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It was 3 years ago today that I was wheeled into the
operating room to have my aorta valve replaced and it was the day that I
had my last cigarette after smoking 2-3 packs a day for 60 years.
I
started a series that took readers through the whole procedure from the
first day I heard that I was to have the operation until a couple of
months after. I believe, all in all, it helped me get through the
disaster that took place afterwards due to a failure of the surgeon
telling me about the overwhelming depression that could take place--and
it did! I was always a happy go lucky guy, even during really bad times
in my life, so it hit me hard and lasted for close to 4 months!
I
did receive some emails from people thanking me for the series as it
helped them prepare for their upcoming operation and two people
specifically thanked me for talking about the depression. I have since
learned that most people who have open heart surgery suffer depression
and those that are talked about it by their surgeon before hand don't
have it as fierce.
This post was the day I
learned my surgery date and that it was definite that a Jewish boy would
be getting a pig valve!! If you would like to read the whole series you
can 'search' it or e-mail me at GreatMartin2003@yahoo.com and I will
send it to you.
https://www.blogster.com/greatmartin/journey-to-open-heart-surgery
Journey to open heart surgery Part 9
Looks like a date has finally been set to replace the aorta valve with a pig valve!!
I
will be going into the hospital on Sunday, July 20, between 9-10
AM--because of the cumodin which I will have to stop taking on Friday
the 18th, my blood will have to be monitored so they can operate on me
Monday morning, July 21.
I will be admitted in the ER as it is a Sunday and the admissions office is closed--supposedly all my paper work will be there.
I
spoke to a 'Patient's Assistant'--never heard of that before--who gave
me as much information as he could. It seems regarding after surgery
care, how long and where will be up to my insurance. I e-mailed my agent
with a load of questions but she is on vacation this week and will get
back to me next week. A lot depends on her answers.
Some notes I jotted down from the PA, who in many cases couldn't be specific but could only give general answers.
One of the things he emphasized is that this is NOT by-pass surgery so I can't go by what people who have been through that say.
Depending
on circumstances he said I should be out of the hospital within 5 days,
that I will be walking, VERY slowly and depending upon the hospital I
should be able to take a shower by that time.
Regarding
rehabilitation--depending on my health, the condition I was in before I
had the operation it could take a couple of weeks or 5-6 weeks. When I
told him that I don't exercise and I do smoke he said the combination of
both will slow the rehabilitation down. He said my diet was fine and
that I should just add more protein.
Among other things I won't
be able to drive for 8 weeks--he said it was sort of having a broken leg
or arm but in this case it is a broken chest bone.
He said it
would be better if for the first few weeks I was home I had someone stay
with me 24/7 BUT the main thing was to have someone check in on me a
few times during the day and have someone I could call at night if I
need help--again it depends how long I stay in rehabilitation which is
an insurance matter. (2011--another big mistake--I was not sent into rehabilitation!)
I
don't really understand why I would have to have people cook my meals
for me (not that I would mind!!!) if I was able to walk and get around.
Of course I could always have take out delivered. (2011--this was not a problem as I didn't have anyone cook for me and I recovered--physically--a lot faster than expected.)
Though
people may not believe it I am pretty organized and want to get
everything settled before the 20th like how long in rehabilitation, how
long before I come home, how long before I will be able to be
independent again, etc.
I have already made arrangements to pay
my rent, phone, cable, Internet, credit cards, etc., bills to cover
August--will probably put newspaper delivery on hold and mail the same.
He
laughed when I asked if one of my friends could take a picture when I
am put into the recovery room--hey, I need to post it here!!!--but he
never answered me. I will take a picture before I go to hospital and
when I come out. (2011--they would not allow me to have a picture taken in the operating room.)
I certainly won't be blogging or reading blogs
for at least a week and for the first time since March 1967 I won't be
weighing in on a Monday--will be making diary notes as soon as I can
write--I am wondering if after all this is over will I be thinner or
fatter. (2011--fatter! LOL)
One last note for now--he did say a lot of people lose their desire to continue smoking--we will see! :O) (2011--3 years later giving up smoking has/was definitely not a problem which surprised the hell out of me!)
