Comments on: Keith’s Recovery Tip: Do Everything With Both Hands!

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 19:35:08 +0000

I am 13 days out from aorta valve replacement surgery. I am healthy, have always been healthy, and this level of medical of intervention has knocked me on my butt for sure. My question is whether anyone ever had any arm pain following the surgery. My left arm feels like there is a blood pressure cuff attached to it, feels like it is asleep, with some tingling in my fingers. I have been to my cardiologist who reassures me it is nothing with my heart, just a problem stemming from the surgery itself – probably muscle related, and subscribed one more prescription of a muscle relaxer. I feel better every day except for this arm – which is not as painful as it is uncomfortable. I appreciate your blog.

By: Thomas

Thomas — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:56:04 +0000

Hi Adam I am 66 years old and going to have my aorta valve replaced soon, the one thing I am so afraid of is the pain after the surgery and the chance of not recovering to be able to do the things I use to do. I will keep you informed after the surgery.
Your book has helped me to understand the procedure and has helped releive the some of the fear.

By: Robert S. Holland

Robert S. Holland — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:27:02 +0000

Thanks for the tip Keith. I’ll be having my aortic valve replaced probably next week.
Thanks to Adam also for your very informative and helpful book.
I’m prepared and feel very confident about my upcoming surgery
thanks to your book and this blog.

By: Steve McDonald

Steve McDonald — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:07:55 +0000

12 days and counting to my AVR AT Mayo. Are there any other suggestions, advise….etc How about keeping a positive additude towards the who thing. Sometimes I feel like my brain is ready to explode from all the thinking about work, is the house ready for winter, being vertually helpless for acouple months. I am very independent, a do everything type of guy. So this is a very hard situation to be in.

By: Steve McDonald

Steve McDonald — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:58:08 +0000

Not to sound wierd or anything, but there is one thing you have to do after going to the toilet and I think it is near inpossible to do with both hands. I’am thinking one must just have to handle the pain, your sternum will twist for sure.

By: anna

anna — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:02:20 +0000

hiya, can i just say how right you are. i had my surgery done on the 21/7/09. i had a AVR and was very sore for months after. i even had to wear the chest band again cos u think your ok but you’re really not. im still very sore but i find it much easier when i use both hands. should have done that from the start. thank you. ANNA

By: Thalia Faunt

Thalia Faunt — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:05:14 +0000

Thanks so much for this advice I will remember it. I am set down to have the Ross Procedure done for my Aortic Stenosis on 2 March 2010 at the Epworth Hospital in Richmond, Victoria, Australia performed by a Peter Skillington. It’s not until after the surgery you really need this sort of practical advice regarding the recovery.

By: Roberta

Roberta — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:12:51 +0000

Hello,What a timely post to read about using the suggestion of using both hands post-surgery! I just got home an hour ago after AVR and will definitely keep this tip in mind.

Many thanks!

By: Dave

Dave — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:37:29 +0000

I couldn’t agree more Keith.

Although, I had surgery six months ago, you just brought back some memories I would like to forget – opening the fridge after heart surgery was a doozie for me too.

Like you, I became a fan of the two-hand approach. Now though, I’m doing very well as my sternum has healed.

Thanks for sharing,
Dave