Therese's Posts

Diagnosis: Aortic Stenosis, Bicuspid Aortic Valve

Member Since: December 10, 2017

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Therese Odell posted an update
8 years ago (February 1, 2018)
Thinking about getting a pillow wedge to help me sleep in my bed. Did anyone find them helpful? If so, how big a wedge was comfortable? Also, any other ideas to make recovery easier? It is fast approaching! Yikes!!
I wish I had an answer for you. I'm sure plenty of people will respond, though. Just wanted you to know I have been keeping you in my prayers and thoughts
Hello Therese, I found it necessary to have my head up while sleeping for the first few weeks, to breath easily. However, rented an electric bed for a week, slept in a slightly reclined lazy- boy chair and ultimately used 2 firm pillows, one on top of the other, when... Read more.
I bought a 9" memory foam wedge pillow & found that with a few bed pillows - 2 behind my head, 1 on either side for my arms, 1 under my knees was very comfy. I bought a recliner but really hardly ever used it, preferring the wedge. Other thoughts... Read more.
I too had bought a wedge pillow and two body pillows. I found that none of them worked to sleep in my bed. The most comfortable to me was sleeping in my recliner. Sleep for me was miserable for the first couple months. But be reassured it does get better... Read more.
Oh, yes the pillow wedge was a necessity coming home from the hospital. I used it also on the couch during the day for resting. I also purchased a 9 inch memory foam, worked great. I would also recommend v-neck t-shirts as you may have very sensitive skin around the... Read more.
2 weeks post surgery and I’m finding the couch better to sleep in than recliner. It’s a firm couch and I used one of the big back cushion and a pillow to sleep on. A big help is a dose of Percocet to dull the pian and knock me out.... Read more.
Thank you all so much! I have been a little anxious this afternoon. Spent the day cooking and freezing meals so my husband won't have to cook too much (really so I won't starve) Lol!
I too bought a wedge but found it uncomfortable and slept in a recliner with a pillow under my head and one on each side for about 6 weeks...
I used for a number of months as every time I tried to sleep normally I was in shoulder pain. I put three pillows on it, two at head and one lower. I also made a well for my head so it was supported. You do need to stop yourself... Read more.
Hi Therese. Never used a wedge. Just needed to use pillows so I wouldn't lie completely flat. P.S. It might be an opportune time for your husband to start to cook, in his own way. It's amazing how people (spouses) will step up to bat when they have to....
I did the pillow pile-( 3-4 pillows at night) the first couple weeks till I was brave enough to slowly eliminate the pillows as I moved and breathed better.
The wedge pillow was an absolute necessity for me. I used it along with several pillows, under my head, along my sides and under my knees...similar to what Barbara was describing. As I healed, I slowly removed those pillows that I no longer needed.
Therese Odell posted an update
8 years ago (January 12, 2018)
What tests are done for pre-op? The only thing I have been told is angiogram the day before surgery and another echo. What else is usually done? I am having an aortic valve replacement. Would appreciate any insight.
Hi Therese. I had an angiogram, bloodwork, urine test, Echo and a CT scan. I think that was it.
I had an angiogram yesterday and it wasn't bad at all. The hardest part for me was getting the IV in and a blood draw. My veins are really tricky. Once I was on the table, they give me a little something to take the edge off but I was... Read more.
Same as Rose...also had my angiogram through the wrist - easy, painless, out of the hospital in just a few hours.
I also had pulmonary function tests, which is a breathing test, a Chest X Ray, and arterial blood gas test. I was worried about the cardiac cath, but it was really easy with the sedation. I was not bothered by what they we're doing, and vaguely remember seeing the screen.
Therese Odell posted an update
8 years ago (January 4, 2018)
Yikes! I scheduled my surgery yesterday! It will be on February 6th with Dr Kevin Accola. My angiogram is February 5th at 8:30 am and then I will be admitted into the hospital. I think I am more apprehensive about the angiogram than the surgery! Crazy, I know! Do I... Read more.
👍 Someone, Shannon Gray and reacted to this
Congratulations on scheduling your surgery. I hear you have picked a fantastic surgeon. Please keep me posted about how you are doing and what you think of Dr. Accola. As I've mentioned before, I am a little behind you. I have my heart cath in 2 weeks and then I... Read more.
Therese, You are in the best of hands with Dr. Accola and his team at Florida Hospital. Fyi, I just sent Dr. Accola an email to find out if you will get a heart pillow at the hospital. When I hear back from him or his team, I'll let you... Read more.
Adam, thank you so much for doing that for me! I really liked Dr Accola and feel so relieved that I am in good hands. Thank you for creating this site and for all you do getting us accurate and timely information! So grateful for you!
Anna, I will keep you posted on my adventure! I think you will like Dr Accola too. I have been very impressed with his office staff as well as liking him. They all seem to be very professional and on top of things. Quick to call you back, get things... Read more.
Therese, that is fantastic. If you need one in Orlando, let me know. I can give you the name of the Cardiologist/Interventionist I used in Longwood, FL

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