A Broken Heart

[1Lefty]

Here's an update -

My surgery is scheduled for April 25, a little over 5 weeks away

The plan is to repair the mitral valve, with a minimally invasive procedure, using robotics.
It's unlikely, but the surgeon may elect to do a replacement at the time, if there is a problem repairing the valve. There is also a remote possibility of needing open heart surgery, but that would also be determined at the time, after he actually accessed the area and evaluated the condition.

I'm anxious, but also looking forward to being done with this

peace

 

[LonelyHiker]

I hope it all goes well ❤️‍🩹

 

[KM76710]

I hope that you have a great outcome and recovery when it is done.

 

[FlamingoWrangler]

@1Lefty
Glad to hear you have a date scheduled. We are here for you. I hope it will help you feel better.

 

[seabird]

I'm also here for you @1Lefty .

Anxiety ini this is natural - I believe it helps us get ready for a big challenge.

We are stocking your thread with care for you, for now, and future use.
Sending thoughts for flexible strength.

🤗

 

[Astrid78]

Sending hugs, strength and peace @1Lefty

 

[AmberMarie]

5 weeks may seem like a long time away, however, you will also blink and it will be here tomorrow. i am hopeful with them scheduling it that far out, that they do not believe it is an emergency, yet also close enough that they care to get it done sooner than later.

Overall, i am excited for you. i am also hopeful that this will give you a better quality of life.

Please keep us updated.

 

[SillyOldBear]

Here's an update -

My surgery is scheduled for April 25, a little over 5 weeks away

The plan is to repair the mitral valve, with a minimally invasive procedure, using robotics.
It's unlikely, but the surgeon may elect to do a replacement at the time, if there is a problem repairing the valve. There is also a remote possibility of needing open heart surgery, but that would also be determined at the time, after he actually accessed the area and evaluated the condition.

I'm anxious, but also looking forward to being done with this

peace

Lefty, a 94 year lady from my church had a valve repaired with a minimally invasive procedure. It went very well and she is doing fine. I am sure you will be fine as well.

 

[full]

Still sending you good vibes tgat everything goes well

 

[MisterBGone]

Here's an update -

My surgery is scheduled for April 25, a little over 5 weeks away

The plan is to repair the mitral valve, with a minimally invasive procedure, using robotics.
It's unlikely, but the surgeon may elect to do a replacement at the time, if there is a problem repairing the valve. There is also a remote possibility of needing open heart surgery, but that would also be determined at the time, after he actually accessed the area and evaluated the condition.

I'm anxious, but also looking forward to being done with this

peace

Will Keep You in Our, "COLLECTIVE THOUGHTS!!!" @1Lefty ~*/> peace & be well! _;^)!

 

[1Lefty]

Thank you all for your responses
Your caring, support and encouragement mean a lot

To be honest, the short-term pain and discomfort is what bothers me most
I also dislike the idea of being a burden on my sister, even temporarily
The thought of somehow not surviving the operation is actually a little comforting

peace

 

[dandelions]

That's what I have, literally, the mitral valve has a prolapse and needs to be repaired
I'm planning to have a minimally invasive surgery done, via slits in the right side of my chest
I had a left heart catheterization procedure done 3 days ago, there were no problems with my arteries that would add complications

It's working on my mind, a lot
The actual surgery doesn't bother me
The thought of recovery and then rehab does

More later

peace

OMG, @1Lefty I am just seeing this now. Hoping all is going well and you heal quickly. Honestly I (unfortunately can relate to this somewhat). Wishing the best for you.... 👽

 

[1Lefty]

Yesterday, I had two cavities filled, so one step closer to being ready (?) for surgery
I have 1 more dental appointment (next week), after that, the dentist will give his ok
I'll meet with the surgeon a few days prior, and have a lab done that day
Four more weeks till surgery
I'm really not ready
I'm used to a certain, sedentary lifestyle, rehab sounds uncomfortable, to say the least
There may be a lot more restrictions and inconveniences, for numerous weeks
I'm used to being able to drive when I want to, having a manual transmission will prevent that for a while, too
I'm normally independent, I don't want to rely on my sister, or my only friend
Money may be an issue, too, I've already been billed several hundred dollars in medical bills, co-pays

peace

 

[seabird]

Hugs.

Good that step 1 is now checked off.
It is good that you can write the steps out, as then once they are ✅ that's it.

I know you know this, but for the big ones which hold many steps within, try to let them go for now. Re-hab especially can be put on the list as a bucket of sorts - to deal with unpacking later.
I know someone who went through a year of PT following surviving something ( triggering so I won't say what it is here). The PT turned out to be really comforting, despite the physical challenges.

There are a lot of all different kinds of people here supporting and keeping a good thought for you.
As always my inbox is open

 

[MisterBGone]

I hope it all goes as smoothly for you as can be expected... &, it's normal to feel uncertain--when you haven't been through something quite like this before. Continuing to wish you - only good things - as you move forward through each step / or phase of this process. My Dad just finished up his second major-bypass in a couple of months, and 3rd in a few years (the first being the only one requiring "open,") & so, actually the most recent was a valve replacement/aortic. I think, w/the first - they had originally or initially NOT scheduled for it to be that way -- but then had to change it over to that; in which, with his case anyway, waited until the next day. Anyway, he's been seeming to do fine with all that-that entails, so far. And his was mostly (or primarily) genetic, I believe~ // Anyway? Good luck with yours!

 

[1Lefty]

I've completed the second dental appointment, and received clearance from the dentist so that surgery can take place.
it's less than 3 weeks away now
there's much to be done, but I don't have the energy
sigh

peace

 

[SillyOldBear]

@1Lefty
You are making great progress! You will get there!

 

[alice202]

@1Lefty I just wanted to let you know that I'll be thinking of you on your day of surgery and hoping all goes well. It will be great to be on the other side of this and on the mend.

Wishing you the best,

Alice

 

[seabird]

Putting a few hugs here @1Lefty . Just read about your truck, 😶 and it's the additional stress you don't need right now. Counting from your above post, you are about a week out from your hospital procedure. We on SF are at your side, virtually. 10 days on from now - you're past the operation and starting to heal.

 

[1Lefty]

Well -
By this time tomorrow, I should be recovering in my bed in the ICU
Check-in is 5:45 am, so I'll be up around 4, if I can sleep
Surgery is scheduled for 8am, and should last several hours
I'll spend a few days in the hospital, then recover for about a week at home
Then I'll just work on getting more active, and eventually start rehab

I'll be off-line for a few days,
Then I'll be back, with tales of my new adventure

peace