The Realities of Open Heart Surgery: Understanding Pain, Fear, and Recovery

Open heart surgery is a daunting procedure that many people fear due to its perceived pain and uncertainty. Many believe that as you age, your pain threshold increases, and you'll deal with less discomfort during the healing process. However, based on my firsthand experience with a Widowmaker surgery and a completely replaced aortic valve with a St. Jude valved aortic graft, I can attest to the contrary.

Pain and Recovery After Open Heart Surgery

The pain and discomfort felt immediately after open heart surgery can be unlike anything you've ever experienced. For weeks, this intense pain permeates every waking moment, making it difficult to come to terms with what's happening. The reality is that pain is just one part of the experience. It is the fear of the unknown that can be even more haunting. Once you understand the nature of the feelings you're experiencing, the fear begins to dissipate.

Your heart has just undergone a major operation, and it is severely upset. Pain is but one aspect; the emotional and psychological perspective shift can be just as daunting. It's important to remember that you're not alone in these feelings. Many others have been through this, and the pain, although intense, will eventually diminish with time and proper care.

During recovery, you'll experience a multitude of emotions, especially as you start to move around a few days after leaving the intensive care unit. The floor in the hospital can seem like an impossible mountain to climb. Walking those floors is physically and emotionally exhausting, but it's crucial for regaining lung function and promoting overall health.

Dealing with Anesthesia and Frightening Moments

The process of going under anesthesia and coming back can be a rollercoaster of physical and emotional turmoil. The transition can be particularly frightening, especially when you find yourself flailing uncontrollably as you emerge from the anesthesia fog. This moment can feel both alien and terrifying. However, once you've experienced it, you will understand that it's a part of the journey and not something to be unnecessarily feared.

Open heart surgery is a life-changing experience, but it also offers a profound perspective shift. You will survive, and this survival is more than a testament to your resilience but also to the dedication and care of the medical staff who guide you through this journey. It is imperative to be kind and appreciative towards your nurses and doctors, who are your lifelines during this challenging time.

Be Kind and Grateful

A nurse at the end of my recovery process presented me with a card signed by all my doctors and nurses, with the phrase 'it was our pleasure to care for you' underlined in pen. This simple yet profound gesture reminded me of the importance of being grateful and kind to those who care for you. They are the ones who will be there to help you through your toughest moments, such as when you're experiencing your first episodes of atrial fibrillation (A-fib).

As you navigate the recovery process, remember to be kind to yourself and others. Don't be a pain in the ass by whining or panicking; instead, focus on making jokes and being optimistic. This approach not only helps you but also ensures that your medical team remains invested in your well-being. One particularly challenging nurse, who had a more serious personality, even commended me for being a 'unicorn' and reminded me to be nice and calm to others in my situation.

Open heart surgery is a challenging experience, but it is far from insurmountable. With the right attitude and a support system that includes your medical team, you can recover not only physically but also emotionally. Pain is a part of the healing process, but by understanding and accepting these feelings, you can navigate the road to recovery with greater resilience and hope.