Heather's Posts

Today I had a general health check up for work. Very pleased with the results - cholesterol is down, so hopefully liver function is better. I was told I had the second highest grade of fitness - imagine how I will go once I actually do regular exercise. Thursday I am off to see the surgeon - Peter Skillington. Hoping he will give me the clear to do a charity cycle tour through Vietnam for Epworth Hospital next February - nothing like a goal to work toward :-)

It is now 8 months since the surgery. I have to admit - I did struggle over the last 4 - 5 months. I was constantly tired, couldn't get up the energy to exercise and was beginning to wonder if I would ever turn the corner. Then I had a bout of gastro which put me in bed for 2 days. Once I came out of that, I was a new woman and really turned the corner. I have now had my second overseas trip for work to Hong Kong and Singapore. However, on the off days we went for walks (yes, we found heritage walks in Hong Kong). I went up and down and up and down lots of stairs. Although I was short of breath (due to fitness levels), I recovered so much faster and my colleagues were amazed at the difference. I am now considering embarking on the Epworth Cycle Challenge 2014 - a fundraising cycling trip in Vietnam next February. I see the surgeon again next week - so I hope to get the clearances from him. My only restriction will be to not fall off the bike - as I will be on coudamin for the rest of my life. All in all - I cannot complain and am much happier than I have been for a long time.

Recovery continues to go very strongly. My cardiologist is very happy with my progress. Heart rhythm still a little fragile, but I find the Sotolol the best beta blocker I have had so far - don't need much to keep things in check. I have just returned from my first overseas work trip. Left Australia last Friday for Vienna and Bratislava, and returned yesterday. I felt everything went much better than I could have asked for, so my confidence is building. I am bringing my fur ball family home today - cannot wait. It has been 4.5 months since we have been together.