Diane's Journal

Marie Myers  My upper back muscles felt achy and tired post op. They still occasionally get achy, but since I started cardiac rehab, things seem to be getting better. I am 6 weeks post AVR and aneurysm resection. 2 ibuprofen makes it all better for me.

David Barton  I'm 5 weeks post AVR, and am a Cardiac Rehab nurse. Make sure you start cardiac rehab and ask them for upper body Theraband exercises. Start with just the movement for a few weeks, then use the bands. If they are not familiar with it, one session of physical therapy can get you set up.

Diane Zeigler  Lila, why did I think you live in Spartanburg? We definitely need to get together. I was not able to do anything when I was only 13 days post op. If I can do anything for you. please let me know. I am out of town until Sunday. Call me at 864-979-4996.
Debbie, same goes for you. Please give me a call so we can get together.

Phyllis Petersen  That's rough. Part of why most of us can't wait to get surgery over with is so we can get our energy back, but I have heard that it can take a year for the body to fully recover from major surgery. Are we heart valve surgery patients just more impatient than others? I hope you keep progressing to more energy. Don't be afraid to ask your doctor if this is normal.

Rita Savelis  I was exhausted for a very long time (maybe a year). My doctors said it would be very long and it was. At least it was reassuring to know in advance. Energy comes back slowly and your whole system has been traumatised. Give yourself the time to heal. Be kind to your body.
It's not a problem, it's just the reality of the beast.
Everyone's recovery is personal, but I am still astounded by those who claim to be back to "normal" quickly. Can that really be?
Again, I was very glad that my doctors were truly honest with me about recovery time and how very very long it can be. That doesn't mean you aren't functioning and working and getting on with life, it just means you tire more easily and need to go easy on yourself and accept that tiredness, rather than feel that you are doing something wrong or that you are abnormal.
Take care.

Sophia Ridley  I'm nearly a year post op. I have days of exhaustion still now but they are lessening. Although I have meds and conscious of my beat (ectopics and AF), I can forget I'm a heart patient but that's only been recently. Look to 6mths as a marker, 4mths I returned to work but was only doing a couple of days a week. Just getting back into normal routine is exhausting.

At 3mths your sternum will be fused but you have been through so much that your body will take time. You will be doing more and more, reflect on what you can do now when compared to a fortnight ago, rather than what you can't do. If you can, continue with rehab. It will come.

Diane Zeigler  Thanks to all of you for the encouragement and information. I am a little surprised when people say how much more energy they have after just a few weeks post op. I will give myself more time and know that in the future things will get better.

Corey Sines  Are you on any heart meds? Have you followed up with docs about it? There are a multitude of things that can impact you and make your feel tired (Anemic, Low Vitamin levels, Thyroid, etc.).

Diane Zeigler  I was slightly anemic and that was addressed. I do take my vitamins and also have blood work frequently. Nothing has shown up. I think it just may take time. I am doing well overall.

Phyllis Petersen  Sorry to hear you're still having a hard time. Have you checked with your cardio people to make sure this is expected?

Lilly Black  It gets better Diane. But for me I had to work really hard to get there. Today if I don't walk or skip a couple of days I feel more tired. My situation was different but nonetheless if you don't feel you are progressing then you have to find out what is going on. There are good days and less good days but there are never any bad days. That's key for me. I hope this helps.

Peggy Whitecotton  I hear and understand exactly what you are saying. I remember at 3 months of getting so tired and at times get so discouraged. My surgeon told me that the surgery itself would take about 2 to 3 months to heal, however, he said the heart itself would take up to 9 months to a year for a complete healing and the heart to return to the normal size. Most important is the heart has to go through a remodeling phrase, it actually has to relearn how to use your new valve. Our new hearts are really a miracle... I started feeling good about 6 months, at 9 months I felt so good that I thought I was 100% healed. But now at 14 months I realize I wasn't quite there yet because now I feel better than I have felt in years. I went about 12 years with heart symptoms I thought was caused by my age or weight. I am 75 and feel like I'm 45. Hang in there, you will make It, be patience and remember that heart surgery takes a tremendous stress on your body.. It is a hard surgery...

Lilly Black  Peggy, I'm right there with you. I am 65 and I feel like 45 too. I have never had a good valve so having this new valve, 23MM Edwards Lifesciences valve, is awesome....I'm so grateful!

Corey Sines  If physically your is heart is fine now, perhaps seek a naturopathic doctor, perhaps they can help provide some relief of your exhaustion.

Joshua Trimberger  It sounds like you just have a bad rehab place. My rehab consists of heart, weight, BP monitoring every time (They take my BP 3x a visit (before, during, & after)). They also set my workout. Im on my 20th session out of 36 and they have ratcheted it up every time to increase the speed/duration/incline/and intensity of the treadmill and bike. They even require that i give each event a rating as to how much effort I had to put into the event. Maybe talk to a supervisor or see about transferring to another rehab center. The mandatory education class they made me attend as well gave statistics that rehab makes a significant difference in helping to curb re-admitance and prevent further incidences leading to more heart issues. Rehab is designed so that they give you a work out program that is set to recover your strength and stamina and get you to a better place then you were before rehab. At least you are getting some of a work out but you probably aren't pushing yourself like you would be with a more supervised workout plan as opposed to the minimally supervised plan you have encountered.

Nap Garcia  I'm in my last two weeks of a 10-week cardio rehab program. I was skeptical at first because I exercised on my own prior to surgery. But I found rehab beneficial because it brought me back to some form of routine, exercising in the morning like I used to, but most importantly doing it within a controlled environment where my heart rate and blood pressure is monitored by physical therapists or nurses. You get out of rehab what you put into it. My therapist said I need to progress to the point where you are pushing yourself so you feel you're doing work, but not to the point you're hurting yourself. I didn't realize how much surgery weakened me, starting off with just 2 then 5 lbs. weight then I jumped 6-8 lbs. before I graduated to 20-25 lbs on weight machines, but before surgery I was lifting anywhere from 65 to over 100 lbs. depending on the machine. But that's only the weights. On cardio, I do 25 minutes on the treadmill, 10 minutes on elliptical and 10 minutes on a rowing machine, plus 10 minutes of weights. That's a lot as I near the end of my rehab, but I plan to use it as a launching point to get back to where I was prior to surgery, but this time with a repaired heart.

Diane Zeigler  I think it was about 8 weeks post op. Thanks, Nap and Garcia, for you input. Not quite sure what to do, but I could transfer to a nearer hospital. Hopefully, it might be better.

Joshua Trimberger  I started rehab 3 weeks after surgery. they said that was a bit early but it got me back on my feet very quickly. I had some rough days but I am glad I started early.

Darlene Smith  Diane, I was told I didn't need rehab and didn't bother to ask why. But I did have a PT come to my house a couple times to get me going and help me not be afraid to use my heart. I'm exercising on my own with a HR monitor and I have a BP cuff to take my BP whenever I feel like knowing what it is. I'm 11 weeks post op as of today and I feel great.

Rose Hill  maybe you need to find another rehab ..... I went for 6 weeks and had to stop last week before my last 3 weeks because of the gas it took me to drive 50 miles one way three times a week ... we worked out for around 45 minutes and they took your bp after every two machines you had a cool down of a few minutes between each machine and you did six machines ........the days I didn't go to rehab I walk 26 blocks I'm a heart patient that will have to walk everyday for the rest of my life but that will be a small price to pay to live ... good luck

Diane Zeigler  Thank you to everyone for your advise, etc. I missed going again today because we are out of town. Not sure what I am going to do.

Phyllis Petersen  It's good to hear that you are doing well. I'm wondering too, although I haven't had surgery yet, about baths and hot tubs after. As for exercise, you need to find something you can enjoy. Walking in a park rather than on a machine maybe. I find dance-based exercise to be the best cardio for me, but I don't know what strictures you have at this time. At the gym, I usually use the elliptical, because I can get the most bang for the time. I'm all about getting the most out of the least amount of time.

Ellen Leng  Glad you're feeling well. I'm interested in the answers as well, have a hot tub!
As to feeling better about exercising, I agree about getting outside, maybe walking with a friend. AND, think about how much your exercise has contributed to you feeling better now and will continue to keep you feeling good in the future

Diane Zeigler  Thanks, Phyllis and Ellen. I have not exercised at all except at the cardio rehab where I am monitored. I think now that it is getting a little cooler, walking outside might be a good idea.

Catie B  Diane, I hope it gets easier for you. I've always hated exercise, too. But I like the outdoors, so in temperate weather, walking outside can be pleasant. I've just had to take myself by the ear and reinforce to my own heart and mind that my life is at stake. Walking last year helped me lose weight. The times I managed 5 miles, I was able to sleep better, which was a help. Can you get some MP3 music you like, to sweeten your time in motion?

Barbara Laurie  Diane, I'm guessing a big no to a hot tub just yet. But hey, just call your doctor to ask😉 The bump DOES go away😄Maybe in a couple more weeks. Mine was gone for sure at week 14-15, and yet it was sensitive. THEN my new puppy 🐶 loves to stomp n that very spot!
I was never a big exerciser, now, since I can barely walk, I think stair stepping is my favorite. Helps with my feet pain, and yet I get a work out of sorts. I also have tried baby dumbells to exercise my arms and I lie on my bed and do leg lefts! I walk 5 minutes a day..my new record, with my walker, and oxygen tank. 😄
So glad you're improving! God Bless hon❤️

Peggy Whitecotton  I was told no hot tub because it raises blood pressure and would affect my heart rhythm. But everybody's different so I would ask your doctor

Darlene Smith  Diane, I was told I didn't need cardiac rehab, but I did go out and buy a heart rate monitor. I use it religiously when I walk outside and it really helps. When I see my HR going up a little too much, I just slow it down a bit to keep it in the range I am comfortable with right now. I usually end up wearing the thing all around the house even when I'm not walking, and its nice to see that my resting HR is going down nicely since my surgery (about 10 weeks ago).

Sue Pluta  So happy I found these comments as I am 8 weeks post-op and thought I'd be better than I am. Haven't started any cardiologist rehab yet and kind of dread it because I do not feel up to it. I try going into stores and walk but get winded and start sweating. My pain in the sternum area is still pretty bad and I don't know if that's normal. I put a sport bra on for support and then take it off when it bothers me. I feel as if I am not healed on the inside but because I look normal from the outside I am expected to do what I did before surgery. At what point do you really feel good? I feel like I am behind schedule....

Nancy Lewis  Thank you Diane. Going in tomorrow and it is truly amazing how kind people are. Appreciate all the notes and blessings.

Emily Rowley  Wishing you all the very best Nancy for your Mitral Valve Repair tomorrow. You are having what I had done due to Regurgitation, I know you will go well 🙂 We are all thinking of you 💞

Denise Campbell  the pharmacist would know as well as the nurse administrating it. I didn't know there was a different one for older people. I got mine in September too and it takes a week or so to build in your body.

Ellen Leng  Your doctor will know the order of the pneumonia vaccines. It is likely that you have already had one as you are over 60. Doc can also advise you on flu vaccine. You may just need another regular dose next month.

Catie B  It is great to hear how well you're doing, Diane! And that cardio rehab is helping much. Keep getting stronger!

Diane Zeigler  Thank you! I really do feel well. Now, if I can just control my appetite. I am hungry all the time. Any suggestions?

Catie B  While I was working on weight loss in the last year, I ate small meals and snacks very often instead of larger meals. Sometimes a handful of nuts, a boiled egg, some dried fruit, a salad. Depends on what you like and would feel satisfying.

Diane Zeigler  Thanks, Catie, for the suggestions. I have probably lost 500 pounds in my life by dieting and I just get fatter and fatter. I know the extra pounds are not good for my heart.

Diane Zeigler  I found her. Unfortunately, she has not posted today. Lise, if you read this, please let us know how you are feeling today. I care.

Amy Dorsey  Hi. She had the same surgery and the same surgeon I had about 4 weeks after me. Her name is Lise Bowles. We had a minimally invasive robotic procedure which we are both having a hard time recovering from. The surgeon was one of the top in the world and did an impeccable job. But the manipulation of the muscles and nerves and spreading of the ribs has proven quite painful and slow to heal from. I feel for her!!!

Diane Zeigler  Thanks, Amy. I am really concerned about her. She seems so desperate for help. I hope you are feeling better. Keep in touch.

Corey Sines  Lol, its an awesome feeling when you are feeling as good or better than you did before surgery, you have turned a page in your recovery! Remember to eat heart healthy, but indulge every once in awhile ;-)

Rita Savelis  Yes, it all takes a lot of time. There are so many side effects (dry mouth, loss of appetite...). It's normal to be impatient. We expect so much from this surgery. Five weeks is still early. Depression is common. There is pre-surgery anxiety, folllowed by post-surgery anxiety. There is a lot to process. I'm sorry you had to go through this, but you are not responsible for your "progress". Your body needs time to heal, your psyche needs time to heal. Even people who were active and thin can have a long recovery. One day at a time. Take care, Diane.

Janette Rehua  Be kind to yourself Diane. Im still waiting for surgery and have done as much walking as I can and lots of praying and reading. See if you cna get your hands on the book The Secret was a big help for me

Rita Savelis  A lot of times we focus on surgery itself, and don't give ourselves the time to focus on recovery afterwards. We so desperately want to be "okay" for ourselves, for our family. Even if we do everything "right", it still takes time. So m uch of it is out of your control. We'd like to believe we have more of that control. My post surgery self (15 months later) is nothing like my pre-surgery self. It took a long time to heal into a different reality. One day at a time. A few steps forward, some steps back. The path is not linear. Time varies a lot between patients. My best to you.

Diane Zeigler  Thank you, Rita and Janette, for your encouraging words. Things are actually much better now. I saw my cardiologist Thursday and it was a very positive visit. He took me off the dreaded Amiodarone and all blood pressure medicine. Now I am just taking a baby aspirin and my Crestor. I went out to lunch today with old friends. Things are looking up! Isn't it interesting how things can change in just a few days?

Diane Zeigler  Today is six weeks since my surgery and things have really changed for the better! I have been given the okay to drive, been taken off Amiodarone (yeah), am getting my normal appetite and taste back, had a great appointment with my cardiologist. Things aren't perfect, of course. I still have very little stamina, some fluid retention in feet and ankles, etc. Overall, life is pretty good and I am so grateful!

Janette Rehua  Diane you are an inspiration to me and I sure others who are still facing their surgeries keep doing well x

Diane Zeigler  It has been a little over 7 weeks since my surgery and I am basically doing well. I am a little disappointed in how long it is taking me to get my stamina back. I get so tired and have to rest often. Today I had lunch with an uncle who had the exact same surgery (two bypasses and aortic valve replaced) five years ago when he was nine years older than I am now. He had none of the problems I have in regaining strength. Is something wrong or do other people take this long to get stronger?

Rita Savelis  Everyone is different. It took me a long time (over 6 months) to get my stamina back. That doesn't mean I wasn't working and doing things, but I got tired ALL the time. Everyone is different. Comparisons don't work because we each have a singular recovery. Take care Diane.

Diane Zeigler  Yes, you are right, Rita. We all heal at different rates. I am really feeling encouraged now. Thank you for your encouragement, Rita.