Louise's Guestbook

Louise Llewellyn  So sorry this is continuing to be a difficult recovery for you Jim. Did the CT Scan show anything and provide any answers?

Louise Llewellyn  Hello Jim, thanks so much for getting in touch. I'm pleased to hear you're doing well. It's just a relief to have it done with, isn't it. What things are you having problems with?
My immediate recovery was pretty tough with 8 days in intensive care and HDU. I left hospital after 13 days. It's now nearly 13 weeks post op and I'm feeling much better, if not a little tired still. I've realised it takes longer to get your strength back than you anticipated.
How are you feeling in yourself? Something I didn't anticipate was the emotional impact. I suppose facing all the risks of surgery and the humbling experience of recovery does that. I don't know about you, but I'm ready to make some life changes. It makes you address your priorities doesn't it, which is a good thing.
Look forward to hearing all your news. Take care, Louise

Jim O'Brien  Hello Louise, it's nice to hear from you. You had a harder time than me with your immediate recovery. I was in ICU for 3 days - the worst part, was having the breathing tube down my throat for all of that time except about the last 5-6 hours. I left the hospital after 7 days. Heart wise, things are good.
Since the surgery, I've had numbness in my left hand, left foot, part of my left buttocks, and several bouts of double vision. I've seen a neurologist who did an EMG and Conductive Nerve Study and found that I have Carpal Tunnel in both hands. But he said "the carpal tunnel is the least of my problems" and that I have widespread neuropothies throughout my body. At this point he doesn't know why but will do a lot of blood work in May to begin the process of elimination. My other nagging issue is the rash that keeps coming back on my arms & legs, and a little on my chest. I'm beginning to think it might be the drug, Hizentra, that I infuse myself for my Common Variable Immunodeficiency disease. But, things could be much worse!
You're right about the time taking longer than expected to get your strength back and the emotional impact. I just went back to work this past Sunday, and when I get home I have to take a nap everyday. I'm going to Cardiac Physical Therapy (and will be until mid-April) and I too am trying to make some life changes.
Good luck to you for a continued successful and speedy recovery.
Take care, Jim

Louise Llewellyn  Hi Jim, I'm glad the operation went well but I'm sorry to hear you're contending with a lot of other difficulties. I hope they find the cause in May and are able to resolve it for you. You are surely due an easier time of it now.
I've read on this site that it takes some patients up to 12 months plus to get full energy back which is reassuring and makes you realise that a slow, steady recovery is normal.
It's good to hear you're back at work Jim. I wish you all the best in your recovery and hope you have positive news in May. Here's to taking it one step at a time. Take care and bye for now, Louise

Louise Llewellyn  Thank you Tammy :) It feels surreal and it will be good to have it over with. Everyones updates keep me positive, they are a great help. It's so good that you are feeling stronger each day. It must often feel like a long and bumpy road to recovery. Take care and thanks again for your wishes.