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Alethea's Posts

Diagnosis: Aortic Stenosis, Coronary Artery Disease

Member Since: May 3, 2017

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Alethea Scally posted an update

8 years ago (June 27, 2017)

Hi All, So My dad is doing very well at home, we got back from Colorado Springs last Friday. He's almost at 3,000 on the spirometer and doesn't need Oxygen around the house which is amazing. The only issue is sleeping at night; he can't sleep more than 2 hours... Read more.

👍 Bob Fessler reacted to this

Barbara Wood

Yes, it was for me! After about 3 weeks I began nudging myself to lie very slightly on my side & at 3 1/2 to 4 weeks was able to completely. That was the start of my sleeping normally- I could just not sleep on my back! I only slept... Read more.

Catie B

I was told not to sleep on my side for 6 weeks, to not stress the sternotomy. And after that I still couldn't for several more weeks, due to pain/soreness. It can take awhile!

Marie Myers

I agree with Catie. I did not sleep on my side for 6 weeks. After that time, I found myself starting to get closer and closer, and finally one night ,I woke up on my side. I still can't do 3000 on the spirometer! I think he is doing well!

Rose Madura

I too am having a hard time sleeping on my back. I'm assuming it will get better in time. I usually end up taking an early afternoon nap. I'm only half way to the 3000 so he's doing great I'd say!

Alethea Scally

Thank you all for your responses! I let him know, he doesn't have pain while on his side but the concern is the sternum healing incorrectly. I emailed his surgeon, too, we'll see if he gets back to me. Thanks again for your thoughts!

Cathleen Weed

I was a stomach sleeper! Lol not anymore! I was prescribed a tiny dose of Ambien for the first 2 weeks home after my last OHS. Helped a lot. Sleep is SO important for healing. He should call his doc. â¤ï¸

Rita Savelis

It's okay to sleep any way you want to and what feels right for you, but for many the side and stomach will not work for awhile. Getting some sleep after OHS is hard for everyone. I normally don't take sleep meds, but doctors recommended them after surgery. I had... Read more.

Alethea Scally posted an update

8 years ago (June 16, 2017)

Hi All, Since we travelled from out of state for my dad's surgery, my father had a TEE literally an hour before surgery commenced. He had undergone a Heart Cath a month prior. The TEE unearthed some things that, to my knowledge, were not identified by the Heart Cath. Is... Read more.

Marie Myers

I had both tests done prior to my surgery. I imagine that they both contribute to the surgeons decision making process.

David Cohen

My understanding is that the TEE is the gold standard for identifying heart valve issues. The doc showed me exactly what was wrong with my valves in the TEE pictures. The Cath , though, is done to see if there are any arterial issues also that may need to be... Read more.

Meredith Bray

I had a cath about a month before surgery, and the TEE was done as part of my surgery - I was completely out for it (or at least I don't remember it).

Laura Jacobs

I had an echo, carotid ultrasound, cath, and an angio. My surgery is Wednesday but no one has mentioned a TEE.

Civita Fahey

I think it depends on the surgeon and situation.. I just had a CT with contrast ( they said if they couldn't see with CT they would do a cath) but thankfully it wasnt needed..

Alethea Scally

Thanks for all your feedback! The TEE at the time of surgery uncovered grade 3 plaque in the Aorta that was not identified with the Heart Cath a month prior to surgery. What do they do for plaque in the Aorta? A bypass?

Alethea Scally posted an update

8 years ago (June 15, 2017)

Dad was doing so good but this afternoon he developed Atrial Fibrillation. I read that up to 70% of open heart surgery patients develop A-Fib. Just wondering what it means; is this really bad? What does it mean for his recovery? The nurse said sometimes they can knock it out... Read more.

Barbara Wood

Hi Alethea, I didn't have afib in the hospital, but got it about a week after I came home, so I've had it about 2 weeks now. I am taking amiodorone now, have been for a week. So far it has not knocked me back to sinus rhythm & I... Read more.

Alethea Scally

Thank you Barbara for sharing your Afib experience. Keep us updated on your progress!

Rita Savelis

A-fib is a very very common side effect of OHS. There are several ways of dealing with it (meds and/or cardioversion). Your father is in the norm, but I'm sorry that he has to go through this. It can be resolved quickly, or take longer, or turn up later. It... Read more.

Walter Lewandowski

I went through Agin at hospital for a few days. When they released me it was still mild, then it went away.

Catie B

Alethea, I had afib the day after surgery and we battled it with a few weeks of Amiodarone. Gratefully, in time, things calmed down. I hope your dad doesn't have it long and that treating it brings quick resolution.

Alethea Scally

Thank you all for your reassuring words! We just asked the nurse and right now he's back to sinus rhythm . Hopefully it sticks!

Catie B

Laura, though the heart rate is usually up also, it's a rhythm issue, so it feels like weird, ongoing palpitations. It felt very uncomfortable when I had it.