Erica's Posts

Hello Erica, I have tricuspid regurgitation moderate to severe, but still in wait and watch mode. Do you need it repaired now? I know it is difficult to find many studies on tricuspid, but I do know Adam has a couple of interviews with Surgeons about the topic. I do know one of the surgeons at Northwestern in Chicago told me he could do minimally invasive when my time comes. They do tend to wait until tricuspid is severe, as outcomes for primary tricuspid are not as good as other valves, but they are making huge advances with studies these past 10 years. I read your bio and do not see tricuspid, is this something new? It is very common for them to add the tricuspid when repairing other valves, but for some reason not just primarily tricuspid. I am sorry I could not be more specific tonight, but if you find more info, I would be very interested myself.

Erica - I wish you all the best with your upcoming procedure! Good for you for getting 22 years out of your valve!! You're in great hands at Penn. I totally over packed for my surgery. The things I would recommend are pajama pants, a robe, and slippers or slipper socks. They'll have you up and walking the hallways within hours of your surgery. Those gowns can be drafty! I would also recommend a phone charger with an extra long cord and noise canceling headphones or ear plugs. If you're initially in a CICU, they can be noisy. Finally, bring a button down shirt or a full zip top. You may also want to bring a pair of loose fitting pants for the ride home. Some people have a little extra water weight after surgery and find it more comfortable to have clothes with a little stretch. The hospital provides almost everything you'll need. You're going to do just great! ❤️

Hi, Erica. Every hospital and every patient is different. I found that I did not need --or want-- most of what I packed. I had a sternotomy to replace my mitral valve and repair my tricuspid valve, so I brought one surgical bra to the hospital, as instructed by my surgeon's nurse. I wish I had brought two or three, because I ended up being there 8 days/7 nights. I also brought one pair of PJs, but never wore them. I needed to stay in my hospital gown at all times, for "ease of access" for checking drainage tubes, my sternum, placing electrodes, etc. When I showered, I had to use the hospital's surgical body wash for my sternum and areas where drains/wires were or had been. They had another type of shower gel for the rest of me, including my hair. They did not allow my own shampoo as it could run down into the sternum. They did not want me to use any other products, including lotion. I did bring my own toothbrush and toothpaste, which I used, and I also brought lip balm, although the hospital supplied a lip gel. You can't have any product that has petroleum jelly in it. I did bring a package of my own facial wipes, like for removing make-up, which I used only on my face. I had some complications after surgery, so I did not get to shower right away and I was glad to have the wipes so that I could at least clean my face. I also brought a couple of make-up items, but I never felt like putting on makeup. What I wore to the hospital is also what I wore home, since I had it on for only a few minutes on arrival day. I wore a comfortable lounge set: elastic waistband and wide-legged pants with a button-front top. I wore flip-flops to and from the hospital, but it was still in the high 90s in TX when I had my surgery at the end of September. I would recommend shoes that are easy to slip into and not tight, as you may have some swelling of your feet and ankles. I hope that helps. Others may have more suggestions. I wish you all the best for your surgery on 11/6. Prayers for you and your medical team.

I overpacked, they wouldn't let me wear my own socks (even though they had non-stick on the soles too). Agree with other suggestions, long phone charger, lip moisturizer. I appreciated wearing light but warm loose pants. My husband bought some shortbread cookies for me, some of the post-op antibiotics made me nauseous. I wish I had my travel pillow but I forgot it. Make sure you get a heart pillow! I treasure mine. Best wishes to you for your surgery

Erica, I packed and used all of these items.Chapstick, baby wipes, icy hot, compression socks, my own soap(dial antibacterial (also dry shampoo), my own pj's that open in front, loose pull on pants, front close shirts, earbuds & eye mask(great for drowning out noise and light thru the night) hair bands and ties, a couple of post surgery bras(front close and one a size larger to accommodate swelling)the hospital may provide these too. An extra long charge cord. Slip on shoes with backs and support like sketchers to walk in and keep my socks clean. Some fragrance lotion to make me feel/smell better since you are not able to shower for so long☺️ Oh, and my own pillow was my luxury item❤️