Kim's Guestbook

Thanks for your comment on my post. It is weird how one day we have too much energy then the next day none. After all that I did that day I couldn't sleep. I think I slept 4 hours. Then I got up and went to lunch and shopping with my daughter for about 4 hours. By the time I got home I was tired. I should have rewrote that it was half gallon pitchers of water I carried but I used both hands to do it. Half way through the filling I took a rest break. We do need to remind ourselves to slow down but if you're like me and have things that need to be done you do it if possible. Hope you're doing well today.

Hi Kim, Glad to see that you are doing well and moving forward. We had the same medical problem and surgery a day apart, fun to keep up with your progress. I also have almost healed scars and pain in my chest and shoulder, specially when in bed. Hardest part for me was getting motivated to walk every day, we have 110-117 F outside, walking around my kitchen table looking at all the dust didn't cut it. Glad to be back on the computer and sharing with the group.

Congratulations on driving Kim. It can be a bit scary at first. My main issue is with the seatbelt rubbing my incision. My incision is bothering me a lot. Burning and stinging. Ihad my follow up with my surgeon July 16th. They said everything was great and I'm right on schedule. Referred me back to my cardiologist whom I see August 7th. I start cardiac rehab next week. How was your first driving?

Hi Kim. I'm doing ok for 3 weeks postop. I still have pain around the incision and the muscles across my chest. I use a soft pillow to put just enough pressure to help. I am sleeping better, thank you. Some days are good days, some not so good but overall I'm progressing. I go for cardiac rehab orientation on July 23rd and I can start driving in a week. Hope you are progressing well.

Hey Kim! Thoughts and prayers with you as well on your date. I hope you can try and find peace in all of it-I know it’s hard but it’s so worth it! Please let us know once your on the recovery road and I look forward to hearing from you.

You asked what causes all the fluid retention post surgery. One of the answers is that the heart lung bypass machine is primed with saline -like fluid. You get a lot of fluid while having open heart surgery. The docs try to minimize the amount of blood and blood products that a patient gets by using fluid instead. Hope that makes sense. I lost my 10 lbs of fluid in the first week at home. It was not too bad.

Kim, I agree with Greg’s recent post to you. I would strongly consider the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Roselli as your surgeon and Dr. Kalahasti as your cardiologist. That’s who I have chosen. I encourage you to read as much as you can before you make your decision. You’ll see how the US News and World Reports has ranked the Cleveland Clinic #1 in cardiology. Read the patient reviews on the doctors and with Dr. Roselli you’ve got the extra benefit of watching some of his videos on YouTube. What you see is what you get. A very well educated down to earth person with an excellent bed side manner. Best regards, Ken