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Posted 7/12/2017 6:23 AM (GMT -7)
Not sure if this is the right forum for this, but it seemed to be the closest match. This Friday I go in for my CT for my aneurysm. Last check put it at 7cm, which I am told is the threshold for intervention. This is a very scary proposition, even more so that the prostate cancer diagnosis, and treatment. I have resigned myself to the fact that it will have to be done, and am wondering what others experiences have been after surgery. I was told that because of my age..50, that the open surgery would be best because it lasts longer, and doesnt require a ct every 6 months as with the laparoscopic. The thought of being cut open from stem to stern is frightening to say the least. 3-4 days icu, 2 weeks in the hospital, and another 6 at home....I might go nuts.

I am hoping anyone who had this can share some insight as to what I can expect.

Thanks
Posted 7/12/2017 9:12 AM (GMT -7)
Hello tulmkr, I happened to see your post & wanted to say hello. Unfortunately, we do not have a moderator in this forum to keep things active. Myself & a few others try to help out when we can.

I am supposing the cardiac dr & your cancer dr will be discussing things prior to any surgery. Yes, you are in the range of surgery being in your immediate future no doubt. Both my brother & dad had open heart surgery for valve replacement & bypass issues. Both were cut from stem to stern. When you wake up from surgery you will be given probably a heart pillow & will be instructed to use it when trying to cough & when they get you up. Don't be afraid to use it, the slight pressure of putting it to your chest makes doing these things so much easier. At least here they give the heart pillows to heart patients. I have had abdominal surgery & they had me put a pillow against my stomach when coughing & getting up & down.

Other than your PC issues if your health is good you will do fine. No, you are not going to go nuts being home for 6 weeks. You will be busy recovering from your surgery. Walking will be something you will be instructed to do to help get your strength back. Walking is vital whether you feel like doing it or not at first. Get some stool softners to keep on hand, something like Miralax, it is not a laxative. You will be given some pain meds & they tend to stop up the plumbing. Don't wait till constipation sets in either. Other than eating a healthy diet & behaving yourself & being patient you will do well.

Let us know how the Ct turns out. Take care.
Posted 7/12/2017 9:53 AM (GMT -7)
Thanks, I kinda figured that from the stuff Ive read. Not really looking forward to more pain, thats for sure. Not a big fan of painlikkers, but I think they may become my new best friend.
Posted 7/13/2017 12:07 AM (GMT -7)
yep i had the pillow. lots to cough up. double by pass. was walking with frame 25mins after waking up. yeah it hurts coughing it up but you must, otherwise no discharge!!!
Posted 7/13/2017 5:21 AM (GMT -7)
I think what gets me most is the invasivness of the aeortal repair. The sheer trauma to the body. I deal with a chronic pain daily from the prostate cancer therapy damaging nerves, but this seems to be on a whole new level. I never should have watched those videos of the operation. Im so tired of pain, that bringing more into my life is really hard to put on the "to do" list.
Posted 7/13/2017 2:48 PM (GMT -7)
Good luck to you. My moms friend had the aorta repair. And a friend of my husband. They are fine now. My husband aorta is 5.4. He goes every 6months for MRI. You will be in my prayers.
Posted 7/13/2017 10:53 PM (GMT -7)
the pain does pass. my sternum was cracked, and had no pain meds. recommend a cardiac rehab program post discharge.
Posted 7/14/2017 6:28 AM (GMT -7)
I had OHS 5 years ago to replace my aortic valve. I had endocarditis at the time, so they couldn't repair my AA. I was 36.

I was in the ICU for 17-20 hours, hospital for 4 days. Walking up stairs at 3-4 weeks and ran a mile at 7 weeks. I couldn't drive for 5 weeks or ride my bike for 4 months....that was the worst part smile

It was not nearly as bad of a recovery as I thought it would be. Best thing I did was stay on a consistent schedule of pain meds so I could get up and move around. You heal so much faster that way.

best of luck!
Posted 7/14/2017 12:05 PM (GMT -7)
You have received some valuable input here. Jdiane said it very well about the pain meds. While you may not like them, taking them on a schedule in the beginning is a must. Trying to tough it out or tell yourself oh, I will tough it out a little longer, is just not good. More often than not, the pain escalates & reining it back under control is a hard thing to do. You will only be on them a short while.
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