Just wanted to share my success story! I just had surgery last Tuesday, 8/07. I have been home since last Thursday 8/09 and feeling so good I wish I could go back to work!! But, I am being "good" and following doctors orders. I wanted to share my story for positive reinforcement for anyone as scared as I was last week, but also to sing the praises of Dr. Eric Nussbaum and Jodi Lowary. I don't see too much mentioned online about them, but wow are they awesome! Every nurse and medical professional went into detail about how lucky I was to have Dr. Nussbaum as my surgeon. I am so thankful to live here in St. Paul, MN as they also went on to tell me the great distances many people travel to be treated by him.
Due to the mess my blood vessels are in, I was only able to have the indirect bypass surgery. This came as a dissapointment at first, but have adjusted my attitude and now can't wait for my POSITIVE scan results in 6 months. I just can't stress enough the role that positivity has played in dealing with this disease, surgery, and just day to day life! I was terrified when I first found out, cried a full day, and thought I was going to die. I had a very bad attitude for a few days, but am fortunate to have someone very special in my life that snapped me out of it! It is incredible the difference it has made. All the nurses in the hospital noticed and appreciated it. The therapists couldn't believe how fast I was up and zooming around the hospital. Trust me, I know and appreciate how incredibly lucky I am. But I still believe all the positive energy played a huge role.
Well, I don't mean to write a book. But I hope my story can help at least one person out there. Please wish me luck for my scan in 6 months!!!

PS - For surgery veterans out there, do you have any suggestions on dealing with the non-stop itching of the incision site?? It is driving me crazy!!!!