Colette's Heart Valve Journal

Colette McDiarmid  It was so nice to see you too. I hope you enjoy the camping this summer. The Oregon Coast is soooooo nice.

I am missing everyone at work. Might have to ... Read more

Colette McDiarmid  It was so nice to see you too. I hope you enjoy the camping this summer. The Oregon Coast is soooooo nice.

I am missing everyone at work. Might have to stop by for lunch.

Have a great time camping.
Colette

Colette McDiarmid  Hi Mia,
I had my surgery on May 21st, 2014 open heart and just started physical rehab two weeks ago. At the end of July. I was a little impatient but I ... Read more

Colette McDiarmid  Hi Mia,
I had my surgery on May 21st, 2014 open heart and just started physical rehab two weeks ago. At the end of July. I was a little impatient but I realize now that you have to let your sternum heal well before starting. The clicking/rubbing and sternum pain were gone before I started and the exercise specialist has modified the weight training to ensure it continues to heal.
Wish you all the luck. And I agree the best part of all of this is coming home.

Colette

Colette McDiarmid  HI Terrie,

I am wishing you well for your August 20th appointment. Thanks for writing in my Journal. Your fortunate to have a supportive husband, I couldn't ... Read more

Colette McDiarmid  HI Terrie,

I am wishing you well for your August 20th appointment. Thanks for writing in my Journal. Your fortunate to have a supportive husband, I couldn't have gotten thru this without mine. I do have a few tips that I hope may help you out.
-Tip number one...order the book....was an easy read and so very helpful.
- Next my husband stayed close to the hospital in the next town and was able to commute easily. He arranged to take a few weeks off from work right after the surgery. Having him there everyday was vital emotionally and physically.
-After 9 days and we knew I wasn't coming home right away I sent him home for a break. Your hubby will need lots of that.
-Each night while I was in the hospital he made sure I had some crackers and blueberries to eat during the night as I was nauseous on an empty stomach.
-I swelled up from the water retention during and for days after the surgery. You should ensure you have large loose pj's, undies and a larger bra size in case of the swelling. And really monitor and inquire about how much liquid you should be taking a day. I was taking in far too much which made the water retention worse.
-He bought me a electric recliner chair for home which I slept in for a number of days. Even if your able to borrow one it is totally worth it.
-You should get a heating pad, small one to help with any back pain.
-Prior to going for surgery I did ask my parents for a little help especially once my husband headed back to work. They came and cleaned my house a few times so he would at least come home to a tidy home with dinner made.
-You have to remember that your husband will be quite stressed about this ordeal so any ways you can ease the stress is helpful.
- I was a little surprised at how long the recovery is as I thought I was fairly young for this procedure. But you have to have patience.
-Take every opportunity for education and physical rehab they offer. There is so much to learn with food, emotions, fitness. And working in a cardio exercise program that is closely monitored is really important in getting back to a healthy life. Not only do you feel safer working out under the trained eye but you also are able to push yourself farther than trying to do it alone.
-Go for walks early in the morning before the heat kicks in.
Wow I have lots to write about.....sorry if I am rambling on.
Please let me know if you have any questions and we wish you both lots of luck.
Colette

Colette McDiarmid  Hope you had a good consult. Surgeons can be a little brief during their visits but mine was an excellent surgeon and every new doctor or cardiologist has ... Read more

Colette McDiarmid  Hope you had a good consult. Surgeons can be a little brief during their visits but mine was an excellent surgeon and every new doctor or cardiologist has nothing but high regard for him. Nice to know we in good hands.
The book Adam wrote was invaluable. Really gave me a head start on what to prepare and what to expect. Worth every penny.
Good luck!
Colette