Chris's Posts

I can't believe it was two months ago that I was wheeled into the OR, my chest was opened and my heart stopped for 1 1/2 hours while my surgeon was working on me to repair my mitral and aortic valves. Thinking about this seems still surreal. I am amazed how far I have come and how far I still have to go. There are times when I feel absolutely normal, like nothing has ever happened and the surgery is just a remote memory. Then there are other times were I am reminded that I did have a major surgery and am still recovering from the trauma of it. My resting heart rate is still on the high side and I am still on the beta blocker. Stairs and hills are difficult and leave me out of breath. Though the pain at rest is negligible, there is still a lot of pain, not only in my chest and incision but also in my neck and right arm with movements, especially when lifting a load. Lying down, it still hurts quite a bit in my neck to move my blanket. This has not improved a lot over the past few weeks. Old habits are slowly creeping back in and it's hard not to fall back. I see myself rushing and walking fast for no reason. I don't take my time as much when eating, also for no reason, there is no time limit on my meals. Old habits. But I also have found new discipline in getting things done, keeping consistent with my daily meditations. Overall, it has been a relatively smooth recovery. Now I have to figure out how to just get my heart rate at rest to settle. and not lose the good new habits that I have developed, taking time for myself and friends.

Three weeks ago today was my surgery. I can't believe how quickly time has passed, the past weeks have just been incredible. Thanks to everyone who has been on this journey with me in body, mind or spirit. It was been remarkable. I would not be where I am now without every single one of you! A special thanks to all my new friends and comrades here who have left encouraging messages. It is always good and reassuring to hear from someone who is a few steps ahead of me. Today is also the halfway mark of my approved time off. It is a bit scary to think that I am supposed to be back at work in just three weeks. I am still experiencing a lot of aches and pains with just simple activities and am very limited in what I can do. Yesterday I made some pasta, and even though I gradually added and removed water from the pasta pot, so it would not be too heavy, I felt more sore today from cooking. But rather than worrying about it, I will just take it one day at a time and see how it develops!

I spoke with my cardiologist today. He thinks that the pain I am experiencing with deep inhalations is due to irritation of the lining of my lungs. He says he sees it frequently. Put me on a course of NSAID's for the next five days. If that does not do the trick or things get worse he will have me get a chest x-ray. Felt better after my walk today and am continuing with my spirometer practice. Hope this will do the trick! The right side of my neck still hurts the most, especially if I lift my right arm or lean on it. Hope that will go away soon as well!