Al's Posts

I just finished my 36th session of Cardiac Rehab on Monday.I got a complete report of my progress from day one and a nifty looking diploma too.Although it isn't a requirement,I highly recommend it to anyone who has had cardiac surgery.My insurance company paid the lion's share of it and, the time and money that I spent,I feel was well worth it. I learned a lot there and will continue to use all that I have learned in the future. This coming Sunday,I'm participating in "The Heart Walk",an event sponsored by the American Heart Association.It's a 5 mile walk to raise money and awareness for the many people affected by heart disease and to build healthier lives,free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.It's my chance to pay it forward.....Next week,it's back to work. The beat goes on...

Hard to believe that 8 weeks ago today,I was having open heart surgery.The time has gone by pretty quickly even though I haven't been able to do much of anything.Yesterday, I had my 1st post op visit with my cardiac surgeon and a chest x-ray.The x-ray looked perfect he said, and I was able to see the surgical wires that were put in to hold my breastbone together while it heals.Looking very closely,I could even see my new valve in place. He was very pleased with my progress and instructed me to still not pick up anything over 10 lbs. for another month.After that,I pretty much can resume my normal activities. A couple of days ago,I had a visit with my cardiologist and we discussed the" echo" that I recently had.Everything was in order and I'll probably not need another one for 5 years he said.He made an appointment for me to have a stress test to get a new baseline for my heart function.I'll then be able to share that info with my cardiac rehab team of professionals and then they can adjust my exertion levels to maximise my workouts.I'm in my 4th week of rehab now and I really do look forward to each and every session.I go in on Monday,Wednesday and Friday at 7:00 in the morning for a little over an hour.I put on a wireless heart rate monitor first thing so that the nurses can check on me when ever they want.I can see it too on the big monitor they have there. I use an elliptical,a stationary bike and the treadmill for about 45 minutes and then some light work (10lbs.) with the dumbells,some stretching exercises and finally,listen to some relaxation music for a few minutes.The nurses constantly monitor my blood pressure and pulse throughout the session I remember after my 1st one,I was exhausted and went home and took a nap!! It's a lot better now and I'm starting to see the results.On the off days,I do 40 minutes on my treadmill twice a day at a good clip to keep active.I also found a great heart rate monitor on Amazon for cheap and verified the accuracy with the nurses at rehab.When I get the stress test results I'll then be able to set my target rate and tailor my workouts at home too .The beat goes on...

I've been trying not to do anything too strenuous that would compromise my recovery and it seems to be working out pretty well.At times though,I feel like I'm only going 5 miles an hour in the breakdown lane while, everybody else is zooming by me.This is very different for me as,I'm always on the go and seldom sit idle for very long...I want to step on the gas peddle but,I do know, not to do that.I really do see and feel changes for the positive at this point in recovery.The associated neck and shoulder pain that goes along with this surgery, has subsided and my range of motion has increased noticeably as well.My new "zipper" is looking good and it doesnt' bother me or itch nearly as much as before.I give two thumbs up to "The Incision Shield" for that.I sleep much better at night now and I'm able to sleep on my side pretty comfortably.I'll really,really be in heaven when I'm able to finally sleep on my stomach again.. :) My sense of taste is still out to lunch as most things still have an "off" taste to them but ,I know it's only temporary and it will pass.The treadmill has been giving me a workout 3 times a day at about 20-25 minutes each session and thanks to my Ipod,and my 4,000+ tunes,the time doesn't drag on at all.Tomorrow, I meet the cardiac rehab people for orientation and think I'll be starting on the following Monday morning.It'll be Monday,Wednesday and Friday for the next 12 weeks or so and I'm ready to give my newly rebuilt motor a workout.I want to thank all my family and friends for your continued support during this time. It's been very comforting to me.Best of luck and prayers to all of you who are waiting for surgery and those that are still on their journey. The beat goes on....