Pericardiectomy

Thanks Teri:  Tuesday is the day...Monday we go in for a 4-5 hour orientation at the hospital where we will meet the surgical team, nurses, etc.  I am up and down about the surgery but my landlord is ready to go.   I will let you know how it goes.   I'm wondering how long after the surgery there is a "danger" period...like if he makes it 3 days, is he out of danger?  I guess I can ask this at the orientation but I really don't want to in front of my landlord.  I know there's always a risk of pnemonia, stroke , etc...I had a flu shot today so I won't be sick when he gets home!  Just say a prayer for him and hope this surgery will make him feel more like his old self.

Mctoone!! I am so very happy to hear that Dave did so well through the surgery!! Now you go home and get a good night's rest yourself!!
Hugs, Teri :)

Good Luck, Mctoone!! I'm hoping you are able to break a few of those cold barriers down and get in to see Dave!! This may be something you and Dave need to discuss re future events. Perhaps a notarized statement from him to you allowing you to visit him without needing the daughter's permission? However, the best thing right now is to try and respect them, so that they will understand your intent and that you do really care for him!! I pray that Dave does better and will come around very soon!!
Hugs, Teri :)

PS After I had my open heart surgery just 8 weeks ago, it left me with a bit of confusion as well and memory blocks where words are concerned, and this is considered normal, and usually it comes back with time...perhaps that's just what he needs for now. Time. :)

Awwwww, Mctoone, this is really a sad thing for you, having someone that you care so much for going through so much so quickly!! I know it's not easy to rest and relax, but you aren't doing him or you any good wearing yourself down!! You do not want to get ill. He will be very susceptible to illness when he does come home, during this recuperation time, so please, relax, take a nice bubble bath, paint your nails, eat a good meal, pamper yourself just a bit! :) It will do you much emotional good and in return you'll be ready for that next challenge around the corner!!

Hugs, Teri :)

Keep up the good work, Mctoone, but take care of yourself, too!! You need to be eating and getting a good night's rest as well! Hugs always, Teri and good luck to Dave!! :)

I know you will be fine....being so young, and the fact that your pericardiem is not calcified, you will be just fine. I have not had the procedure but my landlord did....His was calcified and they still got it off.....I had conflicting reports at first but yes indeed, he had a pericardiectomy....and the recovery...well,....open heart surgery is all the same....your sternum will be split so really your recovery will be the sternum healing...12 weeks and that's it...you will be back to normal....that's how long it take for the sternum to completely heal. Don't worry.

Michelle

Hi Nan:  My landlord is just 4 weeks post op...he's doing quite well...his breathing is quite good.  His problem is that he does not walk as much as I think he should.  But he's 79 and walking wasn't really something he liked to do.  He's been pretty good in the last couple of days, getting out to walk 2-3 times a day...just little walks.  You , on the other hand, will have no problem walking...A friend of mine has a valve replacement because he could hardly walk without getting out of breath...After the surgery, he noticed a big difference in his breathing and energy right away..  But you will be tired after surgery - that's a given.  After 3 weeks, you will start to notice a big difference in your energy levels...  Just keep up the breathing exercises, and get out walking!  And keep us posted as to how you are doing.  Is your surgery booked??

Michelle

Being as  young as  you are you should feel better even sooner...It's just the breastbone that has to heal - you won't be able to drive for about 6 weeks, but that's about the only inconvenience....you will be taught how to get in and out of bed - here in Canada, they give you a heart shaped pillow to hug so  you remember not to use your arms to hoist yourself up...I thought is was funny seeing all these people on the heart ward, walking around with their little red pillows!   They will have you up the next day after surgery, then walking the next.  Here, they boot you out of the hospital after  5-7 days...then they have people come in to see how you are...a very good system I must admit.  Dont' worry - you will be great!

Michelle

Hi...the steroids didn't work, so surgery is scheduled for the 15th of December. They said I'll be in 5-7 days. I'll be glad when it's over! I meet with the surgeon the day before so will find out the specifics then. I'll keep watching for postings here...have a good Thanksgiving!

You're young and healthy, you'll be out in 5 day max I'm betting! Walk, do your breathing exercises, and REST OFTEN AND AS MUCH AS YOU NEED TO! Take care of yourself and don't get worried about depressed feelings, they are natural. In a year you won't believe you could feel this good!

Good afternoon...

So glad to have found this site, this forum....

My story, in a nutshell..

( I am a 37 year old male in good health, other than my heart troubles for the moment.... )

I began a posistion in a warehouse, full time, lifing, packing shipping, genral labor, back in Sept of this year.

On Sept. 9th, I suffered an abdominal muscle strain, and subsequently went to my company's Occupational Health Clinic for treatment.

The MD on staff noticed my enlarged liver, and immediately referred me to the County Emergency Room, where I was seen, that MD also addressed my condition as relating to a liver infection of some sort.

He, in turn, referred me to a Gastorenterology specialist, who looked at the bigger picture, noting that I had had similar liver syptoms in 1999, which had passed, but still leaving me with a jaundiced look.

My liver levels ( platlets, bilirubin, etc. ) were all haywire, so, he ordered a liver biopsy. Although the bioposy did not work on the day they tried it, I did get a full chest Xray.

The severity of my constrictive pericarditis was obvious in the film, showing a shadow around my heart.

I then had an echocardiogram and EKG.

THEN, I got the news, surgery was iminent.

I could not have been more blessed with the doctors I have seen thus far, as I am being treated at the #6 rated hospital in the United States ( according to US News and World Report ), which is the Univeristy of California Medical Center, located in San Francisco.

My surgery is scheduled for Dec 16th at 6:00 AM.

I will be sure to check in here often now, and relay my progress, and to pray for all of you out here...

Regards.

Eric

PS... does anyone with this condition have issues with his/her liver?

any idea of the average surgery duration time?

ANY and all advice apprecaited.....

Good Luck Eric! Teri :)