Cindy's Journal

Terrie Syvertsen  Cindy- Try not to take to heart the treatment from those who don't have the knowledge of what occurs for those of us in recovery from heart surgery. It is true that each of us heals differently for many different reasons and there is no true time line in which to gauge how much time each of our "unique" and beautiful bodies will heal enough to satisfy those who really don't know having not had gone through the experience we each have shared. You haven't been too far into your recovery for anyone to judge what you are doing on a day to day basis. We all do what we can to move forward and on with life but it is important to each of us that we follow our medically given instructions and what our bodies are telling us so that we heal properly and don't upset all of the advances we make! Know that you are a SURVIVOR! Celebrate it Heart Sister! I also believe that at the point you are in your recovery your back and shoulder pain is pretty typical of the timing. If it is bad.....see someone and have them reassure you that all is healing properly. Practice standing straight and not curving inward or
hunching and maybe someone could give you a gentle massage while you are sitting with your back supported as well as apply a warm heating pad on the area as you are
in a recliner or comfortable chair. Making sure you take short walks at first and lengthen them later in your recovery while standing straight again(oh thank you Meredith for that advice) as when my back and shoulders hurt I remembered her
golden words!) Don't hunch! You are in charge of this body of yours Lady and are the
one to listen too! If you are in doubt, call your advice nurse, primary physician or cardiologist if only to leave them a few questions as I am sure your comfort is very
important to them as well and it will take the stress of worrying off of your shoulders, literally. Take care now and Happy Healing Heart Sister.

Ruth Rosenberg  It took me a full year to feel like myself again. I had a subaortic valve resection in 2014 at the age of 49. Even though it was an open heart surgery it was supposed to be a "very easy one". I also did not know I had a subaortic membrane until age 48. I am very active and exercise often. I have heard from a lot of people that it takes time.you have to be patient even though it is frustrating . I kept thinking I was supposed to be fixed why don't I feel fixed.

Bob M  March 27 was less than 4 months. In my opinion, you are doing great. Take it easy heart sister. How is your cardiac rehab going?

Mary K  Beautiful answer, Terri. I have had to say similar things to others who somehow think that they know better than I do how I "Should" be doing.