I am heading for Stanford this Friday for direct by-pass surgeries on June 29th and July 6th.  Many of you have already written supportive, generous and kind notes about the success rates and ease of the surgeries.

However, so as to better prepare me, I would love to know what to expect.  Because it is such a long process, from the testing to heading home, maybe each of you can take an experience or two and describe them.

Here are a few sample things I have questions about:
Why does DJ have an IV type thing in his neck in one of the pictures?
Will I have to be catheterized?
Will they provide me with anti-anxiety meds if needed?
Have any of you had upset stomachs after surgery?
Does the Xenon scan hurt?
How long will a full recovery be?
What are some lingering symptoms from surgery, if any?

I am pretty clear on all the procedures, except the Xenon CT, but would love to hear about all your other experiences.

Thank you to all, tons of hugs
Stephanie

Hi Stephanie,

Great questions, and I know you're trying to understand what to expect once you're here.  But, the most important thing to remember is that each patient's experience is different, so be sure to keep that in mind when reading everyone's responses, o.k.?

As Chelsea said, I believe that it is a central line in DJ's picture.  I think everyone gets one.  Not to worry, it is placed once you're under.  Hmmm . . . the description I was given of the level of discomfort during  the removal of the central line and catheter was that it felt like the removal of a feminine product when used for the first time, around the age of 12 or 13.   (You know what I mean!)

Yes, they will give you anti-anxiety meds.  Just be sure to let them know how you're feeling.  Tara had a very upset stomach after her first surgery.  She spent 3 hours vomiting.  The good part is that she doesn't remember it.  If you've ever had anesthesia and know how you handle it (or don't), be sure to let them know this also.  Tara had no problem with nausea her second surgery, so I'm sure they gave her something ahead of time to combat it.  She didn't have the xenon, so I am not able to answer your question on that one.

Recovery . . . again, everyone's experience is different.  Tara was in summer school 5 days after she came home from her second surgery.  It took several months before she felt back to "full strength", though.  The incisions heal pretty quickly, usualy within a few weeks.  It is the residual feeling of tiring easily that seems to be the most difficult for people.  Lingering symptoms can be very different from person to person.  Tara had 3 TIA's in the 7 months post-surgery and a couple of migraines in the last year.  Not bad, but much depends on your condition going in to surgery.

I wish I had a crystal ball and could better tell you what to expect!  I also hope you're not feeling overwhelmed with all the information you're compiling.   It's good to have a "feel" for how things may go, but try not to worry about things that may not happen with you at all, o.k.?

Sure hope to meet you while you're here!  Take care and have a great trip out.  We'll be here to welcome you with some beautiful California weather, and the best neurosurgeon, staff and hospital in the world (in my opinion).  It will be a big step to restoring your health before you return home to NC.  Talk to you soon!

Big hugs,
Jill

Lisa did a great job of describing the Xenon test.  The first time I had it done, it was awful.  I think it was more because of the fact that I didn't know what to expect.  The second time wasn't so bad at all.  But be very careful when you get up after the test and sit up slowly.  You do feel really loopy afterwards. 

One other tidbit for the Xenon test is to remain absolutely still.  This is very important!  And the reason I say this is because they will do it again if they detect any movement and didn't get a good scan. 

Hope this helps! 

Hugs,
Michelle

Oh my goodness!  Thank you all so very much for all of your advice and insight.   I am out here at Stanford now, Sunday night.  The appts begin tomorrow with nueropsych. tetsting, a transcranial doppler, lab work, and then a meeting w/ Steinberg.  I had a terrible anxiety attack earlier today, but my folks and husband are realaxing me. Beginning tomorrow, I will think of all of your experiences and know that I am not alone in the process.  Thank you very much, more than you can know. 
All my best to you, 
Stephanie

Hi Stephanie,
     I know how you feel, I go for my surgery on July 11th,
I'm already having anxiety but, I pray everything will go well. As for you my prayers and thoughts are with you,
you will do fine, be positive and keep faith.
You have a family and friends that are here to give some support.
                          GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!  Lena