Ellen's Heart Valve Journal

Tuesday, October 12, 2010 05:35 PM

Ellen,

this is just a stab, but my son experienced something like this and it turned out to be gouty arthritis. I know this can often accompay use of diuretics. When I was on Lasix before my surgery, I had a high uric acid and the doctor asked if I had had attacks of gout. I did not. I was taken off Lasix after surgery (four months ago) so it will be interesting to see if the uric acid level went down.

I hope you have a short recovery and are soon back to your active life.

Mary Ann Marko

Saturday, October 9, 2010 08:30 AM

Hello, Ellen, thanks for the compliment, but I don't feel like the bionic man; this experience has really brought humility into my life, which i believe is good. I do know it's important to get moving and like you wrote, really follow the recovery protocols. Thanks for sharing your experience with everyone in our community. I wish you a God speed recovery.

Daniel

Thursday, September 30, 2010 02:49 PM

Hi Ellen I see all have given you encouragement on the HR, Ditto, 8 wks still 90-100 suprising the 1st 2 days in rehab HR only increased to 120 highest. That is so true about reading took me weeks, TV, still I get sooo tired yesterday after 2nd day rehab 2/1/2 hr nap, out cold, but better today. Listen to your body, don't get discouraged we all know what it feels like.

Hang in there

Susan V

Thursday, September 30, 2010 04:49 AM

Dear Ellen, I'm so sorry you had to go through this surgery at such a young age. However, my 19 year old son had the same surgery just 3 months ago. I was TERRIFIED for him and it seemed so unfair and I wished it was me. In answer to one of your questions, will I be afraid to do all the things I did prior to surgery; I can tell you that my son, Danny, is back to playing 4 to 5 hours of basketball (high intensity) DAILY. He is ONLY 3 months post op (and has been doing so for nearly a month and a half). Additionally, he does push ups and sit ups and is VERY active. He was only in the hospital 3 days after his surgery. You are so young, too, and I'm SURE that is in your favor. Danny had bad pain in his shoulders shortly after his surgery, too. This seemed to be alleviated fairly quick. I will pray for you and your QUICK recovery. I am sure that you will do fine. I think it is the NOT knowing truly what to expect that makes you anxious. I was a basket case worrying about my son. I hope you have good support people to help you during this early stage of your recovery. I can't wait to read about your continued SPEEDY recovery. Sincerely Mary James