Posted 4/15/2016 12:11 AM (GMT 0)
To GA1234: I just came across your post on AAA surgery. I would like to pass on to that I had my surgery on Feb/23/16, at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital. By Dr. Kon, top notch surgeon in this field of AAA. And of this day, 4/14/16 so far all is going well. I had issues coming out from surgery, but those have passed.
I stayed at the hospital for 8 days, and was released. The issues I had while there, was my ox level did not stay where they wanted, and was put on ox, and work up to the level needed. Also as taking pain meds/stool softener was part of the meds, and getting closer to the week, I was given a lax, and by the end of the week was fine. Blood work all was fine. They had me walking the second day, which is the best thing to be done, move, walk. Get out bed. And walked around the hallways, and each day it became less hurting. And off course all folks who have this surgery got a heart pillow to hold on to while walking, sitting, laying. As of this day, I still use it my car for the seat belt, and in bed, and while I cough, hold it tight against my chest, and believe me it helps cushion the coughing.
The only issue I have at this time is sleeping, and from reading other post, this is to follow from this surgery, so I read other folks post, read into internet, and inquire. I am going to try natural helpers, and try to stay away from over the counter. Cause they some time hang on in your system and make you feel worn out, tired, and drowsy. Oh, I do have food issue, not in eating taste, smell, and fluids. It does not take much for me to put food down, and not eat cause of taste is terrible. Fluids to me leave a metallic taste in mount. But its part of the surgery. I did have bloating issues after I came home and gas built up, but (pardon the pun) it cleared out of me.
The surgeon told my wife when I was done, it took a little bit longer, cause it was some what more damaging when they went in, than what he saw in the xray, pics, and so forth. But every thing was done, properly, and corrections were done. I have my valve replaced, the aorta replaced, aneurysm removed. I was on the table a little bit longer. But thank God and prayers and thoughts, all went well. I know reading other post, some folks have issues and still do, and my thoughts and prayers to them for a good recovery and healing.
I now have to wait, to have my physical and lab work done at VA, and had follow up with the heart doctor at VA, which told me the healing all is going well. I do have to return in 6 months for xray and other pics to be sure. Then therapy will be added to my healing and well being. I wanted to return to work sooner, but understanding the surgery was a major blow to the body and mind, so precautions is at the highest to make sure the body returns to what is was before. I have to keep that in my mind and not jump ahead. So I hope this helps you some understand what I went through with the AAA surgery. And if I may, keep inquiring asking questions, look through this site which I am thank full I joined when I did. I got a lot of good insight and answers just reading from other folks going into the AAA surgery and those after it.
So keep reading and asking, and good luck. Oh, by the way, I am 64 years old, cant wait to get back to work, I already counted all the spackle on the ceiling, ahahha! but any I hope this reply helps understand this person coming out from AAA surgery. God Bless.