Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Open Heart Surgery

I had open heart 3 springs ago. Aortic and mitrial(sp?) valve job and a maze procedure for afib. The doc was a good'un, and was able to repair the leaky valves without replacing them with pig valves. The idea of being on anti-rejection drugs the rest of my life didn't much appeal to me, so I was a happy little camper when he was able to fix mine up. The maze procedure only kept the afib away for a year and then I had to go back in for an ablation. Been good since, but can't handle elevation much since that deal. Went up elk hunting the last 2 years but had to cut both of the trips short because of my ticker. Do what the docs say and don't be like me and push your recovery. I kept pushing and it really set me back. Thought I was doing good and unloaded a truck of feed, and broke it loose the first time. And then again opening a frozen barn door only to delay the heal a couple more months. If they want you to walk right after surgery tho, be tough and walk farther and more than they want so you can get home quicker. It'll hurt like a sumbish, but don't cave to the painkillers. Them things are bad fugging news on your brain.

You got this, cowboy......buck up

Praying and hoping for the best.

I had mine done 4 years ago, not fun, but you will get though it. You'll do well, waiting is the hardest part. Prayers and good luck! Hug the pillow when you cough!

This event will make a good story for you to tell for years to come.




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Hi Angus55, you are lucky they found out that you have that issue and can repair it!

My father suffered a Ruptured Aortic aneurysm. He was at his friend's home and told him to drive him to the hospital immediately because he didn't feel well, the hospital was 5 minutes away and is known as the best hospital for heart surgery where we are from.

By the time his friend got to the hospital, he was dead in the car and they brought him back to life approximately 10 minutes after he was clinically dead. After the surgery he died again, and they revived him again for a second time. My father was ONE TOUGH HOMBRE, and he lived for an additional 16 years after that experience.

I wish you all the best and know you will be ok!

Prayers sent from me for a successful surgery with a complete recovery!

Prayers for a successful surgery and speedy recovery! Just know it'll take a bit both mentally and physically, but you'll be better off in the long run. Push yourself in PT and you'll make it back quicker!

Had the chest cracked open in 1977 at the age of 27, after being in ICU for a a week; too unstable to transport to a major hospital. They seem to have in down pat -nowadays. Of course, nothing ever goes right the first time around. Had a blowout during a time of blood shortage; had to get blood from my Dad and nurse’s husband. Sometime in the midst of all this, I had an out of body experience. I was floating up above my body on the table watching one of the techs stapling up my sternum. I felt pain and winced and heard the tech tell the anesthetist “Better gas him again, he’s coming to!” I also felt complete peace like I was floating in warm water and had a chance to go to the “light” and beyond. I couldn’t because I had a 9 year old son that needed me. Hard, very hard to go back to my body. The surgical team was amazed by my story. I came down with hiccups- not fun after having your chest split open and wired back together 2X (twisted wire still shows up on x-rays. Had them for over 24 hours. Finally tech on night shift suggested packets of granulated sugar. Went to the cafeteria rounded up 2 handfuls, and after 8-12. It worked ! Do the breathing treatments and PT. Just remember , hard to overcome bad genetics tho. History of heart problems on both sides of the family. I have outlived my 3 brothers by many years. My father died at 62 and my mother at 56. I turned 73 in September. Lots of it due to marrying well the second time. We are now evenly yorked( I became a Christian like her and because of her example). I chose a different lifestyle than my family. Hard living is hard on the body. You, nor your doctors know when your time is up. They can only give you odds like Las Vagas. Your days are numbered like the hairs on your head - the Bible. This life is not the end. You have a soul that will live forever- somewhere. You have a choice as to where.

Prayers for a successful surgery and recovery.

I never thought about it until today when kids went back to their cities, had to teach two sons how to feed cattle and put out hay, and I’m making long list of stuff for them to do around here, spring time stuff we all do. I have one boy in Australia , that is coming for a month to help build fence, I wouldn’t do this every day, but at least I’m getting help now,, lol , worried about the old man I guess 🤠

Listen to your Docs and Nurses. The first couple days SUCK. Don't be afraid to request pain meds. We do open hearts at my hospital and for 3 years I was on the "recovery team". Our patients come direct from OR to ICU. Get moving as soon as you are physically capable. Your whole body will be sore the first few days, but per a couple hundred folks I've taken care of, each time getting out of bed got easier

The surgery will be fine, it's the 72 hours after.

Praying for the best possible outcome. Stay strong mentally and ask the Holy Spirit for peace and guidance to get you through this trial. It will be in your rear view mirror before long!

I agree with Jeff.

Prayers sent, God bless and may the Docs have good success with fixing your plumbing.

Dang, Wabi ain't got many hairs on his head.

PTL you made it. Nothing is better for the heart than a good Christian woman and a lot of loving. Cuts down immensely on the prostate cancer risk also.

Dude,

best wishes from here.

I forgot to mention, if you have a hairy chest it would be in your best interest to shave it clean before you go to the hospital. You can thank me later. 🤭 Also, if your significant other is going to be there you might want to consider that some one else be there for moral support. In my case my wife was a phlebotomist for over twenty years, spent time in the ER and OR drawing blood from people in various stages of a medical crisis. Anyways the hospital waiting room had a large tv screen in it that showed where each patient was in their surgical process. No names were used, the nurse showed the family members which patient to watch. Even with my wife's experiences she lost it when the monitor showed that I was on the pump. She knew that my heart was stopped.

Hahaha, I was told by a old guy at local gun store, he’s 80 and a hell of a man, he said get ready for the most demoralizing thing, he said they wheel you in under the bright’s butt naked, and shave you from neck to knees, with razor, every thing, then take sticky tape and pat every hair, then wash you, he said it’s freezing cold and nursing staff will be cracking jokes about how cold it is, Damn!!! I guess all you can do is wink

There is some good insight and advice in these posts, and much of it can be helpful. But then, every case is different and the experiences of others never match exactly - so emphasize the common denominators of successes. Remain calm confident and strong going in; do all of the recovery exercises as demonstrated, and regularly; take the meds, liquids and food as directed; don't be afraid to push yourself a little bit extra in the aftermath if you feel like doing so.

You are in my prayers.

My very best wishes to you Sir! I’ve had my chest cracked open twice-at 55 and again at 70. Both procedures were to take care of clogged arteries. Please do the cardiac rehab prescribed by the doctors. It’ll make your life better. Looking forward to hearing from you.

If you have a chance, develop a connection with your nurse. They will guide you through the procedure if you ask for their recommendations. Worked for me fifteen years ago and might work for you. Best wishes for a great outcome. Positive thoughts on your part are huge, IMO.