Michelle's Posts

Diagnosis: Mitral Regurgitation, Mitral Stenosis, Tricuspid Regurgitation, Aortic Aneurysm

Member Since: May 18, 2024

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Michelle Persson posted an update
1 year ago (July 18, 2024)
Everything is done! Surgery was 4+ hrs, got to my room about 11:30am last Thursday. Woke up with a migraine that lasted 2 days. On Sunday, I was told I could most likely go home on Monday then the a-fib started and my numbers were all over the board. They... Read more.
Michelle, welcome home. I’m just 5 days home and I truly feel great. Each night I sleep better, each day I walk, do stairs and small things around house. I had bad headache first couple days but it ended. Hope you’re feeling great today. Beth
Welcome home, Michelle! It will be small steps at first, but every milestone is a boost for your confidence. You’ll get there!
Glad thats behind you! I'm 14 months past surgery and still have some bouts of afib. Hang in there! You will continue to improve!
Michelle Persson posted an update
1 year ago (July 10, 2024)
Well, first my surgery was scheduled for the 8th, I got a call that they had some emergencies come in so the schedule had to be changed. Wednesday the 10th was the new date. Sat at the hospital all morning then around 12:30 I was told there was another emergency... Read more.
❤️ Rose Madura reacted to this
Michelle - You've got tremendous patience! Although it's difficult to be rescheduled - twice, be glad you're not an emergency. Don't worry too much about leaving the bag at home - you've got a lot on your mind. The hospital provides pretty much everything you'll need. Borrow a robe, pj... Read more.
Oh Michelle—that’s tough to get bumped like that, but I agree with Susan—better that you’re not an emergency! I overpacked as well and sent all my clothes home minus my slippers—the hospital gown worked best for IV and other tubes I had to take everywhere with me, not to mention... Read more.
God bless you Michelle. May your surgery be successful. ❤️‍🩹🙏
Michelle Persson posted an update
1 year ago (June 6, 2024)
I was wondering about what you wore home from the hospital after open heart surgery. Are jeans comfortable or would joggers/leggings be better? I have a 2 &1/2 hour car ride home. I was just told to wear a shirt that either buttons up or has a zipper but nothing... Read more.
Hi Michelle, I would leave the jeans at home and definitely opt for joggers or loose pants. It is not unusual to gain 10-20 lbs in fluids they pump in during surgery and it takes several days to normalize back to presurgery weight.
Think absolute comfort, regardless of the fashion statement it makes:)
Best wishes for your upcoming ❤️‍🩹 surgery. Excellent question! I wore loose fitting jogging pants and pajamas and a size up in tee shirts with a wider neck (to get over my head without raising my arms) and zippered/snapped/buttoned jackets. Liked the Z Zella brand at Nordstrom Rack. I am... Read more.
Definitely no jeans. I wear loose sport pants at my discharge this week.
I wore a zip up house coat but loose pull on pants would have actually been better.
Loose fitting is definitely better! I think I lost 15 pounds on my last day in the hospital (they weigh you constantly), just from getting rid of fluid. The IVs are constant, and they definitely err on the side of more fluid. So who knows how much you'll gain temporarily,... Read more.
This is a very helpful post. My aortic valve replacement surgery will be next month and I hadn't really thought about the impending weight gain. Sounds like I'll be packing sweatpants.
I didn’t realize you gained weight! Definitely want loose clothes for the hospital & ride home. Thank you for the information.
You gain some liquid weight, which you are usually given diuretics for (which make you pee it out). The liquid weight is because your heart is weak after surgery and liquid from your blood can back up into tissues. Usually this liquid weight is lost quickly, even while you are... Read more.

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