New books to help prepare


The two books I had ordered were waiting for me when I got home from visiting my parents.  I decided to take a more active approach to preparing for OHS this time around.  My last OHS in 2009, I had young kids.  Pretty sure the entire time leading up to surgery was busy trying to prepare my young children what would be happening to mommy.  This is a waste of time for the most part as one really can never prepare children for their parent having to have their chest cracked open.  But, I did the best I could at trying to prepare them.

This time around, thankfully my kids are grown…just barely but at least they are not in school still.  Preparing this time around needs to be about getting myself ready instead of trying to avoid the reality like I could in the past.  Like it or not, the sternum saw is coming for me.

The first book (Open Heart) was a quick read and kind of boring.  “Getting Cracked” so far is quite funny.  Will admit I bought it because of the title.  Yes, I do judge books by their covers. Worth it though!  It’s interesting though how many of these books are not about OHS for congenital heart defect patients.  Almost all are about individuals who have chest pain and need emergency surgery…usually bypass.  I guess OHS is OHS.

If you have chest pain or tightness in the chest, do get it checked out.  Also if you are 40 or older go get heart tests.  Most hospitals do a range of simple tests for around $80.  If something shows up funny or you have a history of heart issues in your family, more tests will be ordered.  I’ve lived with a wonky heart my whole life and get special treatment once a year or more if something is alarming.  You too are special and it’s important to get your ticket checked.  Also don’t just assume that if you eat healthy and exercise regularly that a heart attack won’t happen.  In many cases there is nothing you can do to avoid it…mainly if you have genetic issues in your family regarding your heart.

Now, I’m off to reading…






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