Matt's Posts

I saw my cardiologist yesterday for the first time since failing a stress echo test 3 months ago and did a new echo to check on the heart. She was pleased with my AVR and overall surgery recovery. She prescribed a couple of new meds for systemic heart health. I also have to continue cardiac rehab for a few more weeks. I rate myself at about 45% of pre op shape with weakness still in the upper chest area. I am trying to add about 8 pounds from fluid loss. My appetite, food and drink, is excellent but it seems like my body burns a ton of energy. I also returned to the office today. I had a very good day and it is good to catch up with everyone. I know change is constant for most folks and it is certainly true going back to work. Kids go to college and life happens. The good news for those awaiting or undergoing AVR is that the body is resilient and if you have faith in God and believe prayer will help you, you can turn a mountain into a molehill. Take care.

For all the open heart patients I can guarantee everyone your 30th day will be better than the first 29 post op. I feel like I have been stuck between life and death. I know I am alive and OK but I understand I cannot do anything about speeding up the healing timetable. I walk with an awareness of weakness and just praying my conditioning promotes me through this time of no strength. God is God and I am not. I have an appointment with my cardiologist for the first time on October 3. I have an echo scheduled and hope this clears me for return to work. I am sleeping better and completely off any pain medications. I never really took much even immediately after surgery because I did not need pain meds. I have said from CICU I was more uncomfortable than in pain. I hope this review helps those of you still facing surgery and lets those who are enjoying posting in my guestbook that I will be back and I know who you are. I am not laughing. Well, I am kinda smiling while I write this. Take care.

I met with Dr. Jones last Friday and he says I am progressing. He added a beta blocker medication but nothing major. I am clear for more exercise and this includes my 3x's a week PT. I have begun walking outside which is a first and feels good now that the weather is below 100. I am still low on energy but slowly progressing. I am not needing to nap several times a day and I am actually close to my old sleep schedule. I can sleep horizontal which is a major accomplishment. My chest wound feels weak but it is stronger relative to the past couple of weeks. I can see from here most of your lives quickened with school starting and all the associated activities. I hope you enjoy your kids and take time to appreciate what matters in life. Take care.