Leti's Posts

I'm finally posting my Journal after-the-fact (4 weeks post-op). I was too nervous to post anything, but I found such comfort from so many of you sharing your stories and being so very transparent about your experiences. Here's my experience in hopes that it can help someone else. Sorry, it's one long post vs. a series of small posts/updates. Day of Surgery: I arrived for surgery at 5:45 AM (6:00 AM scheduled arrival). Within 30 minutes, I was taken to the triage like area to be prepped for surgery: COVID test, pregnancy test, some type of iodine applied to my nasal passages, gargle with Lidocaine, large medical patch applied to my backside/tailbone area, IV, blood pressure cuff. Two family members were allowed to sit with me while I waited. Three different members of the anesthesiologist team stopped by to ask a series of questions. Finally, I was told it was time to take me back. I was offered something to help me relax and I accepted. Literally, within 5 minutes I was out of it and only remembered saying goodbye to my loved ones and the gurney moving through the hallway. I don't recall seeing my surgeon or any member of his team beforehand. My surgeon apparently arrived on the scene like Batman and successfully completed the valve repair. My husband was provided with periodic text updates of my status (i.e. the procedure has started, the procedure is still underway and the patient is doing well, etc.). Upon completion, my husband met with the surgeon in a consultation room, who informed him the surgery was challenging as my mitral valve was calcified. Therefore, he wasn't initially sure if he could repair it. However, in the end, he confirmed it was a "beautiful repair" of the mitral valve and it was not necessary to repair my tricuspid valve. Note: I entered the operating room at 8:00 AM and the surgeon met with my husband at 1:00 PM. My immediate family was allowed to visit me at 2:30 PM in the ICU. ICU: I was in the ICU for approximately 36 hours. Most of it was a blur. However, the following items were attached/inserted when I arrived in the ICU. * Respirator * Wound vac machine over sternum incision * Drainage Tubes (2) * Pacemaker tubes * Neck IV * IVs in both hands * Intermittent compression leg wraps * Catheter If you can have a family member stay with you during the first night in the hospital, it can be so reassuring. The first night, my brother stayed overnight with me and I was so appreciative. I didn't realize how much pain and discomfort I would experience and honestly I was just scared. My brother provided periodic pep talks in the middle of the night and occasional shoulder rubs. Fortunately, the University of Michigan allows a family member to stay by your bedside 24 hours/day. Post-Op Updates: I was moved from the ICU to the Cardiac Unit, where I remained in the hospital for 3 more days. Some things worth noting: 1) I was in a great deal of pain, especially back and shoulder pain, which I wasn't expecting. I learned the back pain resulted from being on my back during surgery on a metal table with my arms extended outward (like a "T" or a cross) for several hours. The pain was so intense I couldn't sleep in the hospital bed, but instead slept in the recliner chair each night. They also provided me with a muscle relaxant to assist. 2) As others mentioned on this site, having the drainage tubes removed provided so much relief. It was almost difficult to breathe with those tubes inserted. 3) I didn't have an appetite and my taste buds were off (everything tasted like chalk -- or some chemical taste). The hospital provided me with Ensure for the protein. My taste buds started to return to normal approximately 3 weeks post-op. 4) I experienced dizziness and aura (visual disturbances often associated with migraine headaches). I didn't have a headache, but I did have lots of visual disturbances and flashing lights while in the hospital and these issues remain today (4 weeks post op). I'll discuss during my post-op visit. 5) For the first 3 weeks, I was seriously exhausted. I couldn't sleep at night due to the back pain even though I was sleeping in a recliner. During the day, I was just so drowsy. Reading posts of folks who were walking 1-2 miles at 2 weeks post-op was making me sad. Any attempt to walk for more than 10 minutes resulted in dizzy spells, coughing and exhaustion for me. I just needed to be patient and show myself some grace. I'm happy to report that finally at 4 weeks post op, I'm able to walk for stretches of 20-30 minutes. One day at a time. Seriously.