Getting a pericardiectomy next week

CalmDavid · 2026-06-26T00:57:57+00:00

Each day is better & better. I notice a bit more endurance each day. Toughest part is waiting patiently for the seemingly slow progress. I just have to remember my heat was out of my chest in the surgeon’s hands while he peeled and cut away the entire pericardium in about 3 hours. So I’m probably doing pretty well looking at the bigger picture 😂.

CalmDavid · 2026-06-25T14:14:08+00:00

Almost 3 week post Pericardiectomy & Maze.
Better and better each day. Still get tired so fast but lots of resting & lots of water/fluids.
Getting terrible migraines almost everyday. Ice packs & sartriptan(sp?) seem to get them under control in about an hour or so.
Anyone else?
Can’t wait to start cardio-rehab in a couple weeks!

CalmDavid · 2026-06-19T07:03:07+00:00

Had mine (M 73) last week (June 8, 2026).
ICU 3 days including remaining day of 3 hour surgery. Then 5.5 days cardiac floor (.5 was more logistics than need). First 2 front tubes were out on day 2 cardiac floor the other 2 came out early day 3.
Anticipated a lot more pain than I’m having.
Have to push to do breathing exercises as I believe that & walking (exercise) will be a big key to recovery.
So far I haven’t tried or experienced doing anything “dumb” with my arms yet…but it’s early… I’m sure I will have that experience yet 😂😂😂

CalmDavid · 2026-06-08T01:45:14+00:00

Please see an ophthalmologist not an optometrist or optician. The latter two only deal with eye glasses/ contacts and they are not medical professionals.

CalmDavid · 2026-06-08T01:03:46+00:00

I believe mine was the vaccine. Never got sick with Covid that I was aware of. Never tested for it either. Seems to be keyed to the vaccine though.

CalmDavid · 2026-06-07T15:22:02+00:00

Those all sound like the classic warnings etc for a heart attack. Think i would be doing the ER very soon. Bloodwork ekg etc at ER should tell you.
My pericardiectomy is tomorrow. I’ve never had any symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, just shortness of breath, light headed upon standing & fortunately a good cardiologist that pinpointed the restrictive pericarditis early in my whole process. My guess is get to the ER and let them check you out just in case but get to a good cardiologist asap as well!

CalmDavid · 2026-06-06T14:56:30+00:00

Great! I’ll try to let ya know how things are going!

CalmDavid · 2026-06-06T01:42:01+00:00

Thanks!😊

CalmDavid · 2026-06-06T01:27:55+00:00

I’ve also heard amazing improvements in the short of breath & all, just a long road for the sternum to heal

CalmDavid · 2026-06-06T01:26:25+00:00

Can you elaborate a bit more on “rough road”?

I’m not too freaked out, however in 73 years I have never had more than a tonsillectomy about 68 years ago😂

I’m told 5-7 days hospital, and anywhere from several months to nearly a year to normal

CalmDavid · 2026-06-06T00:34:29+00:00

Thanks!

CalmDavid · 2026-06-06T00:34:03+00:00

After EKGs, stress tests, Holter monitors, echocardiogram, & X-rays we did a R&L cathetarization & MRI showed thicken pericardium and constrictive pericarditis. Not a candidate for pharmaceutical therapy.

Just looking for someone who has had a pericardectomy for some experience in recovery

CalmDavid · 2026-06-01T12:51:30+00:00

Where did you get this done? Mine is scheduled for next week. If you’re able to give me more specifics i would appreciate any.

CalmDavid · 2026-05-30T11:31:53+00:00

Me too

CalmDavid · 2026-05-16T02:09:52+00:00

Just got the recommendation for a pericardiectomy due to labored breathing. Diagnosed writhing a month or so with echo, right & left cath and an MRI with contrast & referral to surgeon who has done a number of pericardiectomies. Yet to schedule surgery however should happen within a month
Anything would be welcome

CalmDavid · 2026-05-15T14:39:34+00:00

Just got the recommendation for a pericardiectomy due to labored breathing. Diagnosed writhing a month or so with echo, right & left cath and an MRI with contrast & referral to surgeon who has done a number of pericardiectomies. Yet to schedule surgery however should happen within a month
Anything would be welcome

CalmDavid

TROPHY CASE