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Diagnosis: Aortic Stenosis

Member Since: July 8, 2021

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Katherine Berry posted an update

4 years ago (April 20, 2022)

Hi everyoneâ€¦thanks for the warm wishes and support last week while I was completing my AVR with mechanical valve via mini sternotomy. My hospital experience was wonderful and Iâ€™m thankful this group lead me to the BSW Heart Hospital Plano. Iâ€™m home now recuperating. One question I haveâ€¦how much did... Read more.

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Marie Myers

Welcome to recovery! Your picture reminds me of my recovery, since I LOVED getting back out into the sun...

Rose Madura

Hi Katherine. So glad you are home and that your experience waa good. Regarding coughing, I don't recall much at all until about 8 weeks later when I had a pleural effusion and they drained fluid odd my lungs. The coughing was much worse when laying down. When was your... Read more.

Mary Milewski

Hi Katherine--I'm now almost 6 wks post AVR and had significant coughing until 4 + wks post op, Certain classes of antihypertensives are associated with coughing (ace inhibitors, some beta blockers and calcium channel blockers). I was sent home on 2 of the 3 and as each was eliminated or... Read more.

Holly Wale

Katherine - glad you are home!

Katherine Berry posted an update

4 years ago (March 28, 2022)

Okayâ€¦on sleeping post-opâ€¦I have a fully adjustable bed (full flat to full sit and leg elevation above heart is possible) and can have the room to myself during recovery. Is it important that I add a recliner or will the adjustable bed and lots of pillows do the trick? The... Read more.

Steve Neal

I had full on sternotomy and was able to sleep on my side flat with one pillow after 1 week

Adam Baumgartner

I have a fully adjustable bed too and it was all I needed. With the head raised it was easy slide legs over the side and stand up. I also had no problem sitting down and getting out of a regular recliner. (I had a full sternotomy. )

Susan Lynn

I think you'll do just fine with the adjustable bed and pillows. I had a recliner, but didn't find it comfortable for sleeping. You'll discover what works for you. It may even vary from one day to the next. You'll find your groove! Good luck! ❤️

Thomas Brusstar

I had a full sternotomy. I didn't have a recliner, and just had a regular bed. I slept on my back for probably 60 days afterwards, but getting in and out of bed was fine (just roll and manage shifts of weight carefully). I know some people find a recliner... Read more.

Unknown

I didnâ€™t use a recliner but a wedge and eventually three pillows. Getting in And out of bed didnâ€™t seem very hard. As Susan Lynn says you will find your groove, I had a full sternotomy.

Katherine Berry

These comments are saving me money and helping me plan! Last night I practiced using the bed for this purpose and Iâ€™m pretty sure it will work just fine. Itâ€™s good to know Team Recliner isnâ€™t the only option!

Timothy Williams

I had a sternotomy 18 days ago. Previously side sleeper. Started out in recliner. Night of day 10 after surgery woke up with muscle spasm in back (more like issue with nerve - trigger it and it burns). Gave up recliner and now sleeping on back in flat bed. I'm... Read more.

Mike Tirrell

I had a full sternotomy. I had a recliner but could have done without it. It was nice to sit in it to watch TV and visit with people but I slept in my adjustable bed from day 1.

Patsy Stewart

Youâ€™ll do just fine without a recliner. I had a full sternotomy and used a regular bed and a few pillows with no problem. Getting out of bed without using my hands to push off was the hardest part. My husband and son were usually in the room when I... Read more.

Katherine Berry posted an update

4 years ago (March 18, 2022)

Just a bit under one month until my SAVR. Iâ€™m mentally ready! From those who have had the procedure, or similar OHS, whatâ€™s your one piece of â€œmust-knowâ€ advice. Thereâ€™s so much information itâ€™s hard to know what to focus on to prepare for healing. Thankful for this community!

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Rose Madura

Hi Katherine. Well, getting a second opinion was a great move. I would focus on the positive. After the surgery, take it slow and listen to your body. Must know advice? Trust your doctors and do what they recommend. ❤️

Carol Jackson

Hi Katherine. You will do fine! Itâ€™s a great feeling to be on the other side of Surgery. I had my first surgery which was OHS 8 years ago. Be ready to sleep in a recliner or a lift chair when you first get home. Later when you sleep in... Read more.

Jay Gardner

Hi Katherine. That you're going to be ok. I had a SAVR and a tumor removed from my Mitral valve. It was benign. I'm POD11 and making progress every day. Be patient with all your emotions

Katherine Berry

Thank you all for the support! Jay, I think the emotions will be difficult to balance with the miracle we experience. Happy to see you are able to share with me so soon PO. Prayers for your continued healing. Carol, I have an adjustable bed so havenâ€™t purchased a recliner.... Read more.