with surgeon this week then i will know more and that should alleviate most worries. Thanks for the positivity and care !

[sdomizio]

Thank you so much for this posting. My mom will undergo heart valve replacement surgery (2 valves) tomorrow and I feel a little bit better just having watched this.