I had minimally invasive mitral repair back in April. 48 and physically active prior to, they almost make the minimally invasive procedure sound like out-patient surgery. Had myself convinced I would be back at it in a few weeks. Between everything being shut down and the reality of my recovery, I fell into a state of depression for two months. What helped with my turn around was the pool where I swim opening back up, and accepting that full recovery would be a LONG process. Accepted that it might take a full year to recover, and stopped doing things like monitoring blood pressure and heart rate multiple times per day. Now I only check those things every month or so, or if I feel off. Much better to see numbers improve each time versus what seems like zero improvement day after day after day.
The no visitors issue sucks out loud. They let my wife come back with me while I was being prepped. It was rough when they wheeled me away, knowing it would be days until I saw her or my kids again.
For whatever reason, after surgery they had to keep my chest tubes in for almost 5 days. This was the worst part for me. Was extremely miserable in the bed, they let me try the chair after half a day, and that is where I stayed for the remainder. Pulled the dining tray up when I wanted to sleep and just leaned forward on a pillow. How long each patient keeps their tubes in varies, but you will feel much better when they are removed.
This is the important part - do not, under any circumstance, agree to participate in any pain medication trials. I agreed to a study for pain pump medication. During the explanation of the program, my brain latched on to the mention of better medication and then tuned out. The pump log showed that I hit the button like thirtysomething times the first day, and only 4 the second day - it just wasn't helping. They came and removed the pump on the third day, at which time the anesthesiologist told me my pump had placebo, not better medication, or any medication for that matter. So avoid at all costs.
This is nothing you can't handle. Make sure you walk when they ask you to. Do your breathing exercises. The food sucks and the anesthesia will make everything taste bad for a while. Was told by a nurse that Lemonheads help, and they did.
The biggest mistake I made was setting ambitious expectations. Don't do that, just let the healing happen. Gradually you will notice something that doesn't hurt anymore, or realize you can do something you haven't been able to.
Good luck and Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Scott J
