Posted by Jack Drum on February 06, 2003 at 23:41:05:
In Reply to: Maze preparation questions posted by Steve on February 06, 2003 at 17:12:38:
Hello Steve. Let us know where you are going to have the procedures, and who your surgeon will be. As Carl said, there is probably someone from the board who has used the same facilities.
They will want to do some pre surgical testing, such as ultrasound, and a heart catheter to see if you have any blockages that they will need to fix while they are in there. The valve work and maze are routinely done at the same time, if a person needs it.
You will probably be in the hospital 4 to 7 days after surgery, and the recovery after surgery varies a great deal. The recovery rate seems to depend a lot on how your physical condition is prior to surgery, and your age is a big plus also. The faster you can get on your feet and start walking the better. I wouldn't recommend it to everyone, but I walked over 1/2 mile the day after my surgery. DON'T do any lifting for awhile.
Your medical people will cover all this with you, and what they prescribe is usually the best. A good rehab program after surgery is a very good thing.
Let us know how your plans are progressing and how everything goes.
Best wishes and prayers