I want to thank everyone who wished me well for my surgery. I went into this very positive with my choices with a great surgeon and hospital. Surgery went ...Read more
I want to thank everyone who wished me well for my surgery. I went into this very positive with my choices with a great surgeon and hospital. Surgery went surprisingly well, but went into A FIB after I got home. That journey led to two visits to the ER with hospital stays for each plus I needed Cardiac Version to get my heart pumping normally. The other freaky condition is that I developed Transient Global Amnesia. Definitely not harmful, but I lost about two weeks including my surgery. When I had no recollection of surgery, I felt no pain. As my memory started to return and I saw my incision, then the pain swooped in. I don't know if this helped me deal with all the physical trauma, but it's definitely interesting how the brain/body work to help cope. I won't sugar coat this. Definitely the most difficult experience of my life. Not to be morbid, but this was the first time in my life that I ever conceived that death could possibly be a reality. I came home with a slew of meds, major pain and a foggy memory. Each day gets a little better and one of my lessons is to be patient with myself. Although I loved reading about how well some felt after surgery and that some had energy and increased physical activity. What I've learned is that we all heal differently and my path is just that...my path. I have a great support group to help me feel nurtured and loved. Next week I see the surgeon. I think I'll pass with flying colors!!
P.S. I'm still learning to navigate this site and someone wanted to connect. I'm happy to connect with anyone who may feel it's helpful. david.castro415@yahoo.com
Susan Lynn Wow, David! Sorry to hear about the challenges you've had. I can only imagine how frightening it ... Read more
Susan Lynn Wow, David! Sorry to hear about the challenges you've had. I can only imagine how frightening it must have been. It sounds like you are making great progress now. Stay positive - despite the length of this road, it will be worth it when you get to full recovery. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers!
Marie Myers Sorry you had some bumps in the road to recovery. I would agree with you that the surgery was the mos ... Read more
Marie Myers Sorry you had some bumps in the road to recovery. I would agree with you that the surgery was the most difficult experience of my life, even though mine was without major complications. It is just such a huge surgery, that it does change you a bit. And recovery is a slow, subtle process. Wishing you a smooth way from here on out!
Sue Tom Hi David, sorry to hear of your challenges after surgery. Sending you more best wishes for a smooth ... Read more
Sue Tom Hi David, sorry to hear of your challenges after surgery. Sending you more best wishes for a smooth recovery from here on. I do not have a surgery date yet, possibly with Dr. Castro, but your posting gives me positive thoughts about each of our own recovery pathway. Thank you.
Bill Gillam David, did you ever have afib prior to your surgery?
Rose Madura You've sure been through a lot! I too had some scares and was readmitted four times for eithrrr Afib ... Read more
Rose Madura You've sure been through a lot! I too had some scares and was readmitted four times for eithrrr Afib, Aflutter or lung issues. I know the feeling you had when you have the thought that "I might not make it." This journey has been the hardest thing to go through. May the rest of your recovery be uneventful. Keep us posted.
Steven Methot Wow, what a journey! Thanks for sharing your story with us. I couldn't help but think though of the ... Read more
Steven Methot Wow, what a journey! Thanks for sharing your story with us. I couldn't help but think though of the story my Dad used to tell when he got to be our age (I am just a few months younger than you). He'd say that memory was the second thing to go... When asked what the first one was he'd say he didn't remember.
I am sure that the amnesia must have terrified you once you realized what you had come through. I like the word "transient". Like the pain and the complications I hope that you can say "this too shall pass".
Chris Purvis David what a journey for sure. Sounds like your improving and that’s all that matters. Someone pos ... Read more
Chris Purvis David what a journey for sure. Sounds like your improving and that’s all that matters. Someone posted the other day that time does heal and it does. Before you know it you’ll be back to normal and all of this will be over. Good to hear from you man!
I am sure that the amnesia must have terrified you once you realized what you had come through. I like the word "transient". Like the pain and the complications I hope that you can say "this too shall pass".