I really hope the surgery goes well, and the plasma too.

If you have a hard time sleeping afterwards lying down, try sleeping in a recliner or chair. They have these "brace" pillows at travel shops like AAA (triple A) that keep your head in one place while you sleep. Might help with the MG too.

I'm glad you're at peace with your decision. After you're all better, let us know how you're doing! Take care.

Annie

Great feedback and thanks you for caring and keeping me in your thoughts and prayers. I am a person who wants to know exactly what to expect ahead of time so I appreciate the open and honest responses, no sugar coating.

I am all set with a very comfortable recliner to sleep on when I get home. I defintely will get a laughing/coughing pillow ready to go. Good idea for the neck pillow so I dont have the head drooping thing when I am sleeping upright.

I just wanted to thank you all and this site for helping me to vent and understand how things happen in the real world. I will contunue to pray for all of you collectively and look forward when the pain subsides to tell you how everything went.

Thanls again!

If anyone is interested I have setup a site at the hospital I am going to that my wife will be updating.

https://www.carepages.com/carepages/DanielJVallejo

Feel free to login if you are interested!

Hello there! I had the transsternal in April of 08.

I was given IV IG for 5 days straight to make sure I was up to snuff b/4 the surgery.

I won't lie. It did hurt. I slept UPRIGHT for months - really try to sleep with as many pillows as you can so you are already sitting up - I was stuck like a turtle one morning - funny now, not so @ the time! LOL!

You MAY be intubated when you wake up - please don't try and fight it.
You won't be able to lift anything for a while, though you'll probably be tempted, b/c I know I felt so great that I held a bday party for my niece 9 days after the surgery.
You MAY have to stay in the ICU for a few days - just to keep a round the clock eye on you. Inconvenient, but really safe!

Just remember to take it EZ and let people take care of YOU! You will be up and around in no time!

THank you for the link! What a great way to check in on you! You will be in my thoughts and prayers EVERY DAY!

Big hugs!
Erin

Take care, will be thinking of you!!
Kate

Good luck with the surgery. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Shari

Good Luck today! Look forward to hearing back from you in recovery!