Do You Need Open Heart Surgery? Go for it!
Recovery from open heart surgery has been wonderful. I am feeling strong again and no complications. Do you need open heart surgery? Go for it!
I had my surgery at St.Paul's Hospital, BC, Canada on March 29, 2006.
2007 - update - one year later:
No complications of any kind.
I am feeling so much better and I am doing things that I haven't been able to do in years. My energy is improving and overall health is improving. I am so happy I had this truly amazing surgery!
2009 - update - 3 years have passed since the open heart surgery and my heart is functioning well and strong.
In the Spotlight is my personal tip for after surgery
Red Heart Cushion - Style 36603
Amazon Price: $15.99 (as of 11/30/2009)
List Price: $24.95
* Design is stylish and innovative.
* Top Quality Item.
* Functionality that is Unbeatable.
* Satisfaction Ensured.
100% cotton. 17" x 12" x 4" high.
Cardiac Recovery Books
The Cardiac Recovery Handbook: The Complete Guide to Life After Heart Attack or Heart Surgery, Second Edition
One of the nation's most respected cardiologists answers all your questions in The Cardiac Recovery Handbook. In clear, everyday language, the book covers all aspects of cardiac recovery-from the initial diagnosis of heart disease to medications and surgical options, from hospitalization to rehabilitation, from diet and exercise to keeping your spirits up. No question is left unanswered.
Release Date: 02/01/2006
Amazon Price: $10.85 (as of 11/30/2009)
List Price: $15.95
The Cardiac Recovery Cookbook: Heart Healthy Recipes for Life After Heart Attack or Heart Surgery
Over 100 delicious recipes to help cardiac patients (and their families) to eat well on the road to wellness.
Proper diet and nutrition are pillars of success in cardiac recovery. But that doesn't mean bland and tasteless meals. In The Cardiac Recovery Cookbook, noted nutritionist Laurel Cutlip has compiled over 100 quick and easy recipes geared to the whole family and based on the science of good heart health.
Release Date: 03/15/2005
Amazon Price: $10.85 (as of 11/30/2009)
List Price: $15.95
The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery (Heart Valve Replacement And Heart Valve Repair)
A patient writes: "anyone that is planing on heart valve surgery, READ THIS BOOK!"
Amazon Price: $29.95 (as of 11/30/2009)
List Price: $29.95
The Heart Center
keep your heart pumping strong....and keep informed
- The Heart Centre at St Paul's Hospital, BC, Canada
- The Heart Centre atSt. Paul's is known around the world for its work in the prevention of heart disease and for the care, treatment and support of people living with heart conditions.
- New research on Heart Surgery
- Scientists have found that red blood cell transfusions given to people having heart surgery could increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. (Credit: Janice Carr and CDC)
DVD - Life After a Heart Attack
Life After Heart Attack (Home Use)
Part of the award winning public television series Healthy Body/Healthy Mind. Each year, more than 1 million men and women suffer a heart attack. This event suddenly and dramatically changes the person's life forever, but studies show if the sufferer is able to get to a hospital quickly, more than 90% will survive the attack.
Release Date: 07/27/2006
Amazon Price: $24.95 (as of 11/30/2009)
List Price: $24.95
DVD - Managing Cholesterol
Managing Cholesterol (Home Use)
Part of the award winning public television series Healthy Body/Healthy Mind. Heart disease is the number one killer of men and women in America and high cholesterol numbers are a major risk factor for both heart attacks and strokes.
Release Date: 07/27/2006
Amazon Price: $24.95 (as of 11/30/2009)
List Price: $24.95
DVD - Heart Disease
Heart Disease (Home Use)
Part of the award winning public television series Healthy Body/Healthy Mind. Heart Disease is the number one killer of both men and women in America today, but as this episode clearly states, if you know your risk and are aware of the symptoms, you can avoid falling victim to this devastating disease.
Release Date: 07/27/2006
Amazon Price: $24.95 (as of 11/30/2009)
List Price: $24.95
Gift of Love - Diamond Heart Jewelry
---check out Amazon's sale prices
14k Yellow Gold Pave Diamond Heart Pendant (1 cttw, I-J Color, I2-I3 Clarity)
Nothing says love like a classic heart-shaped pendant. This one is crafted from 14 karat yellow gold and filled with an impressive display of glittering pave diamonds, framed by a rope-textured gold border. The diamonds, which continue on the decorative tapered bale, are near colorless, with a color grading of I-J, and have a total weight of one full carat. A delicate yellow gold rope chain threads through the bale and fastens in back with a spring ring clasp.
Amazon Price: (as of 11/30/2009)
List Price: $569.00
What is Open Heart Surgery?
I had a quadruple bypass and a mitral valve replaced.
If diet and exercise are not effective in treating heart disease, medication is usually prescribed. If the heart disease still persists in causing pain, an invasive procedure is usually performed. There are several types of procedures that may be used to improve blood supply to the heart.
To locate the arterial blockages, coronary arteriography (mapping of the coronary arteries) is done using a procedure called cardiac catheterization. A doctor guides a thin plastic tube (called a catheter) through an artery in the arm or leg and leads it into the coronary arteries. Then, the doctor injects a liquid dye through the catheter. The dye is visible in X-rays which record the course of the dye as it flows through the arteries. By mapping the dye's flow, the doctor identifies blocked areas. Once the mapping is done, the doctor can decide the best course of action.
One possibility is called percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), also known as angioplasty or balloon angioplasty. The doctor inserts and guides a catheter toward the blocked area of the artery. Then a second catheter with a small balloon on the tip is passed through the first catheter. Once the balloon tip reaches the blocked area, the balloon is inflated. This compresses the plaque build-up, widening the artery for blood flow. Finally, the balloon is deflated and removed.
Another possibility is a coronary artery bypass graft surgery. A surgeon takes a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body (usually the leg or inside the chest wall) and uses it to construct a detour around the blocked coronary artery. One end of the vessel is grafted (attached) right below the blockage while the other end is grafted right above the blockage. As a result, blood can flow to the heart muscle again. In a double bypass surgery, two grafts are performed. In a triple bypass, three grafts. In a quadruple, four grafts.
Personal Experiences - about Open Heart Surgery
The Open Heart Companion: Preparation and Guidance for Open-Heart Surgery Recovery
A must read for anyone preparing for open heart surgery.
Amazon Price: $13.60 (as of 11/30/2009)
List Price: $20.00
A Survivor's Guide to Open Heart Surgery
Rick has chronicled his own process of recovery from open-chest heart surgery focusing on the psychological impact of the procedure on himself, as well as his family.
Amazon Price: $16.95 (as of 11/30/2009)
List Price: $19.95
Romantic things of the Heart
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
Plexo - Heart Pillows
Warm -Pillow-Heart
This AROMATHERAPY HOT/COLD PACK weighs 1 pound and more...0 points
Sonoma Lavender Heat Pillow - Heart
The ultimate comfort! Cushy pillows can be heated more...0 points
DreamTime Heart Pillow Microwave for heat therapy for pain and stress relief with aromatherapy
NEW! Heart Pillow. Our loving Heart Pillow provide more...0 points
Easy care Robes and Slippers - for your recovery time.
Light, loose and easy care robes are a must have for your hospital stay.
Long Plisse Robe
Wrap yourself in comfort. Breakaway zipper for easy on and off. Terry trim. Side-seam pockets. Woven cotton-polyester Machine wash, dry Imported Color: Multi Sizes
Amazon Price: (as of 11/30/2009)
Ladies Adjustable Slipper
Amazon Price: (as of 11/30/2009)
Nautica Men's Easy-Care Woven Boom Plaid Terry Lined Shawl Collar Robe
Amazon Price: (as of 11/30/2009)
Mens Wide Easy Touch Adjustable Surefit Slippers
* Accommodates regular or custom orthotics
* Dual density
* Natural rubber sole for durability and comfort
Amazon Price: (as of 11/30/2009)
Heart News
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byPlease leave a message
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Reply
- JaguarJulie JaguarJulie Oct 24, 2009 @ 5:29 pm
- My dear GramaBarb, what a remarkable story that you have shared. Thank you for sharing. I am glad to hear that you are doing well.
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Reply
- GrowWear GrowWear Jun 17, 2009 @ 3:10 pm
- I wish you well, GramaBarb. :)
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Reply
- qlcoach qlcoach Nov 11, 2008 @ 8:10 pm
- Beautiful presentation of useful resources for recovery from heart surgery. As you know any surgery is scary stuff. Congratulations on your courage and perserverance. 10 stars here! Hope you will see how I try to help others in new ways too. Sincerely: Gary Eby, author and therapist.
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Reply
- chefkeem chefkeem Oct 9, 2008 @ 11:38 pm
- A hearty SquidAngel Blessing for you and your hearty lens. Geez - is there a cure for bad puns, yet???
All the best to you, Barb. You're a wonderful person with a good hea... (sorry, I just can't do it again!)
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Reply
- ElizabethJeanAllen ElizabethJeanAllen Oct 9, 2008 @ 8:29 pm
- Welome to the Totally Awesome Lenses Group.
Lizzy
- Load More
Open Heart Surgery Blog Posts from Google
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byNew Open Heart Surgery Table of Contents
Exercise - walk daily.........it is important for a healthy heart.
Untitled Art Print
Haring, Keith
27.56 in. x 27.56 in.
Buy at AllPosters.com
- In the Spotlight is my personal tip for after surgery
- Cardiac Recovery Books
- The Heart Center
- DVD - Life After a Heart Attack
- DVD - Managing Cholesterol
- DVD - Heart Disease
- Gift of Love - Diamond Heart Jewelry
- What is Open Heart Surgery?
- Personal Experiences - about Open Heart Surgery
- Romantic things of the Heart
- Plexo - Heart Pillows
- Easy care Robes and Slippers - for your recovery time.
- Heart News
- Please leave a message
- Open Heart Surgery Blog Posts from Google
- The first book to deal specifically with the emotional aspects of heart disease in women...Highly recommended.
- New Amazon Spotlight
The first book to deal specifically with the emotional aspects of heart disease in women...Highly recommended.
From the Heart: A Woman's Guide to Living Well with Heart Disease
Amazon Price: $14.04 (as of 11/30/2009)
After undergoing emergency bypass surgery at age forty-two, Kathy Kastan found her world shifting in unexpected ways. Everything-her sense of well-being, relationships, daily routine, even her body image-seemed to change. Doctors helped her recover physically, but she had to find new methods to recover emotionally and create a happy, healthy life.
by GramaBarb
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