Mona's Guestbook

Greetings Mona, I\'m on the same meds as you. I\'m taking 10 mg. of Lisinopril, but Dr. Griffin intends to slowly up it to 20 mg. I\'m also on the other drug - which is actually Toprol XL a beta blocker. I take 50 mg. and it is working well to keep my blood pressure under control. As you\'ve mentioned, sometimes it\'s the underlying anxiety that keeps the blood pressure from coming under control. I have recently started taking Celexa - 10 mg. which the Cleveland Clinic cardiac psychiatrist recommended and it\'s making a big difference. Just remember that all anti-anxiety drugs or drugs for depression are NOT good for heart patients. So I\'d check with the cardiologist at CC before starting something. As for sleeping on the side. My surgeon said \"no problem.\" I\'ve been sleeping on my left side for quite some time, however, it causes me chest pain the next day. I know what you mean about sleeping on your back. I prop myself up with pillows so I\'m sort of partially on my back and a little on my side. I have not had a huge problem with pain from the sternotomy - and it\'s a big one. Most of my pain is in my upper back and shoulders and behind the clavicle and over my right breast where there are lots of incisions. Since I don\'t tolerate meds. well the only thing I\'ve taken for pain is Tylenol.... and I use a heating pad at night before I go to sleep. That seems to help. Take care and be well!!!! ruth howell

Hello Mona. Please forgive me for taking so long to check on you. You know I\'m getting up in age and I had to try to remember where I saved the file. I am elated that things turned out well. I don\'t think we had any doubt because we knew who was really in control of the situation. God is GOOD! Wishing you a full recovery, and hope to see you soon. Thank God fpr Moms:>)

Hey girl .... glad to read your are doing better. Hoping you get the response you need to the pain you are experiencing when you are reaching for something. Miss you at the office, Jen D will be starting a new job with the VA on soon, this week may be her last week. Catherrien BB is going back to Ent July 1.. We all miss you very much and are praying for a speedy recovery. Take your time .... don\'t rush your recovery. \'How did you like the plant Phil got for you? CUsoon vern :)

Mona, Keep your chin up...things will get better everyday, icluding being able to sleep. It just takes a while for your heart to get back to normal. It was poke, prodded, iced and put back into place....... Hang in there! Lori Wakat

Hey Mona, I am sorry to hear about the pain you are having. Hopefully it won\'t be a problem for too long. Take it easy dear. I am grateful to the other guests on here that have gone through the same procedure and can share their insights with you. I\'m still praying for you. Rita

How are you feeling today Mona \"Lisa\"? I miss you around here. But I don\'t want you back until it is time. I will be talking to you. Much luv and blessings. Catherine B.B.

Hi Mona, Sorry about the pain. Are you still using your spirometer? I often found that going back to that helped with shoulder pain. Use it A LOT! Anne shannon