Paul's Posts

Hi Paul, I have decided to see a mental health specialist. My appointment is this Wednesday. I have chosen someone who has worked with people who are facing surgery in a hospital environment. I have several concerns: the first is the actual surgery. The second is possible depression after the surgery. I want to make sure that I am arming myself with as many coping skills as I can.

Paul, well... I keep threatening to run away where no one will ever find me. But, we are adults, and we know that this is not a proper response, and that all these people have gone before us and been brave enough to go through with it. So, we know that we can too. Try talking to a professional to get coping skills.

I have a chronic blood cancer, and the outcome of conventional OHS dicey for me. So, yes, I understand the worry and fear. Mine is not so much dying on the table, but having complications post-op or a major stroke and becoming a terrible burden. I think it's important to feel that your doctor has weighed the pros and cons of surgery, and has looked not only at longevity but quality of life. Yes, maybe talking it through with a pro would be helpful! Prayer helps remind me that God is merciful and helps with my fears of going to hell. But it doesn't help me deal with the worries in this life.

The idea of this surgery is horrible for someone who doesn't like giving up control. I run everything; my job, my house, etc. I even told the surgeons how I wanted my surgery to be (haha, the just went along with me). The surgery wasn't that bad at all, in fact, all I remember is them putting on my oxygen afterwards. Also, there are very low mortality rates with this surgery, especially if you are younger. I agree with the others, find a qualified professional to process this out. Also, kudos for reaching out on this site. You are not alone. My anxiety levels were never as high as they were just prior to surgery. You will do great and more importantly, I think most everyone else who has had surgery here would say that you will look back and wonder why you were so worried! Best wishes to you!

The fear was there for me but the thought of dying early wasn't something I wanted either. I had many conversations with my surgery team of doctors and I felt better after those discussions. When the day came I was shaved from head to toe and gave my wife a kiss and told her I would see her in recovery as I had such a positive attitude when I was transferred to the operating table I told everyone in there that there was to be NO mistakes and out I went. Next thing I knew I woke up in recovery with a healthy heart.

I was very scared to have the surgery but I went through with it anyway. I tried not to think about it too much. After they wheeled me into the OR, I was awake for about a minute or two. The next thing I remember was waking up in the ICU.

Having gone through a robotic mitral valve repair, I think that this kid of operation is well within the grasp of the medical community. If you are in reasonable health going in you will wake up and get back on your feet. That being said, operating on your heart is a very personal and significant event. And the though of not making it is a thought that we all have had to grapple with as we faced these surgeries. You will come to a place where you are at peace with your decision.

Well, me, too, Paul. :-) Someone on here noted that 98 percent of people who have valve surgery survive. So the odds are you'll get off the table alive. Having a chat with your cardiologist about what they'll do for you if you develop afib that doesn't go away or if you have to be on Coumadin forever or have some other lingering problem may help allay your worries. Just me, but having realistic expectations will help me accept whatever the "new normal" is after surgery. My cardio said I would be "nearly 100 percent," but that was before the blood cancer was diagnosed, so I need a new update in March. You take care.

Don't dread it. It is really a very easy procedure. You will not eat after midnight. You will be starving. You will go to the cath lab and they will put you in a bed. You will be shaved. You will wait on the bed. Then you will wait some more. You will notice you are getting really hungry. After a while you will be wheeled in to the cath lab and put onto a freezing cold table. The tech will be apologetic and will bring you a blanket to help keep you warm. You will be given a sedative. There will be a monitor in front of you. You will be told you can watch if you want to. Some people find it fascinating. I shut my eyes. The drugs will put you in a twilight world where you don't feel anything or remember anything. You will feel a little prick like getting an injection. Then you will be told that the contrast going into your veins will feel warm. The contrast will feel warm and it will be pleasant. Then what will seem like 2 minutes later -- but is actually about 20 minutes-- you will be put back on the bed and wheeled back to your spot in the outer room. A nurse will be pressing on the vein where the catheter was removed. You will be expected to lie still until a clot has formed and you are allowed to leave. This can take a couple of hours.

I tried to watch and remember but I have no memory after moving to the cold table and getting a warm blanket. ;-) Waking up with my husband at my side and the nurse holding pressure on the groin site is all I know about. Deep breaths, and know you are in good hands!!!

Paul - the NHS equipment at the Brompton was certainly able to burn a CD so hopefully they will where you were. Surgeon didn't view my copy, he had a detailed report from angiogram so don't worry if they don't look at CD. My TOE (as it's in UK) was very informative too so think the combination of all this, echos and MRI provided them with a good view before they got in there...