Brian's Posts

Brian, I used to live in Douglaston, NY. Interesting! I found it difficult moving my arms side to side, for instance when I was mopping, or wiping down something. Be careful because although you may be feeling better, the sternum takes a while to heal...at least for me it did. I had a lot of sternum pain, but my chest was opened twice due to 2 OHSs. I'm perfectly fine now but it has been 15 mos. Let me know if you have any questions.

yes i agree with lilly dont rush it it takes time for the sternum to heal some longer than others i am a pretty quick healer and i would say it took me about 6 months before i started lifting any thing heavy like moving a piece of furniture even know i have a small pain once in a while in the sternum i think it is probably nerves i have heard from so many others to take it slow dont rush even adams wife told him to take it slow if you have not had any cardio rehab i would highly recomend it it helps to get you back to some of your old self again

Ohhhhhhhh.... I'm sorry. Just remember everything happens for a reason as did this. I had a little sore throat before my surgery and was terrified that I was going to get sick, but I managed to stay healthy. Feel better... I know this setback is difficult... but this too shall pass and soon you'll be on the other side of that fence. Hang in there...

Brian, Mark, I was similar but tried to keep busy. You will reach a stage of acceptance and then it will be all over. Although recovery has it's challenges, I am still amazed that I had surgery only 6wks ago. I think that the exhaustion afterwards was the biggest shock so take it steady. Best wishes to both of you!

You sound just like me! I have good days and then I have days where I just cry and am terrified which I think it 100% normal for all of us. My surgery is March 3rd and it is like a big black cloud following me around. I just said a prayer for you and for God to be with you and everyone involved in your care. Keep us updated as you can. I often look to this site and look at all the ones who have already been through it and doing great, that alone is great inspiration to me! I saw a photo that was circling online and it was a 3 year old boy who was having his 3rd OHS and I thought to myself 'okay if this innocent child can do this then I can too' and we will! We all will and we are all here to help one another.

Hi Brian. I had same feelings as you. I think everybody who has to go through OHS feels the same. I think I had same surgery as yours, valve, root and AFIB ablation. In my case my aorta was at 5.5 cm. I new that there was no other way around. To give myself a chance to live I would need this surgery. Finally I came up with the reason for myself. Imagine you are on the plane and the plane is going down. The only way out is to jump with parachute. Jumping with parachute is not fun and has its own risks. But in this case it is the only option out. Hope it helps.

Brian, wishing you a successful surgery, and speedy healing. I sure understand your feelings, and I am thinking I would like to be having my surgery now, rather than waiting till March 3rd as scheduled. I will be pulling for you, seems there are so many smart, strong people to share what they have learned here in this heart community. That is a comfort to me, and why I check in to hear how everyone is doing, and send wishes to those like you who are getting on with it, towards the road to a better heart and recovery. Good luck!

Hi Mark, I'm also getting mine done tomorrow and can relate to how your feeling. I'm first in at 7:15 am . Beth Israel in Boston. I told everyone it has to go well. I want to watch the Pats in the playoffs next Saturday! Best of Luck and a speedy recovery. Steve