About Me (In My Own Words)
I had my open heart surgery on June 14, 2010 to replace my aortic valve. My hospital stay ended up being 11 days due to problems reestablishing a normal heart rhythm. I ended up going home with a pacemaker and Amiodarone. I will continue with Amiodarone to give my heart some support for a while and see if my normal heart rhythm returns.
My at home recovery is going well pain-wise, however, I am having trouble with high blood pressure, low appetite and extremely bad insomnia. I am able to do for myself - except shopping, laundry and garbage removal. I also am having trouble with meeting my goals for walking.
Currently, I am feeling disappointed in myself and my recovery, anxious about my insomnia and really angry about all the medications I am on right now. Before surgery I only had Lipitor and Accuretic. Now I am on 5 to 7 medications depending on my blood work.
I am 83 years old, the mother of 7 children (all of whom have been very supportive), and have been very active all my life - skiing, traveling, going out with friends, being a grandmother and sometime dog sitter, and played violin all my life. I am anxious to get back to enjoying life but I am grateful for my doctors, family and friends for all their help. I keep reminding myself of things I have read regarding recovery - patience, trust, don't compare recoveries, and respect my healing process.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Oak Park, Illinois
