Major surgeries

[Mikeyboy 27134]

Hi everyone,

 

Not industry related but I thought I would ask for some experiences from the group.

 

I'm just preparing myself for a pretty major heart related surgery in the new year. Honestly, this has me pretty wigged out. I'm only in my 40's so this is not something I would have anticipated at this point in my life. The mortality rate of this surgery is relatively low (1%) although that is still pretty high if you ask me. People buy lottery tickets with the intention of beating odds almost infinitely greater than that. ;) I will likely be out of commission for a couple of months as well even if all does go well.

 

Does anyone else have any experiences or words of wisdom to share when it comes to major surgeries? (Either here or by pm if you wish to keep it private.)

 

I also have a major decision to make in the event the valve needs to be replaced as well. (They won't know until the operate.) It may not be needed but I still need to come to a decision before the operation.

 

One option would have me back in surgery every decade or so for the rest of my life, but otherwise healthy.

 

The other option would require the use of a daily drug forever, which has major implications for bleeding issues, diet restrictions, very limited alcohol consumption (gulp), and risks of other complications. It would also require at least weekly blood screening. I likely wouldn't need any more surgeries though. Just a complete change of lifestyle.

 

This one has me stumped. Not sure I like what's behind either door Monty! Any advice, experience or insight on this would be appreciated as well.

 

Thanks everyone. Happy holidays.

Mikey

[Meaghan McLeod 179664]

I wish you the best of luck.

 

A relative had numerous bi pass operations and takes blood thinners. He is approaching 90 years old and still kicking. The blood thinners are an issue and he can't stop taking them. He quit smoking and reduced his alcohol intake. Another had valve replacement but was never a smoker or drinker. She died of cancer at 82.

 

As an ex smoker and drinker, I suggest you get healthy no matter which way you go. Follow the directions of your surgeon. Take this as a wake up call and do anything you can to get healthy. So many people don't get the opportunity you have. They just die of a massive heart attack. Others wait too late after the damage is too severe.

 

Personally, I would do anything to avoid the meds for life. However, I avoid almost all meds so I'm biased that way. Have you considered combining holistic therapy and traditional?

 

Again, I wish you the best in your recovery.

[Manluvsex 13731]

My thoughts and prayers go out to you MikeyBoy. Ottawa is one of the best cities in North America, with its world renowned Heart Institute, so you are having your operation in a good city with highly skilled surgeons. Also, your operation, while serious, would be pretty straight forward for surgeons working in major hospitals, who probably have done hundreds of successful one's before yours.

 

It is no fun facing this operation and the choices you have to make when you are in your 40'ies, but like previously said, not everyone gets to make those choices, because they die before they are diagnosed. Also your young age and general condition will dramatically increase your odds of success!

 

Try to resolve the decision you must make as soon as possible, based on the best information you have and all the pros and cons you can weigh against each other. The sooner this question is resolved the sooner you can focus your mind and energy on the success of your operation and getting back on your feet again as fit as a fiddle!

 

I have not gone through any major operations myself, but have followed the progress of both of my parents in various GTA hospitals, where they were operated on with success every time and without incident!

 

1. Get to the hospital early and bring some soothing music to help you relax and stay calm prior to the operation.

 

2. Make sure you have someone close to you to monitor your situation regularly, including discussions with the medical team and asking questions that may be bothering you. You may need several people to ensure this monitoring around the clock at least until you are awake for most of the day and able to take note of the many goings on affecting your care on your own. One thing that is a problem in hospitals are infections, and you or your caregiver must monitor if your nursing care staff wash their hands every time they deal with you. If they don't, they should be gently reminded to do so, as should all your caregivers and visitors to limit the risk of you picking up an infection that could affect your recovery!

 

3.With quick change of shifts in hospital you will be seeing a large number of nurses and primary care workers. You need someone to make sure the new nurses, for instance, are up to speed on your particular needs (e.g diet), rehab and medications. I have seen my Mom being denied pain medication prescribed by her specialist and other times being given incorrect medication and dosage. Your own caregiver can also help bring you to the toilet, bring you food and water, chat and make sure you are comfortable. Nurses will not always be around for these things that will keep you happy during your stay.

 

4. Make sure a journal is filled out by you and all your family and friends who are your caregivers at the hospital. Keep it by your side with lots of pens, to jot down details of medical discussions and observations, medication (type, amount and time), changes in treatments etc. This book will help your caregivers to explain to you afterwards, what was going on when you are sleeping or otherwise out of it; and will also be useful to help avoid medical errors. Finally, the journal may also be useful when one caregiver takes over for the other to ensure consistency.

 

5. With an operation such as yours, on the heart, I am sure the doctors will get you up and walking quickly to strengthen your heart muscles and to prevent the incidence of blood clots, which are a real risk when patients rest immobile for too long. Getting up on the hour to stretch your legs and go for a brief walk is recommended for anything but the most brief hospital stay.

 

6. Try to build a rapport with your medical team, orderlies and anyone else you meet at the hospital. Doctors and nurses are run off their feet most of the time and human nature being as it is, they will provide more time and better care to the patients they like!

 

7. Rest well, avoid TV, limit the time visitors stay. and read some good books you have been putting off for too long.

 

8. When you are ready to be discharged, make sure that you clearly understand all the important details about your home care and treatment plan, for your immediate recovery time at home. Once you leave the hospital it will be more difficult to clarify this plan. For instance, you may need to see physiotherapists for your exercise plan and may need home help if your condition warrants it. Also, make sure you have prescriptions for any medication you may need before leaving the hospital.

 

The effective coordination of patient care between different medical professionals and between the hospital, clinics and home care services is often severely lacking.

 

The patient or someone advocating on behalf of the patient must make sure all the players are talking, that they all understand the details of your treatment plan including the coordination of their roles, and that they are available when you need them!

 

I think I have said more than enough! Hopefully some elements of this rambling verbiage may be useful to you in your situation.

 

Wishing you all the best, that the operation goes well and that you recover quickly! And, like previously mentioned, the need for this operation may be a positive thing, if it becomes a wake up call and motivation to get more fit for your heart, but also to enjoy life better.

 

Remember: A Stronger Heart = Better Blood circulation to all your extremities = Better Sex!!!!

 

MLS

[Mikeyboy 27134]

Thank you both for your thoughtful replies. Lots of great food for thought. I somehow thought I'd be more prepared mentally for this by this point. I guess I've been sort of living in denial about it as opposed to facing it. I can't continue doing that at this point.

 

The journal idea is a good one. I will do that. I'm sure it will be difficult to keep everything straight with all of the different care givers.

 

Thanks again.

Mikey

[WhereIRoam 21825]

I agree with Manluvsex's point #2 about possible infections. Nearly nine years ago now I had a terrible ski accident where I broke four ribs, punctured my left lung in two places which caused it to deflate.

 

I was sent by ambulance to the Ottawa General and had a chest tube inserted which was later hooked up to a suction machine. During my first week there, on the lung cancer floor, I had daily X-Rays in my room. My Doctor came to see me two days before I was scheduled to be released to inform me of a chest infection which appeared in my most recent X-ray. He informed me that I now required surgery, which he had already booked me for, in three days. This wasn't an option for me. It was difficult to accept, looking for something/someone to blame. Luckily I had family and more importantly an amazing GF who was there to lift my spirits and help me accept what needed to be done.

 

Three days later I had this surgery where they opened me up 12" long and removed a 4" section of a rib to clean out this now nasty infection. I was recovering well but within a week into recovery my Doctor again came to see me to inform me the surgery was not a success and he recommended I have this surgery again or have these now two new chest tubes remain for an undetermined amount of time to allow the infection to drain. I was devastated, this was a very difficult time for me. I became a little depressed and my family and GF noticed, they did their very best to help me but it was no use. I refused to have another surgery and opted to keep these tubes instead.

 

A couple days later I was able to make my way to the X-ray machine on another floor by means of a wheelchair. A caregiver saw me and asked me to come with her for a minute. She was familiar with my case and had noticed my sad state of spirits. This is what she said, "I see you're sad, don't be. You see the other people sitting around you in there waiting their turn? Most of those people will likely die here but you, you'll recover. You'll be fine one day soon and walk out of this hospital and carry on with your life. You should be happy, cheer up young man." Those true words hit my like a ton of bricks. I knew she was right and it changed my perspective about how I should be feeling. I will never forget that this person, a stranger to me, took her time to care about how I was feeling, how I looked. That one minute helped me more than what anyone else had said to me to try and lift my spirits, the reality of it all that she expressed worked.

 

After three and a half weeks of being in the hospital I was released. These tubes remained for another four and a half months. I am glad to say I am fine now, have fully recovered and lead a normal and healthy life and I try to never look back.

 

Mikeyboy, I can somewhat relate to what you may be going through. As difficult as it may be at the moment, in a few short months you will look back on this and be able to smile about it all. You will have family and friends around to share your experience with, to help you every step of the way. It's in these moments that we often reprioritize our lives, when you decipher what is truly important in life and thank God for family and friends, there is nothing more important!

 

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays Mikeyboy, my thoughts are with you. I wish you the very best to a quick and healthy recovery.

[Mikeyboy 27134]

Thanks a lot WhereIRoam. That does actually help to put things in perspective. I've got to remember the big picture. Thank you for sharing this experience with me. I hope her words of wisdom help me as much as they helped you. Glad things worked out for you in the long run.

 

All the best of the holidays to you as well.

Cheers

Mikey

[kacey65 509]

sorry for taking so long to reply to this Mikeyboy. i had quadruple bypass when i was 43 years old and i am now 52. the heart institute in ottawa is amazing and they take really good care of you. the nurses are second to none! it can be a scary thing to have heart surgery, but from entry to leaving, the staff at the heart institute made me feel very calm and comfortable about everything. they are very professional but do not forget the human factor. you are in good hands my friend and i will await your update after the surgery!

kacey

[Jabba 18389]

A relative had to have heart surgery when he was in his 70s. No choice really. Needed a valve and a stent.

 

He was frankly quite fearful of the procedure. He came from an age where these types of operations were a major risk. So, we talked about the fear factors just to bring them to the light of day and give them a poke.

 

One way to look at this objectively is that yes, it is an operation and the docs have to make surgical cuts. We didn't minimize the level of involvement nor did we ignore the days of recovery needed. My first thought would be like yours - oh, I really don't wanna do this!!

 

If you know the name of your surgeon, and, if you haven't already done this - research his CV online. We did just that. We did a google on my relative's surgeon. Holy smokes! Years upon years of research, papers, practice, diagnosis, surgery, post op. These cats, all of them, are a different breed of smart. Seriously, my words fall far short.

 

All of which may be of cold comfort to you, because you're the one who is going through this - but be assured you really are in capable hands. You will survive and you will recover. You will lead a changed life. The surgery will leave a mark in more ways than one. You will remember your hesitation and reluctance. All of that will be part of your story - but the best part is that you will have a story you can tell. You can share your experience to encourage others who will be in the same predicament. Despite the short-term grief, this I'm sure will be your good news story of 2018.

 

Maybe share your experience even with me. I may be headed down the same path.

[Phaedrus 209521]

One thought on this:

 

I also have a major decision to make in the event the valve needs to be replaced as well. (They won't know until the operate.) It may not be needed but I still need to come to a decision before the operation.

 

One option would have me back in surgery every decade or so for the rest of my life, but otherwise healthy.

 

The other option would require the use of a daily drug forever, which has major implications for bleeding issues, diet restrictions, very limited alcohol consumption (gulp), and risks of other complications. It would also require at least weekly blood screening. I likely wouldn't need any more surgeries though. Just a complete change of lifestyle.

 

Without knowing the details... is the first option replacing something regularly? If so, bear in mind that that'll be using today's technology, and technology tends to improve :)

 

Even if you are doomed to surgery every ten years, that sounds a lot better to me than option 2. But that's just my take on it, obviously.

 

Hope it all goes well!

[Mikeyboy 27134]

Hi everyone. I Just wanted to update you all. I've been through the surgery now. Although i have a long recovery ahead, things have gone pretty well. I feel like I've been hit by a truck but I'm on the mend. The decision i had to make turned out to not be necessary in the end. Thanks everyone for your words of wisdom for all of the thoughtful posts and pms. You guys are amazing.

 

Mikey

[WhereIRoam 21825]

Glad the surgery went well for you.

Hope you regain the bounce in your step soon enough.

[waterat 20911]

Mikeyboy: Glad to hear you're through this and I know you've got lots of hard work ahead of you and I'm confident you'll do it! Wishing you all the best and encouraging a full and robust recovery.

[Luckyme 41401]

Glad to hear your surgery went well.

 

All the best and have a speedy recovery.

[SavannahSol 1611]

Happy to hear your surgery went well! Wishing you an easy and speedy recovery!xoxo

[Rassilon 982]

Very late to the party, but I very much wanted to wish you well and a speedy recovery. I am still recovering from my kidney transplant from last summer, and I am on medications for life, have a restricted diet, have to do blood tests once a week, etc.

 

So I of all people can sympathize, especially with the being physically less than you are used to. My doctor's and nurse's just kept repeating "Long term gain...". Saying that to myself allot helped. :-) So I will say it to you. Long term gain, dude. Keep going. Take care of yourself, this is an extreme circumstance after all.

 

Great news that the surgery went well. I know the painful days pass slowly, but once you are better you will not believe how the time passed.

[Mikeyboy 27134]

Very late to the party, but I very much wanted to wish you well and a speedy recovery. I am still recovering from my kidney transplant from last summer, and I am on medications for life, have a restricted diet, have to do blood tests once a week, etc.

 

So I of all people can sympathize, especially with the being physically less than you are used to. My doctor's and nurse's just kept repeating "Long term gain...". Saying that to myself allot helped. :-) So I will say it to you. Long term gain, dude. Keep going. Take care of yourself, this is an extreme circumstance after all.

 

Great news that the surgery went well. I know the painful days pass slowly, but once you are better you will not believe how the time passed.

 

Thank you for this Rassilon. I am feeling much better now. Recovery is a slow process but I'm pleasantly surprised by the gains I have made. Not 100% yet but it now seems at least possible that I will get there.

 

I'm glad to hear things worked out well for your own surgery in the end as well. Transplants are a pretty massive undertaking. I know the changes in lifestyle can't be easy either. I'm glad you have a positive attitude towards it all. Remember, we are still alive. That is all that matters. Far better than the alternative anyway.

 

Thank you for the words of encouragement. I do appreciate it.

Mikey

[Rassilon 982]

You are welcome. Surprised something from me helped that much but I am very glad. Continued good luck to you, sir.

[Mikeyboy 27134]

Well, it has now been a year since my surgery. I just went back and reread through all of these thoughtful and encouraging posts today. I'm glad to say that I'm mostly back to my old self now. With only a couple of minor complications throughout the process, I have few remnants of the whole ordeal besides a hefty scar. (Although my dreams of becoming an underwear model are likely now over as a result 😉 )

I wanted to say thanks again to everyone who posted here and also to those who pm'd me last year with words of encouragement. It meant more than you know. I have a tendency to think myself into a panic if left to my own thoughts. It was good to have people to talk things through with and to help keep things in perspective. 

Thank you

Mikey

[mrgreen760 37785]

Last Feb, after an ultrasound it was discovered that I had an asymptomatic 8.5 cm AAA (abdominal aortic aneurysm) surgical is 5.5 cm. My Doc had felt a pulsing in during a physical in Nov. Waited 14 weeks for an ultrasound, he though it was small and would be followed until 5.5. Surprise!!! Surgery within a week. 

Apparently I was a time bomb ready to go and a bit of a walking miracle. No other health issues (64) so open repair was the best option and permanent option. Frustrated going in as I felt so good and after not as good.  It was preventative not corrective. So unlike bypass where some one felt better after I wouldn't.

10 months out and my recovery has been good, about 85 % though there are changes that are likely permanent, due to the surgery and my age. 

Any one 60 or over should be screened, this is way more prevalent than I ever knew. Since autopsies aren't done routinely the unknown and unexpected sudden death can be often be AAA thoracic or abdominal aneurysm the burst and the victim had no clue of a problem. 

Often discovered though xrays or tests unrelated to AAA symptoms. At at annual physical be sure your Doc physically examines you, this likely saved my life.

 

I am a very lucky fella

 

Peace

 

 

[Mikeyboy 27134]

On 1/19/2019 at 1:39 PM, mrgreen760 said:

Last Feb, after an ultrasound it was discovered that I had an asymptomatic 8.5 cm AAA (abdominal aortic aneurysm) surgical is 5.5 cm. My Doc had felt a pulsing in during a physical in Nov. Waited 14 weeks for an ultrasound, he though it was small and would be followed until 5.5. Surprise!!! Surgery within a week. 

Apparently I was a time bomb ready to go and a bit of a walking miracle. No other health issues (64) so open repair was the best option and permanent option. Frustrated going in as I felt so good and after not as good.  It was preventative not corrective. So unlike bypass where some one felt better after I wouldn't.

10 months out and my recovery has been good, about 85 % though there are changes that are likely permanent, due to the surgery and my age. 

Any one 60 or over should be screened, this is way more prevalent than I ever knew. Since autopsies aren't done routinely the unknown and unexpected sudden death can be often be AAA thoracic or abdominal aneurysm the burst and the victim had no clue of a problem. 

Often discovered though xrays or tests unrelated to AAA symptoms. At at annual physical be sure your Doc physically examines you, this likely saved my life.

 

I am a very lucky fella

 

Peace

 

 

Wow. 8.5 mm! You are very lucky they found it when they did.

Mine was a thoracic aneurysm so they had to go in through the chest and sternum. Not much fun at all.

You are absolutely right. This is a very prevalent problem that most people are unaware of. There should be a lot more screening for this type of thing. There is often a genetic component too, (at least with the type I had) which means your immediate family may want be screened, and not just when they are older. It can be helpful if younger people who are at risk are monitored regularly so they can establish bench marks for them from what I've been told. Worth at least discussing with your cardiologist on your next check up if you have not yet anyway.  

Thanks for sharing and congratulations on finding it when (and how) you did. I'm sorry to hear that a full 100% may not be fully achievable for you, but I think there's little doubt that it was necessary at that size. I know exactly what you mean about the surgery though. It feels crazy walking in with no symptoms, feeling great, and letting them cut you open like that. I had a hard tome reconciling that one. I struggled with it for a long time. At the end of the day though, we are still here. Far better than the alternative.

All the best to you. 

Mikey

[mrgreen760 37785]

3 hours ago, Mikeyboy said:

Wow. 8.5 mm! You are very lucky they found it when they did.

Mine was a thoracic aneurysm so they had to go in through the chest and sternum. Not much fun at all.

You are absolutely right. This is a very prevalent problem that most people are unaware of. There should be a lot more screening for this type of thing. There is often a genetic component too, (at least with the type I had) which means your immediate family may want be screened, and not just when they are older. It can be helpful if younger people who are at risk are monitored regularly so they can establish bench marks for them from what I've been told. Worth at least discussing with your cardiologist on your next check up if you have not yet anyway.  

Thanks for sharing and congratulations on finding it when (and how) you did. I'm sorry to hear that a full 100% may not be fully achievable for you, but I think there's little doubt that it was necessary at that size. I know exactly what you mean about the surgery though. It feels crazy walking in with no symptoms, feeling great, and letting them cut you open like that. I had a hard tome reconciling that one. I struggled with it for a long time. At the end of the day though, we are still here. Far better than the alternative.

All the best to you. 

Mikey

Yes i was very lucky, mine was a retroperitoneal incision so not  down the middle but from my rib cage like a cresent moon to just below the pubic bone, no stitches just tape. I don't have a cardiologist, I have no other heart issues, no high blood pressure or cholesterol issues. I'll have a ct in March, see my surgeon and that should be it. Some genetics with mine as well, and smoking was not a good thing. As far as being 100%, more related to issues that have changed, no ED as an example but due to nerve damage at least at this stage, I no longer ejaculate, orgasm yes but it's weird shooting dust lol.  

 

Other than that no complaints

 

Peace