Husband having open heart surgery tomorrow

[Myotis]

That’s it really- anyone been through something similar? Worried and anxious obviously- he’s second on the list so just hope it goes ahead and is not postponed for any reason. No idea how long he will be in as it is complicated and depends how it goes. Advice and hand holding appreciated x

I have had 2 valves replaced. Because of age (nearly 50) I was told there was no choice, the surgeon was using mechanical valves. In my opinion a very good surgeon would not leave that choice in the hands of the patient.

Biological valves are generally for older people as to be frank they hope the valve will last the shorter lifetime. Nobody wants open heart surgery twice. Don't worry about the warfarin. Whilst it is annoying to have to get levels checked (maybe once a month when things settle), I still drink what I want. It does change the INR level (eg if you went for the warfarin-INR check, the results could be a bit off a day or 2 after drinking) but it is temporary and you will work around it.

My dad has had two valve replacements, one biological and one mechanical. He has had the mechanical one for over 30 years now and has been on warfarin for that time. 🫶🏻

Hi all. My DH had a call from cardiac nurse yesterday- she's upping meds (statins ). She was surprised we hadn't heard from London hospital yet . ( we've been told it's a London hospital ). DH was told he needed triple bypass end of April so hope he is still on a list somewhere . 🤞🏻

Dh's surgery is next week and tonight I've realised there'll be no hugging for a while 😢

@balzamico that's a sad thought. What day is his surgery ? Is it far from where you live ?

Found out today that DH has op in 3 weeks time

It's been done. Was yesterday- all seems to have gone well although the calcification was more than they thought. Critical I think - if I can suggest anything to anyone it's to not settle for the "watchful wait" approach that we were advised to.
(We sought a second opinion)
He's in CCU but is in a chair this morning, v v sleepy and tired

@balzamico do you feel a bit of relief that it's all over ?
Does your DH have to stay in for long ?

For post surgery, years down the line.

Not experienced this with a DH, but my DF had a triple heart bypass at 52. He is still here at 87, and the replacement valves were supposed to only last 15 years in those days. xx

@KnackeredBack love those stories they're just what we need to hear.

@CelieandNettie He's going to be in for a week, should move to a room tomorrow after two nights in CCU.

He's in a fair bit of pain and utterly exhausted but has spent most of today in a chair, stood up a couple of times and chatted here and there.

Above all else, he's still here and I'll take that.

Glad @balzamico that it all went well and he is now on the road to recovery. DH has his op in two weeks.
He's going up to London (we're about an hour away) but I'm not going to go with him for the day of the op. I can't bear sitting around for 4 hours- I think I'd rather be busy at work

Day 4 and going well, a little progress every day although he was knackered and a bit despondent yesterday much better today again, it's a rollercoaster .
My toptips so far:
Check you have enough data on your phone, I ran out for the first time ever (have been using Waze for the traffic as well as so many updates to friends and family)
If you've bought new pyjamas, wash and wear them, ours turned out to have itchy labels which we couldn't get to once he was wearing them post surgery

Dh has been home for two days and is progressing really well. Still very tired and has to take stairs v slowly but is feeling significantly better every day. He even sneezed last night and it wasn't too bad.
We are in awe at the skill of the surgeon and the body's ability to recover

@balzamico glad to hear things went well and your DH is recovering well.
My DH goes into hospital a week tomorrow - I feel like it's not real - all a bit strange. I'm not going to be there when he had the surgery - I'm going to work - 26 small children will keep my mind busy !

Good luck this week @CelieandNettie there's no doubt the next few days will be tough but hopefully you'll both be more comfortable by the weekend.
Dh 2 1/2 weeks on is having to learn to pace himself, he wants to go further, walk more each day but overdoes it very easily. He's also struggling with sleep as he always sleeps curled on his side and can't.
Generally though he's going really well.

Thank you @balzamico . DH has checked in to the hospital and the op is midday tomorrow.
Glad to hear your DH is doing well - I think it's a slow and steady journey to recovery x

DH had the op yesterday. He's out of ICU and on high dependency ward now.
Has a small air pocket in his lung which they are keeping an eye on.
What an emotional rollercoaster this is !

@CelieandNettie we likened it to childbirth, there's exhaustion, sleeplessness, emotional highs and lows and a wonder at what the body can do.
Similarly look out for the lows, it really is emotional.
Dh will be 3 weeks tomorrow - we're just back from a half hour (flat) walk with just a couple of brief stops to rest/ catch his breath:

DH is home 5 days after surgery. He's very bruised and very tired. It's scary to know it's now my responsibility to look after him !

@CelieandNettie I hope you're having a steady week and getting used to your life as it is at present.
Dh's op was four weeks ago today - he's doing remarkably well, turned a real corner in terms of strength last week and is now walking 6-8000 steps per day including up hills (they're still hard, he stops for a rest often)
He's still tired, we build our days around activities and naps and the scar can be sore if a coat zip rests on it while walking. He's still taking paracetamol with the occasional ibuprofen to top up as his sternum can be sore and still having to sleep on his back.
Overall though he's really not far off where he was before the op, he's always loved an afternoon nap!

@balzamico thanks for this. Good to hear how much progress your DH is making. We're now a 9 days after surgery . He's managing a walk around the block and his appetite is increasing. I can't quite believe how much has happened in the last 9 days - what an absolute roller coaster of emotion .

My Dh is currently in theatre for pericardectomy. Your thread has been very useful. Does anyone know is it OK to go to the hospital and wait while he is in theatre?

just a handhold really. My dad had open heart surgery 35 years ago and is still going strong at 91.

im pretty sure surgery has improved in the last 35 years so it should be fine.