Lisa's Guestbook

Lisa Guinan  Hi Sara, I had an echo at 6 months and the one yesterday. I’d definitely ask for one. Hope you are safe and well.

Lisa Guinan  Hi Jill. We lucked out and were in FL for a long weekend when the storm came. Still had to dig out last night when we got home. As for my recovery, it’s going great. I went back to work Jan 2. No issues there. I can tell I’m getting stronger at rehab. I think they told me I could start some upper body weight work when my lifting restrictions are over-12 weeks. I started driving after 3 weeks. The only issues I noticed once in awhile when I had to make a sharp turn it hurt my sternum. My heart rate finally corrected itself . It was about week 6 when resting rate was constistenly in the 80s. Getting my Warfarin dosage figured out has been a challenge. My nurse said we’ll probably get it figured out just in time for me to go off it. Incision looks good. I’ve still got knots at the top and bottom of my sternum. It’s not yet comfortable for me to sleep on my stomach. I do notice going up 2-3 flights of stairs isn’t as easy for me as before surgery. Still some room for improvement there.

Here’s a new one: I got my hair cut today. My hair dresser says I’m losing hair. Did some research and found that can be a side effect of Warfarin. Sure hope it grows back.

Jill McDonald   Hi Lisa,

I read that! Here is the weird thing, I was not given any blood thinner except a 325 aspirin for two weeks after surgery then a baby aspirin every day. I did have AFIB when they started my surgery. I will be curious about the hair loss thing. I really need a haircut as well. For a while there I felt like hair was falling out like crazy. I guess I will see what my hairdresser says too. I finally found a bra that seems to work. I think?! The jury is still out. I am starting to think about work as well. Did you go back part-time for a bit or right in to full time? I am contemplating part-time for a week or so if possible.

What do you mean by knots on the sternum? The bottom of my incision seems very hard/thick but the top is not. Also, if I sit too long I noticed that I feel like the sternum just zips up. Then I have to get up to stretch. Is that something you experienced too? I just started rehab as well. I didn't know we couldn't do any type of arm work until 12 weeks. Yikes! I didn't expect that. When you drive do you use a small pillow or is it not needed? I felt a little uncomfortable when I drove today.

I am happy where I am based upon where I was, but golly this sure does take a long time.

Lisa Guinan  I talked to my surgeon's nurse last night. She said she has only had one other patient who lost some hair. I was supposed to be on Warfarin for 12 weeks, but she said I could quit now at 10 weeks. Yay! No more blood tests.

I didn't go back to work until 8 weeks after. I felt fine enough to go earlier but it was at Christmas time so I decided to wait til the new year. If you have the option to go part-time, that would be a good idea.

I also asked by nurse about my knots. She said he just used extra sutures at the top and bottom of the sternum and it'll take a while for them to disappear. I also had some times when I felt my sternum needed a good stretch. All part of healing. Rehab should help you loosen up. I use the arm bike a lot but just can't lift any weights.

Just start out by driving short distances where you don't have to turn much. I live in the country so that was easy. I did us a pillow at first so the seatbelt didn't hit my incision. Just do what you feel like doing.

Step by step. I saw a friend today who I hadn't seen since I was in the hospital. He was amazed.

Jill McDonald   All great to hear! I remember what life was like before my surgery. All the worry anxiety. So geat to be on this side! Snowstorm coming to Northern Illinois this weekend!

Lisa Guinan  Surgery was Tue morning and I was on my way home mid afternoon on Sat. I never really had much sternum pain after I got home.

Lisa Guinan  Just saw you’re from Bloomington. Love me some Avanti’s. I go to Prairie Heart in Spfld. I’m very happy with the drs there. My cardiologist is leaving at the end of the year and going to Northwestern.

Susan Lynn  Awesome! Thanks, Mona! I also thought those ice chips were the greatest. Please give our regards to Lisa!

Susan Lynn  That's fantastic news!!! Thanks so much for the update, Mona! Please give our best to Lisa when she wakes up. ❤