Eric's Posts

Thought I'd stop by and let my fellow HVJ'ers know how I'm doing. In a nutshell, back to normal. Even after a year, I continue to read everyone's journals and can relate to pretty much every one at your respective stages of the game. So for those pre-surgery, it's the waiting game with delays, postponements, and a general feeling of anticipation; just wanting to get this whole thing over with. Then the week or so just before surgery how it all feels a bit surreal and scarey, then at the 11th hour I felt at peace with all that was about to happen with full confidence in my surgeon and the cardiac care unit staff. Not much of a choice at this point. Might's well hold on and enjoy the ride. Can't say I remember anything in CICU but do remember being in Stepdown thinking I was in a university dorm and everyone seemed to be partying loudly and they had no consideration for me just having OHS and trying to get some sleep. Then every time I woke (which happens alot at that stage), I saw those pink paint splotches on the yellow hospital privacy curtains. I knew I was hallucinating and as time went on those splotches would fade quicker each time. And one of my friend's white eyebrows and mustache were moving all over his face just like a few caterpillars who had lost their way. I even laughed about it at the time so was completely in tune with what was happening. The research I did, including Adam's book and this website along with another I frequent https://www.valvereplacement.org/forums/forum.php really made the whole ordeal much easier to deal with. The element of surprise is taken out of the equation, I suppose in most cases but even just knowing what could be expected helped from a psychological aspect. The knowledge gained from everyone's experiences makes recovery much more tolerable and the comradery amongst the HVJ'ers amazing, to say the least. The only advice I can offer has been said here many times before: the waiting part is the worst; stay ahead of the pain, take your meds on cue; and expect a two steps forward and one step back recovery; don't overdue it and be patient. And you will do fine... Take Care and Best Regards to all....

Wow... At this time six months ago, I was "on the table, under the knife" and possibly even avoiding that proverbial bright light.... Time flies ... Physically, I am feeling close to normal (whatever that may be). Went back to work on a gradual return program after Labor Day then full-time Oct.03rd. Have been going to cardiac rehab at the gym twice a week doing 45 minutes cardio (treadmill and stationary bike) then weight training and stretching exercises for another 25 - 30 mins or so. So far, haven't lost much weight but overall feeling much better and increasingly stronger. I like to think muscle is heavier than fat. So nice not being out of breath all the time. Trying to eat right but that's a bit of a challenge. My last echo (Aug.15th) showed a marginal improvement in my Ejection Fraction (EF) to between 45 and 50% from the previous 40%. My AVA is "normal". No more pain and minimal discomfort (limited flexibility in my left shoulder). My incision barely noticeable. My new horsie valve seems to be working fine, other than occasional cravings for oatmeal, sugar cubes, apples or the sudden urge to trot. Now we are back into our retirement home construction (completion) project after about an 18 month sabbatical. Psychologically, not doing as well. Not as "sharp" as prior to surgery. Remembering the many passwords that seem to expire every other day yet you're not supposed to write down; and the ever changing processes and getting another wave of newbies on board is very often overwhelming. Spending so much time fixing up the screwups when I was off and trying to stay on top of things is more of a challenge now. Just because you may appear normal, you are expected to be 100%, if not "better" than pre-surgery. Not the case. Now having issues with my heart rate fluctuating (arrhythmia) down to the mid-30's then bouncing right back up to the mid 80's. CHIP cardiologist suspects bradycardia. Back to the Royal Vic for a Holter monitor to wear on Nov.24/25th to confirm. Might need a medication adjustment or possibly a pace maker (minor surgery). Thanks again to my surgeon, medical staff at the Royal Vic CCU and CICU, CHIP cardiac rehab personnel, family (especially Lydia), friends and fellow HJV'ers for all the support. Best regards to all on the same or similar journeys. "Once a heart patient; always a heart patient."

Feeling pretty good. Walking 2 - 4 miles a day, spending time in the paddle boat with Lydia and swimming in the lake. Won my battle with SunLife; they agreed to cover all submitted claims and the CHIP Rehab Step Up ($20) and Home Exercise ($720) programs. Persuasive Letter Writing "101". Proof positive, the squeaky wheel gets the oil. Had a stress test at CHIP, in bottom 5 percentile. Lots of room for improvement. Maximum heart rate of only 100bpm's due to APO Bisoprolol (betablockers). Bought a Polar FT1 Heart Monitor and registering between 79 and 85 on my walks. Next step will be on the bike. No longer on Plavix, only on ASAphen, Crestor and APO Bisoprolol. Follow up ECHOcardiogram slated for Aug.15th with cardiologist. Hoping my EF is above 40%. Sternum still aches and cramped in the morning and it still hurts to sneeze and cough but getting there. Using Bio Oil on the incision.