Myectomy bound!

[HocumFocus]

Heading to Toronto General Hospital for a myectomy on Tuesday September 25th. My chest pain and SOB had gotten so bad this past year that I can barely remember what an active life was like. I've been pouring over people's surgery and recovery posts and blogs for weeks, using Ipecac's readiness list and feel that I'm an informed patient and basically know what to expect.

I'll be posting up progress reports and questions as soon as I'm able to.

Wish me luck!

[Frosty]

Re: Myectomy bound!

The very best for an uneventful surgery and quick and easy recovery.

[DaleT]

Re: Myectomy bound!

Good luck. My son has a myectomy scheduled for Oct 2. He has decided to have it done at MCV in Richmond, VA with Dr. Kaserajan who trained at Cleveland.

[Dave-CT]

Re: Myectomy bound!

It sounds like you have the right attitude and are well-informed and both those things will serve you well. I had my myectomy 9 days ago and now have no chest pains of the type I got after pretty much every meal. (OF course I still have lots of other pains but they're of the type that will go away.)

It may be a little different than you expect... be prepared, but its important to stay flexible and keep an open mind!

Good luck, keep us posted...

[HocumFocus]

Re: Myectomy bound!

It sounds like you have the right attitude and are well-informed and both those things will serve you well. I had my myectomy 9 days ago and now have no chest pains of the type I got after pretty much every meal. (OF course I still have lots of other pains but they're of the type that will go away.)

It may be a little different than you expect... be prepared, but its important to stay flexible and keep an open mind!

Good luck, keep us posted...

Thanks, I hear ya... after meals, every 100 feet walking... it's hard to imagine making it better. Fingers are crossed!

[gfox42]

Re: Myectomy bound!

I'm glad you're scheduled -- and don't have long to wait! Keep us posted.

Gordon

[Linda]

Re: Myectomy bound!

Wishing you the best! Will be watching for updates.

Linda

[Felinezoo]

Re: Myectomy bound!

I am a week or two behind you and also looking forward to walking, talking, eating etc without feeling like my chest is about to burn up or explode.

All the very best for an easy and speedy recovery.

[HCMspouse]

Re: Myectomy bound!

Good luck! The readiness checklist definitely made me feel prepared for my husband's recent surgery. Maybe the best tip was to bring a small portable fan, which he definitely needed (but only half the time -- the other half he was chilled, so don't be surprised if that happens too). All the best!

[Mertz]

Re: Myectomy bound!

Good luck, and you'll be just fine!! Let us know how it goes.
Patty

[HocumFocus]

Re: Myectomy bound!

Well, I'm still alive and kicking! Surgery was this past Tuesday at 8:00 AM. Went well and after a 1 cm by 2.5 cm by 3.5 cm chunck of septum was removed, my 110 at rest obstruction was down to 3! First day in ICU was a blur--thank god for my wife and ice chips. A strawberry jello tasted like heaven! Was not prepared for the extreme lack of energy the first 3 days afterward. I had some great books and music but would read a page, dog ear it and sleep.. then wake up and do that again. First 2 nights were plagued by rhythym issues.. fast, varying, afib, you name it. I was hot and HAD NOT taken a fan with me.. this should be considered essential for anyone who doesn't like feeling warm. My wife found a great USB one Garrison) and it has been running constantly!

Thursday evening was still having rhythym issues, nurse rushed into the room at the moment my ICD fired for it's first time ever. My reaction can't be repeated in an open forum! Cardiologist was called stat, pumped me full of good rhythm juice and I had a decent night. By last night (Saturday night) I managed to sleep through the night with one bathroom break--something I haven't done for a long time. Getting up and around for little walks. Echo tomorrow and then discharge! We'll be here a few days witha final appt with surgeon before travelling home. Will post updates.

[gfox42]

Re: Myectomy bound!

Sorry to hear you've had some drama! But it sounds as though you're through the worst bit, and getting out of the hospital should do you wonders. Hoping for a less exciting recovery.

Gordon

[mbcube]

Re: Myectomy bound!

May you have smooth sailing from here on out!

[HocumFocus]

Re: Myectomy bound!

Exactly one week ago at this moment, I was in the OR, heart stopped and a piece being removed. Nice to be on the side counting towards recovery. Got discharged yesterday after an echo showed my gradient was indeed gone and all other heart and valve functions were within parameters. The good news is that escalating "feeling" I had in my chest with the slightest exertion is gone. Except for some paplitations last evening, rhytyhm seems to be holding on the discharge drug schedule which includes 400 mg twice daily of amniodarone. Trying to keep up with breathing exercises and have noticed improvement on spirometer over last couple of days. Not flying home until Thursday but the hot shower last night in the hotel was great--beat the oxy for post op pain control! LOL

I think the biggest problem I'm facing is that I spent so long in such a limited state that my fitness level is zero and despite not having any chest pain, still get short of breath easily and my back feels weak. Thanks for all of your support, will continue with upates on occassion.

[HocumFocus]

Re: Myectomy bound!

Two weeks yesterday since surgery and the first day I can honestly say I felt "better" than before surgery. Still sore around the chest particularly when moving after having been still for awhile. Walking is slowly improving, still a long way to go. Rhythym problems seem to be resolved themselves and my tapering dose of Amiodarone runs out in a couple more weeks. How long did others keep up with the spirometer exercises?