| Anyone here have open heart surgery?
My name is Jane and I live in Rhode Island. I had polio in 1952 and have had PPS since 1982. This past February I had open heart surgery to replace a congenital bicuspid aortic valve. The surgery is difficult enough, but my main concern was getting back on my feet as soon as possible. Since I have little use of one leg, severe curvature of the spine (somewhat corrected by a spinal fusion in 1959), and use crutches to walk, I knew it wouldn't be easy.
I'm interested in learning how others made it through this minefield. My surgeon couldn't get beyond the "normal" expectations and I found it was a great struggle to even get seen be PT before surgery. Has anyone else had this kind of problem? How about with other types of major non-orthopedic surgery. Also, any problems with anesthesia? I never thought about these problems when I was younger, but after this experience I'm somewhat anxious if I have to have surgery again. Any conversation on this topic would be appreciated.
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