Dr. Russ Buss Needs Optimism as He Faces Open Heart Surgery

By Dr. Russ

Monday is Dr. Russ Busster Day.  It is the day I offer up TIPS to “BUSST-UP” any pessimism standing in the way of creating an optimistic week.  Today I focus on the optimism I am trying to muster as I face open heart surgery.

The purpose of this “optimism blog” is to teach about how to live life optimistically in each and every moment.  I believe--and social science research continues to verify-- the fact that living life with optimism improves health, life satisfaction, relationships, and productivity.  I often use stories from my past to illustrate key points about “skilled optimism.”  However, the blog has never been my pundit to share my personal life.

Dr. Russ Scheduled for Open Heart Surgery

Today I make an exception because tomorrow, June 15, I am scheduled to undergo open heart surgery to repair or possibly replace the Mitral valve in my heart.  Every physician, nurse or other health care practitioner with whom I have met has informed of the importance of an optimistic attitude going into the surgery.  Optimism, they tell me, is important for a good surgical outcome and more rapid recovery.

I am going to have this surgery at Cleveland Clinic, which many consider to be among the top places in the country for this kind of surgery.  I have met the doctors and am confident of their diagnosis, treatment plan and ability to carry out the surgery and aftercare.

Surgery is Necessary

Yes, I have shortness of breath and other symptoms related to Congestive Heart Failure (CHF).  I know without the surgery the CHF will likely become irreversible, resulting in a shortened lifespan.  The surgery is necessary.

Still Hard to Imagine

However, it is hard to imagine, sitting here writing this post and feeling reasonably OK, that tomorrow evening I will be semi-conscious in an ICU on a ventilator, with tubes going in and out of my body.  I have seen others in this state, but have no comparable experience of my own.

Dr. Russ Bussters:  Affirmations and Imagery for Heart Surgery and Recovery

1. I was provided with a pre-surgical audio recording that has me relax and imagine all the helpful post-surgical care that I will receive and how I will cooperate and collaborate with the caregivers.  I will listen to this tape several more times.
2. I keep reminding myself to focus on what I can control.  I can’t control the fact that my heart valve is functioning improperly; in the severe range of dysfunction.
3. I can control trying to find the best health care for my condition.
4. I can control my thoughts about my confidence in my health care team.
5. I can follow all the pre-surgical instructions to stop taking certain supplements and over the counter medications that can interfere with the bloods ability to clot.
6. I can control using the disinfectant soap I was provided to shower and bathe with on the day prior to the surgery.
7. I can control reading everything they have given me to read about the condition, treatment and recovery.
8. I can control communicating with the nursing staff to keep my post-surgical pain ratings in the 1 to 2 range on a 10 point scale.  Research has shown that keeping pain ratings low keeps blood pressure low.  High blood pressure is the enemy of heart recovery as the repaired heart would have to work harder to pump against the higher pressure.
9. I can imagine these artificial medical devices going in and out of me as tools to support and help me.  Perhaps an image of part man, part robot would be helpful here, i.e., everything working together for my benefit.  Perhaps I could think of myself as floating in outer space on artificial support for awhile, on my way to Mars or Jupiter or somewhere; just at peace relaxing with no cares.
10. I can imagine myself getting up and moving about shortly after being out of the ICU; taking recommended short walks and restarting daily routines.
11. I can imagine coming home and starting a daily walking program and new diet.
12. I am confident in the ability of the staff at Dr. Russ Buss to keep the daily blog posts flowing with guest posts, encore posts, and new material authored by our Senior Editor.
13. Total recovery time will be a minimum of 6-8 weeks for return to all normal activities.  I won’t be able to drive for 4-6 weeks; can’t lift anything over 8-10 lbs. for 8 weeks.  Will likely be enrolled in a “cardiac re-hab” program for several months into the fall.  However, using the computer to write and communicate only requires thinking ability and finger movement.  Thus, I am confident that I will be writing new posts of my own within 14 days after the surgery.  And, to the extent I think it would be helpful to the readers, I will write about my use of “skilled optimism” to face and overcome the moment-to-moment and daily challenges of recovery and return to a much improved health condition.

Comments

[Courtney]

Howdy Dr. Russ Buss,
Thought I'd send you my well wishes for your surgery, I'll certainly be thinking of you tomorrow. I like your 'half human-half robot' imagery -- my old roommate Brian helped design some of those ventilators for GE as an intern back in college -- and I assure you, that if anybody could build a good robot, it's Brian. Keep up that optimism -- I'll be tap dancing in your honor on Wednesday night.
love,
Courtney

[Burt Bargerstock]

Russ, I'll be keeping a good thought for you tomorrow. Best to you, Burt (parent of a young student at Mark Taylor's)

[Rich B]

I am hoping surgery has gone week and that God is with you to help you in a tough time.

Your optimism is great! I have an uncle living great with a pig valve after a 20% survival chance! His quality of life is great!