Hello, I’m Mikan.
Welcome to the second part of my aortic root replacement surgery experience series. In this post, I’ll detail everything from the day of surgery to my postoperative recovery.
Surgery Day
The surgery lasted around six hours. When I first woke up, I found a tube in my airway, which meant I couldn’t speak. I was overwhelmed by panic and suffocating anxiety. I remembered that during the preoperative briefing, I was warned about the possibility of physical restraints if needed. At that moment, I thought, “They won’t just pull the tube out on me!” However, the pain was so intense that my body instinctively tried to remove the tube, making me understand firsthand why restraints might be necessary (laughs).
That night proved to be especially challenging. Around 11 PM, the surgeon who had operated on me came by to check on me—a surprise given the circumstances. Due to the fragility of my blood vessels, there was significant bleeding, which added to the stress of the day.
Struggles in the ICU
The most difficult part of my ICU stay was not being able to drink water freely. After the surgery, I experienced an overwhelming thirst, but strict fluid restrictions meant I couldn’t drink as much as I needed. The nurses provided me with ice, which became a lifeline; even the cold sensation offered some relief. Once I was allowed to drink water, I had to meticulously record my intake on paper.
Postoperative Meals and Anxiety
The day after surgery, I began eating solid foods again, but severe nausea left me barely able to eat. Not being able to do the things I normally do was incredibly frustrating. Even though I knew this was temporary, I couldn’t help but worry that this state might last forever.
The Challenge of Elimination
Around two days after surgery, I finally had a bowel movement. However, due to reduced activity and a limited food intake, my stools were small and pellet-like—almost like those of a rabbit. Straining to pass them caused additional pain at my surgical sites, making this process both subtle and extremely challenging. Once I began walking again, this issue improved somewhat.
Transition to the General Ward
After spending two days in the ICU, I was moved to the general ward on the third day. By about the fourth day after surgery, I gradually started feeling better and noticed signs of recovery.
A few days later, however, I experienced severe shoulder pain. This was attributed to the prolonged fixed positioning on the operating table, and the pain lasted for over a month. The nurses managed my pain medications, but it was frustrating not to be able to take a painkiller immediately when the pain hit. Waiting until the pain became unbearable meant enduring long periods of discomfort. Eventually, I learned to take my pain medication prophylactically at set intervals—especially before bathing, before bedtime, or even when I just needed a body wipe.
Decline in Physical Strength and Rehabilitation
After surgery, I suffered from a significant decline in both muscle strength and respiratory function:
- Muscle Strength:
Being bedridden led to a considerable drop in my muscle strength—a common issue after major surgery. Thanks to regular rehabilitation sessions with a physical therapist, I gradually regained my strength. Light exercises that left me slightly out of breath proved effective in speeding up my recovery. - Respiratory Function:
As is typical after heart surgery, even minimal activity left me short of breath. To counter this, I used the rehabilitation equipment provided before surgery to strengthen my breathing muscles. Over time, I noticed a marked improvement in my respiratory function. For anyone eager to return to normal life, I highly recommend focusing on these rehabilitation exercises.
Both muscle strength and respiratory function are things you can recover with time and persistence, so it’s important to be patient with yourself.
Blood Pressure Management
After surgery, I was prescribed antihypertensive medications and instructed to monitor my blood pressure at home. I use an automatic blood pressure monitor that logs readings to an app, making the process much easier.
Post-Discharge Restrictions
After being discharged, I was advised not to lift heavy objects for about a month—since my bones hadn’t fully healed—and to refrain from driving for approximately three months. In my case, severe shoulder pain made lifting anything heavy completely out of the question. Although my shoulder pain started to subside after a month, I still experience some discomfort on particularly tired days or when the weather is bad, even six months later.
Summary
The postoperative period was extremely challenging, but with dedicated rehabilitation and proper care, I was able to gradually return to my daily life. I hope that by sharing my experience, I can provide some helpful insights for those preparing for similar surgery or currently in recovery.
Take care, and remember: you’re not alone on this journey.
