2014 was my surgery year...how time flies....still doing great with my valve now it the knees....looks like I will need to get them fixed. Had my yearly... Read more
2014 was my surgery year...how time flies....still doing great with my valve now it the knees....looks like I will need to get them fixed. Had my yearly check-up January and all is well with my aortic valve, doc said everything looked good and sounded good. The reason I came on here is my wife's friends needs a new aortic valve and is very stressed and I talked her out of it and gave her this blog so she can express her fears. I told her that this was a great site to express herself because allot of us have been there and done it. She has advised my wife that she will get on. To all of my zipper friends I say hi and hope all is well with you all. For those who are waiting and or just had your surgery....Good speed, and day by day its get better.
Ana Brusso Thank you Daryl, glad you are doing well, congratulations. Hope your friend gets on this site, we wil ... Read more
Ana Brusso Thank you Daryl, glad you are doing well, congratulations. Hope your friend gets on this site, we will welcome him/her. Continued good health and God bless you
Rose Madura Glad your heart is doing well Daryl. And I hope and pray your knee replacements go well! Godspeed. ... Read more
Rose Madura Glad your heart is doing well Daryl. And I hope and pray your knee replacements go well! Godspeed.
Marie Myers It is always good to hear from a “long-timer”! Happy Anniversary!
Hi all....my question has probably been ran up and down the pole, but I haven't been on for awhile and I need feed back.....I have had the covid last November ...Read more
Hi all....my question has probably been ran up and down the pole, but I haven't been on for awhile and I need feed back.....I have had the covid last November and lived through it. Now with the big push on these vaccines I really have a problem getting it since the scientific info is very rare right now. I really don't trust the vaccine with my artificial valve as once again there is no science that shows me that it wont affect my valve. I have asked my cardiologist and he will not say if its ok or not as I don't think he knows one way or the other. I do have the antibodies from tests I have taken and I feel that it is my protection for now until more information comes out from the FDA and heart surgeons.
How many of you with artificial heart valves have taken the vaccine and did you have any problems?
Rose Madura I DID NOT have Covid. But I did get the Pfizer vaccine and had no complications. Maybe your PCP can ... Read more
Rose Madura I DID NOT have Covid. But I did get the Pfizer vaccine and had no complications. Maybe your PCP can advise you on your specific situation. Everybody is different and everyone has a different viewpoint on the vaccine.
Marie Myers I also did not have Covid (that I know about), and I got the 2 Moderna vaccines. I have had an aortic ... Read more
Marie Myers I also did not have Covid (that I know about), and I got the 2 Moderna vaccines. I have had an aortic valve replacement, an aortic root replacement, and ascending aortic aneurysm resection, and no problems from the 2 vaccines.
Patsy Stewart I have not had covid, and I took the Pfizer vaccine. I didn’t have any trouble with either shot oth ... Read more
Patsy Stewart I have not had covid, and I took the Pfizer vaccine. I didn’t have any trouble with either shot other than I had a sore arm. My doctors all recommended that I take the vaccine. There was a doctor on site the day I took the first dose who came out and talked with me. He said that with all of my health problems that the vaccine probably wouldn’t protect me. He warned me to keep wearing my mask, social distance and stay home if at all possible. The only places that I have been since my first heart related surgery in November of ‘19 is to my doctor’s appointments, the hospital, rehab and to ride in the car. This is beginning to take a toll on my life. I miss my mom, my family, my church and I actually miss shopping. Covid is raging in our community. We have had several deaths. I have lost several friends and a pastor. There is only 17% of our county who have been vaccinated.
Rose gave you some great advice about talking with your PCP.
There are several articles on this website that might help you. Here are a few of them.
https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/coronavirus-covid-19.php
https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/learning/covid-19-vaccine/
https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2021/01/03/covid-19-vaccine-safety/
Get 20 critical facts about the Coronavirus, COVID-19 and heart valve disease from leading doctors about the symptoms, risks, safety, prevention and treatment.
Patsy, I always keep you in my prayers. I cried reading you can’t see your mommie, that hit me hard ... Read more
Patsy, I always keep you in my prayers. I cried reading you can’t see your mommie, that hit me hard. I’m so sorry you have so many health issues that keep so isolated. I keep myself isolated as well but I don’t have family other than my daughter and she is with me. My one brother and his family are in Florida so no meeting for a while. Please don’t go out there if you don’t have to. I’m grateful you have your son and husband. Stay strong as this too shall pass. God bless you 🙏❤️
Daryl, I had the same surgery as Marie. Haven’t had COVID and got both Moderna vaccines and had no ... Read more
Daryl, I had the same surgery as Marie. Haven’t had COVID and got both Moderna vaccines and had no complications from it other than a little soreness on my arm. I agree with Rose, you should check with your Primary. Hope you find the right answers. Be well and God bless you
Rita Savelis I have 2 mechanical valves that were placed 6 years ago. I got the Pfizer vaccine in March/April. No ... Read more
Rita Savelis I have 2 mechanical valves that were placed 6 years ago. I got the Pfizer vaccine in March/April. No side effects of any kind. Doctors definitely recommended it. I was having treatment for 2 different cancers at the time. The vaccine should really be the least of your heart worries. Any heart meds or other meds you are taking have more side effects, especially longterm. Alas.
Lisa Coombe I have a mechanical valve and got my first shot in April, surgery was end of May and my second shot w ... Read more
Lisa Coombe I have a mechanical valve and got my first shot in April, surgery was end of May and my second shot was end of June, no problems at all
Patsy Stewart Thank you, Ana. You truly touched my heart. I’m thankful that you have your daughter with you. Pray ... Read more
Patsy Stewart Thank you, Ana. You truly touched my heart. I’m thankful that you have your daughter with you. Prayers for you as well! My mom has dementia and it has been horribly hard for both of us. We went everywhere and did everything together. She had moved in with me right as covid hit, and we were planning on staying safe until it was over. My husband was working and my son was doing a great job of working from home and taking care of us until I was admitted back into the hospital. My oldest brother came and moved her back home. He and my middle brother now take turns spending the nights with her, but she’s mainly home alone during the day. We all call her several times throughout the day, and my brother lives within walking distance. Mom loves to work in her yard, burn leaves and brush piles and climb stairs and all of the things she’s not supposed to be doing. She will be 89 in September. She took the vaccine. She didn’t have any side effects, and I’m very thankful. In the past couple of weeks I have had 3 nieces, 2 nephews, 2 great nieces, a great nephew and a sister in law all come down with covid. There were several nieces and nephews that had it in weeks past. One of my brothers had it. I have a huge family and only a handful that have been vaccinated. I thank God that they have all survived it! I have a sister in law who had a reaction to her first shot and was advised not to take the second one. Sorry if this was too much of a covid report. Thank you for your prayers.
Patsy, at least you have a great family and you seem to help and support each other. I’m also glad ... Read more
Patsy, at least you have a great family and you seem to help and support each other. I’m also glad that all your family got over the virus. One of my brothers and his wife and brother in law all came down with COVID too but also survived it. Praise God! Be well Patsy and tell your son and husband I love them for being so good and supportive with you. God bless you all, be well dear heart warrior ❤️🙏🤗
Civita Fahey Hi Daryl, I had Covid in late January 5 day after my first Moderna shot. I got both shots and have no ... Read more
Civita Fahey Hi Daryl, I had Covid in late January 5 day after my first Moderna shot. I got both shots and have no issues at all., though the second shot packed a whollop. I was out for about 36 hours. just felt like I had a bad flu. My cardiologist actually encouraged me to get the vaccine.
Daryl McCallum Thank you all for your feedback on this issue.
Hey zipper brothers and sisters, have any of you heard from your cardiologist to stay inside during this time with the virus? I have sense cancelled my golf ...Read more
Hey zipper brothers and sisters, have any of you heard from your cardiologist to stay inside during this time with the virus? I have sense cancelled my golf outings, now I'm wondering if I should discontinue my daily walks with the dogs. Please reply
Marie Myers I have not changed my dog walking habits, and I am still going on my daily 15 min walk and bike ride ... Read more
Marie Myers I have not changed my dog walking habits, and I am still going on my daily 15 min walk and bike ride sessions. I think you are safe being out in the sun, as along as you are not encountering close contacting crowds on your walk. My gym has suspended operation for at least 2 weeks, so I do yoga at home.
Heard that dog walking should be avoided as they can be carriers and not show symptoms. As far as wal ... Read more
Heard that dog walking should be avoided as they can be carriers and not show symptoms. As far as walking, it should be safe if you are not around other people or dogs.
Marie Myers dog coronavirus is way different than this new strain. The CDC states there is no evidence of the nov ... Read more
Marie Myers dog coronavirus is way different than this new strain. The CDC states there is no evidence of the novel Covid19 virus in companion animals.
William True Hi Daryl,
I spoke with my cardiologist about this exact fear. He told me that a post-surgical heart ... Read more
William True Hi Daryl,
I spoke with my cardiologist about this exact fear. He told me that a post-surgical heart is just as safe as anyone else out there. Take all the normal precautions, and do your best to be a hard target. Beyond that, live life and try keep things as normal as you can! Good luck to all of us!
Adam Collins My cardiologist told me he's not too worried about me getting infected, saying he doesn't view me as ... Read more
Adam Collins My cardiologist told me he's not too worried about me getting infected, saying he doesn't view me as a "compromised host." Of course, he also recommended isolating, washing hands, etc., all the stuff that everyone is supposed to be doing anyway.
When I spoke with my surgical team, they seemed less confident about my ability to handle it. They weren't trying to scare me or anything, they just wanted me to stay alert and be extra vigilant about staying away from people, washing hands, etc.
So I'm not sure where I stand. Regardless, I'm social distancing my heart out for now, just in case.
Glad to hear about the dogs. So many of my neighbors have them and they need to be walked.
Joe Tarango My CC cardiologist said to stay inside and avoid people. He said walking for exercise is great as lon ... Read more
Joe Tarango My CC cardiologist said to stay inside and avoid people. He said walking for exercise is great as long as it's away from people. At some point, I'll need to go to the grocery store though.
Rita Savelis Cardiac patient or not, everyone should be socially isolating to slowdown the spread of covid-19.
Hey all...April 14 was 4 years post op and life is great. Still some irritation in my scar area but otherwise my operation was a success. For all of you peeps ...Read more
Hey all...April 14 was 4 years post op and life is great. Still some irritation in my scar area but otherwise my operation was a success. For all of you peeps getting ready for your day, I'm sure you have many thoughts running thru your head which is natural. When it was my turn to get a new AVR My relaxation came from my group of surgeons, as they were so understanding of my fears..it was so funny when they put me on the table, I joked with them for a couple of seconds and Dr. Barnhart said ok it go night night time and out I went.
The point I'm getting at is talk with your surgeon and get a comfort level with them and your fears will decrease. The success levels are so outstanding in today's world, and in the end you will be very happy with your decision. Be strong!
Judy Shaw Thank you Daryl for the encouraging words. I'm sure my fears will get worse the closer my surgery dat ... Read more
Judy Shaw Thank you Daryl for the encouraging words. I'm sure my fears will get worse the closer my surgery date gets.
Rose Madura Agree. My surgeon was so upbeat. It helps for sure.
Lilly Black Daryl, congratulations! I will be at 4 yrs in December! Unreal how time flies. What’s up with the i ... Read more
Lilly Black Daryl, congratulations! I will be at 4 yrs in December! Unreal how time flies. What’s up with the irritation? Is it external or is it deep in the sternum? If you read my journal I describe infrared heat lamp treatment. My pain was deep in the tissue. I have no more pain but it took 2 years to go away! Hope it gets better for you...take care! ✌️😊
Kelly Stoll Congratulations and thanks for sharing.
Rita Savelis I completely trusted the surgeons. They are type A personalities and great at what they do. Then they ... Read more
Rita Savelis I completely trusted the surgeons. They are type A personalities and great at what they do. Then they move on to the next surgery....Too bad the surgeons can't stay around to cheer one on through recovery and its various side effects and complications....xo
Debbie Chatzky For sure surgeon was great but only saw him once after. His PAs came around and listens to my compli ... Read more
Debbie Chatzky For sure surgeon was great but only saw him once after. His PAs came around and listens to my complications. Too many chefs in the kitchen.
I have been absent for quit awhile and I'm coming up to my 3 year anniversary, so I thought I would say hello tomy new "zipper" family members. It took awhile ...Read more
I have been absent for quit awhile and I'm coming up to my 3 year anniversary, so I thought I would say hello tomy new "zipper" family members. It took awhile to get where I'm today (walking 5 miles a day), but I won the war. My first year was an eye opener but very thankful to my surgeons who coached me thru it, and here I am today. My AVR was pretty much a success until I went to recovery when they noticed I was bleeding out and rushed me back in to surgery to find the wires had clipped and artery. Well according to my wife 1 hour later they put me back together and kept me knocked out for 24 hours so my body could rest. 3 years later here I am with my beautiful and faithful dog enjoying the "snow bird" season down in Arizona. Life is precious and laugh is good today.
Sue Sanchez Grela Oh i love this Daryl ❤. Thank you for sharing with us beginning this journey! My AVR is March 1 s ... Read more
Sue Sanchez Grela Oh i love this Daryl ❤. Thank you for sharing with us beginning this journey! My AVR is March 1 so please pray for me and my family!
Hi Daryl , Thanks for sharing your experience with us. Glad your well sir. Pretty Terrifying about th ... Read more
Hi Daryl , Thanks for sharing your experience with us. Glad your well sir. Pretty Terrifying about the wires severing an Artery man...WOW!!! Glad they patched you up in time. Just curious as to how your sternum knitted back together as I noticed you were not pleased with the gap you could feel. How did that turn out for you and did it resolve on its own with time or what?? Thanks Daryl, Good Luck and God Bless!
Daryl McCallum Did quite well Keith....I was very careful the first year but since, I can do anything. I play golf ... Read more
Daryl McCallum Did quite well Keith....I was very careful the first year but since, I can do anything. I play golf allot and that doesn't bother me at all, but I won't lie, as there are certain things that will irritate it, but I just use the heating pad in the evening and all is well. I always have my cardiologist check it every 6 months for broken wires.
Bonnie Stone-Hope Great success story, but WOW, clipping an artery.....your family must have been SO worried!
I have noticed recently that my chest has shrunk in a tad bit and I can feel the gap which I don't like. I talked with my chiropractor and he has given me ...Read more
I have noticed recently that my chest has shrunk in a tad bit and I can feel the gap which I don't like. I talked with my chiropractor and he has given me exercises and stretching that might help. Has anyone else had the same gap? I also still have pain in my sternum after doing heavy work.
Well its been awhile since I checked in as we have been busy catching up on chores I couldn't do a year ago or so. Day by day I feel better and take care of ...Read more
Well its been awhile since I checked in as we have been busy catching up on chores I couldn't do a year ago or so. Day by day I feel better and take care of this new life that was given to me. we still do our walks pretty much daily, but we do miss a day or two. Right now we're in the process of rebuilding our massive deck (1600 sq. ft.) and the only thing I find is this beat up body gets pretty sore but my stamina is outstanding. I still notice the pain in my sternum if I lift to much but its nothing that a heating pad won't fix in the evenings.
For those of you that are just starting this journey of recovery, I wish you the best and also once you get home or you are home post 5 days, the days will get better. For me there were good days and bad........I think the worst was the constipation. But my smart surgeon took care of that quickly with some type of liquid (I can't remember the name).
I must say I feel great at 64 years old. I think the new valve took 10 years of my looks as when I ask for senior rates I get carded. HAVE A GREAT DAY MY FELLOW ZIPPER FRIENDS.
Terrie Syvertsen Daryl- Great updated post and congrats on your anniversary too. I just had my 1 yr. anniversary in Au ... Read more
Terrie Syvertsen Daryl- Great updated post and congrats on your anniversary too. I just had my 1 yr. anniversary in Aug. Feels good, doesn't it?! I also still feel pain in my sternum if lifting too much but won't complain when I know I am to fault for working it too much! You look younger than 64 in your photo, I am 66 and after chasing our new puppy "Rylee" around all day feel every year of it! Ha.......My husband and I also have been playing catch up with chores for the same reasons.....It feels so good to accomplish anything and everything that just couldn't get done while recovering, doesn't it! Happy for you both and continued healing and enjoying life. Take care!
Jean Raber I want to thank everybody on here who has mentioned constipation, one of the absolute worst parts of ... Read more
Jean Raber I want to thank everybody on here who has mentioned constipation, one of the absolute worst parts of major surgery. After my C-section, I was ready to resort to blasting caps, and I have always mentioned to doctors that I really never want to be in that type of situation again, even if they have to break out the colonoscopy prep meds.
Terrie Syvertsen Know what you mean Jean. After my Hysterectomy in 1989 I was told I couldn't leave the hospital until ... Read more
Terrie Syvertsen Know what you mean Jean. After my Hysterectomy in 1989 I was told I couldn't leave the hospital until I had a BM. For one solid day while sharing a room with two other people I proceeded to pass loud, obnoxious gas and felt that success was nearing. All in the room including visitors were praying for my success. I in fact got up and left for the bathroom and from there took the emergency button in hand and buzzed the nurses station saying "WE HAVE LIFT OFF!" They checked me out happily that afternoon. I know there are dozens of you out there saying" Thank you for sharing". Have a good night.
Jean Raber Terrie, all part of life. If you can't laugh about it, you're done for. Hope everyone has a great Lab ... Read more
Jean Raber Terrie, all part of life. If you can't laugh about it, you're done for. Hope everyone has a great Labor Day with much "regularity."
Good After noon all........I'm PO 1 year the 16th of this month and doing OK. But last night I guess I might have had a panic attack....whew it was weird. ...Read more
Good After noon all........I'm PO 1 year the 16th of this month and doing OK. But last night I guess I might have had a panic attack....whew it was weird. Blood pressure was good and pulse was also good but the sensation that went through my body was like a minor electrocution, as it started up my legs and all they way up to my head. I feel OK now but that was the weirdest feeling I have had since before my surgery. Has anyone else had these feelings?
Rodrigo Ponce I dare say, and state the obvious, that you're alive, ergo, you have emotions, in this case happiness ... Read more
Rodrigo Ponce I dare say, and state the obvious, that you're alive, ergo, you have emotions, in this case happiness which as you know is cause for excitement.
I'm 3 weeks post-op today, and I do feel my hear beat stronger than ever, which to me is perfectly normal since it is getting better.
But we have the responsibility to ourselves to be wary about our hearts and overall health.
Well we're working on 10 months post op and feeling good. Doing my 3 to 5 miles daily with no problems at all. Still having problems with post op dizziness ...Read more
Well we're working on 10 months post op and feeling good. Doing my 3 to 5 miles daily with no problems at all. Still having problems with post op dizziness while driving and have been seeing a slew of doctors to figure out what is going on. They all feel it's related to the valve replacement but they can't put a finger on it yet. Going into physical demands slowly as I still have pain in my sternum area. Missing playing golf and I tried to lift some weights at the gym (very light) but still had pain. My doc advised me that the pain can last for at least a year or more.....oh boy. Otherwise its day by day
Bob M I pray that your doctors will solve your final recovery challenges
Jim Kelly-Evans Hope you can resolve your recovery difficulties. Best wishes.
Joseph Ballett If you don't mind , what is the pain like in your sternum, does it like pop on you. I have a physical ... Read more
Joseph Ballett If you don't mind , what is the pain like in your sternum, does it like pop on you. I have a physical job and i wonder about this .
Adam Pick Fyi, I'm 9 years out from surgery and still get some incision irritation every once in a while. For m ... Read more
Adam Pick Fyi, I'm 9 years out from surgery and still get some incision irritation every once in a while. For me, I've found that exercise and stretching really helps my chest feel better. Do you stretch much?
Daryl McCallum Joe, its a dull pain when I do anything that I need to put strength into it. Its getting better but ... Read more
Daryl McCallum Joe, its a dull pain when I do anything that I need to put strength into it. Its getting better but very irritating at times. I use a heating pad to reduce the pain..Try to stay away from meds if possible because I take to many already. Like Adam states, try some good stretching does help.
Looks like we'll be joining the snow bird list. Up here in the Pac NW it was a great summer but now the rains have taken over. Walking on a tread mill is ...Read more
Looks like we'll be joining the snow bird list. Up here in the Pac NW it was a great summer but now the rains have taken over. Walking on a tread mill is so boring at the gym even with music. Its hard to get my 5 miles in as I do outside. Still having problems with the dizzy spells and chest pain when using my upper body to lift anything even at post 6 months. My cardiologist wants to put a monitor on me to check things out but my BP has been outstanding since the valve replacement.
What do you suppose is going on? Are you on strong meds? Bob O.
Well its been six months since my surgery and at this time 6 months ago I was sound asleep in ICU with my sweet wife next to me. I remember waking up once ...Read more
Well its been six months since my surgery and at this time 6 months ago I was sound asleep in ICU with my sweet wife next to me. I remember waking up once and seeing her and my nurse and the pain meds kicked in real quickly. I had the privilege of being opened up twice as when wiring me up they nicked and artery and didn't know it right away so while in recovery my very alert nurse seen that I was bleeding out and called the team back in to fix the problem...oh boy cracked twice in a day....It was pretty crazy my wife said and scarred the poo out of her. So six months ago today it happened....day 2 tomorrow.
Daryl McCallum Day 2 post 6 months wasn't much different except I was moved to my room. I was pretty alert as I tol ... Read more
Daryl McCallum Day 2 post 6 months wasn't much different except I was moved to my room. I was pretty alert as I told the nurse that I wanted to sit and stay in my recliner. After they settled me in it was pretty much lay there with your wires attached and sucking on ice cubes. I was pretty much inand out thru the day. Had visits from the surgery team and the family, but I couldn't speak to well as my throat was sore from the tube they inserted during surgery. My nurse team was awesome and very caring. They told me to me prepared to take a walk the following morning.....thinking to myself not a problem.....ha ha
Daryl McCallum Well I lost a couple of days but day 3 was not unusal, wire pulled (went into AFIB for a couple of mi ... Read more
Daryl McCallum Well I lost a couple of days but day 3 was not unusal, wire pulled (went into AFIB for a couple of minutes), tubes pulled and still sitting and sleeping in recliner. I couldn't lay down as my hear would start racing. Went for a walk and listened to the rehab staff talk how I will get out if I walk and do some stairs. Had some great nurses that kept the pain level down to a 4 or 5. Enjoyed visiting with my family as I went out and in sleeping.
Just recovering from the stomach flu and boy does that zap the energy right out of you. Only got a couple of miles today as I was just plain pooped out. Three ...Read more
Just recovering from the stomach flu and boy does that zap the energy right out of you. Only got a couple of miles today as I was just plain pooped out. Three days shy of 6 months post surgery and going well but now that the cold wet weather has invaded us, my body is sore. Still having issue's with the scar tissue in my sternum area but getting a little better. Still hold my chest when I have to sneeze as if not is does give me some pain.
Adam Pick Hi Daryl, Congrats on getting to 6 months! Like you my sternum was a little sore. Are you doing any f ... Read more
Adam Pick Hi Daryl, Congrats on getting to 6 months! Like you my sternum was a little sore. Are you doing any form of stretching to open up your chest? As strange as that sounds, it really helps me. Just a thought.
Daryl McCallum Yes everyday before my walk.....doc said it could take up to a year to clear up
Adam Pick So you know, I'm almost 9 years out from surgery and my incision still gets irritated sometimes. I've ... Read more
Adam Pick So you know, I'm almost 9 years out from surgery and my incision still gets irritated sometimes. I've thought about getting the wires out. But, at this point, I stretch every day to minimize the discomfort.
Daryl McCallum Yes I know what you mean and its been only six moths today for me. Besides the scar tissue issue I' ... Read more
Daryl McCallum Yes I know what you mean and its been only six moths today for me. Besides the scar tissue issue I'm suffering from dizziness so I can't drive and that means no work. Back to the cardiologist next week to see if he can shine some light on this dizziness.
Working on 6 months post surgery and doing well except for the driving which is a bummer for me. I can drive without any issue's slow (35 mph) but when I speed ...Read more
Working on 6 months post surgery and doing well except for the driving which is a bummer for me. I can drive without any issue's slow (35 mph) but when I speed up I get dizzy. Setting up appointments with MD and cardiologists to figure if it meds or something else.
Virginia (Ginger) French Dary, as a person who has had vertigo from a traumatic brain injury as well as from post-valve-surger ... Read more
Virginia (Ginger) French Dary, as a person who has had vertigo from a traumatic brain injury as well as from post-valve-surgery medications, I know how frustrating the dizziness you are dealing with can be. This may sound strange, but I have the same problems in the grocery store. A small store that does not have glaring lights and shelves that are not packed is usually okay. But when I get into a super store with bright lights and all kinds of brightly colored items packed in on the shelves, once in a while my vertigo triggers. My peripheral vision is picking up all of the items dressed up in fine advertising colors screaming at me. It is just too much sensory input. Often, as long as I do not try to whip through the store to get to the items I know I need and try to get out quickly, I am okay.
My first question to you would be: Are you still on medications that can lower your blood pressure. My vertigo greatly increased from the dose of metoprolol I was on. My blood pressure was too low to adequately oxygenate my brain. A visit to my family physician with a log of my daily blood pressures and heart rates allowed her to see that, indeed, my blood pressure was too low. Dose was cut in half and within four days I had major improvement.
Until you get in to see your docs, I suggest you start logging daily blood pressures taken at the same time every day. You may be having the dizziness triggered as you start to drive faster because you also are picking up more rapid changes in the scenery with your peripheral vision. It may be worth a try. Good luck, Ginger
Hi Dary! Let us know what your dr says. I'm also 6 months out and have similar dizziness issues but n ... Read more
Hi Dary! Let us know what your dr says. I'm also 6 months out and have similar dizziness issues but not on any meds and b/p not low and dr says all looks good so just keep an eye on it. I would be very interested if your dr comes up with a solution . It's very frustrating I know!! Best to you, Lynn
Daryl McCallum I will pass on anything that I can gather. At this point in time this problem has stopped me from go ... Read more
Daryl McCallum I will pass on anything that I can gather. At this point in time this problem has stopped me from going back to work as my travels take me on the interstates to get to my jobs and or the airport (couldn't imagine flying now) and with all of those crazy drivers I don't want to add to the mix. Very frustrating to say the least.
Daryl McCallum Ok went to the doc and she cut my blood pressure meds back......BP remains good but the dizziness is ... Read more
Daryl McCallum Ok went to the doc and she cut my blood pressure meds back......BP remains good but the dizziness is still hanging around. Next appt is with cardiologist and neurologist. If this doesn;t shine some light it looks like early retirement.....really not ready for that quite yet.
The last couple of days seemed to be very tiring. I sometimes do more than I should around the house as I have some problems with scar tissue in my sternum ...Read more
The last couple of days seemed to be very tiring. I sometimes do more than I should around the house as I have some problems with scar tissue in my sternum area. At the end of the day the pain can range from a 5 to a 7 and I need to take ibuprofen. Doc says it can take up to a year for this to dissipate....(Grrr) heat seems to help as needed also. Just tired and wore out the last couple of days, I guest that is natural. I only walked 2 miles the last 3 days when I have been doing 5. Anyone else having the same problem??
Working on month 5 as of the 15th of this month. Feeling great and I sometimes have to remind myself its only been 5 months as I sometimes forget when it comes ...Read more
Working on month 5 as of the 15th of this month. Feeling great and I sometimes have to remind myself its only been 5 months as I sometimes forget when it comes to chores around the farm here.
The reason I came on here is my wife's friends needs a new aortic valve and is very stressed and I talked her out of it and gave her this blog so she can express her fears. I told her that this was a great site to express herself because allot of us have been there and done it. She has advised my wife that she will get on.
To all of my zipper friends I say hi and hope all is well with you all. For those who are waiting and or just had your surgery....Good speed, and day by day its get better.