I'm 5 months out. The surgeon fixed my sternum with a titanium plate and 8 screws, along with the two sets of wire.. I was high-risk, because I have ehler-danlos, ...Read more
I'm 5 months out. The surgeon fixed my sternum with a titanium plate and 8 screws, along with the two sets of wire.. I was high-risk, because I have ehler-danlos, and my tissue tends to stretch and tear. Now that the swelling is gone from my sternum, I can feel the hardware and the screws, and the skin and tissue over the hardware is very sensitive. Does anyone else here have hardware installed? I take ballet classes, and I notice the hardware primarily during ballet class when I'm stretching.
@Paulrose, My resting heart rate is still in the 90's, and it's in the 70's with metroprolol.
I am still feeling the ups and downs, but most of them are up's. I am still frustrated in ballet, starting over again. I had breast cancer in 2011, so this is the second time I'm starting over in ballet. But I'm staying positive and enjoying life!
Tammy Pilcher Hi Donna, I have sternal wires instead, but will keep you in my prayers for things to get better with ... Read more
Tammy Pilcher Hi Donna, I have sternal wires instead, but will keep you in my prayers for things to get better with time and healing. You have a great attitude and that will help you so much. God bless heart sister!
Daniel Spurgeon Donna, I can feel my wires if I push on my chest with my fingers.
Paul Rose
Hi Donna, I have sternal wires and after three plus years, yes I can still feel them and over time ... Read more
Paul Rose
Hi Donna, I have sternal wires and after three plus years, yes I can still feel them and over time they have become much less sensitive. I still can feel them and they are only occasionally uncomfortable. On the HR side I was retentive on taking my resting HR first thing every morning for the first two years or so (sad I know!, but since it got down into the 50's I'm much more relaxed about it😎). I have just parsed back through an iPad app that I used to log my vitals every morning and night, after 6 months my average Resting HR (prone first thing in morning) was still around 80, I was hitting the gym pretty hard and was moved off ACE and Beta blockers (due to my BP 90/60 ish) The BP was dropping due to excercise and the meds, so they weaned me off of the meds. After 9 months my HR dropped to ~70. After I started running 2years ago using the couch to 5K programme my HR continued to drop and now 3 years post surgery and following more running plans its around 51 and my BP IS "normal" 😎
So the short version, it's still going to take some time but it will get better but it certainly takes hard work. easy for me to say now is don't get too frustrated and it helps I f you can get an excercise program that you enjoy and suits you. It sounds as if ballet covers some of that, me it's running 🏃 And had to start again from scratch too.
There have been plenty of emotional ups and downs, but the roller coaster gets easier to ride Good luck and keep enjoying life 👍🏿
Paul
Donna Gavin @Paul, I used to run but had to stop when the regurgitation made it hard to breathe. I am worried abo ... Read more
Donna Gavin @Paul, I used to run but had to stop when the regurgitation made it hard to breathe. I am worried about starting back up with my high pulse. I'd like to start slow, but I don't know where to begin. Let me know more about the couch to 5k program.
Paul Rose Hi Donna,
Starting slow is definitely the way to go. I didn't start until I was around 5-6 months ... Read more
Paul Rose Hi Donna,
Starting slow is definitely the way to go. I didn't start until I was around 5-6 months post op.
Here's a C25K program that can be downloaded to your phone http://c25kfree.com It starts with nice and easy walk/runs and slowly builds you up
As for your pulse you can wear a Heart Rate Monitor and manage your exertion levels to keep your HR nicely under control. When I started the Cardio Rehab team tried to keep my excercise HR around 130 (when still on meds) it now peaks at 190 if I'm doing really all out sprints up tough hill runs. 😱 (Bearing in mind my Cardiologist has given me the all clear to do any thing and my heart now is "as good as new".) On a normal run it averages 150 and peaks around 170
Most HRMs link to a watch when running, you can pick them up fairly Inexpensively, I used one to start with but have since graduated to a Garmin Forerunner 220 which gives me a boatload of metrics on my run (distance, route followed, HR, Cadence, stride length, personal bests etc ) it also has HR zones that I have set and it notifies me with a beep and vibration if I'm out of my desired (programmed) zones 😎
I also joined a running site called therunningbug where i get lots of support from likeminded runners (most are UK based but there are plenty in the US too)
I'm 5 weeks out from my surgery today. I had a mitral valve repair, where the surgeon implanted two sets of chords, and also a ring. The surgery went well. ...Read more
I'm 5 weeks out from my surgery today. I had a mitral valve repair, where the surgeon implanted two sets of chords, and also a ring. The surgery went well. I had a full sternotomy, with a metal plate, 8 screws, and some wire to hold me back in place. I have Ehler-Danlos, and it causes my skin and tissue to tear. The surgeon was worried that the wire alone would not be enough.
I'm having quite a bit of neck and shoulder pain that comes and goes. At cardiac rehab yesterday, the nurse had me use 2 - 1# weights and do some curls and butterflies, really simple stuff. Man am I feeling it today, but just in the shoulders/neck. Weird.
I've been fighting an upper respiratory infection since week 1 that is kicking my butt. I've had a low grade fever on and off since. It goes away for a couple of days, and then it returns, usually with the shoulder pain and a high pulse. The doctor took me off of the beta blocker a week ago because my blood pressure was really low - 87/53 and I was really tired. Now I have more energy, but my pulse is always in the 90 - 100's. But hey, I'm alive, and hopefully will be around for another 40 years or so, thanks to my surgeon.
I am a little frustrated at how long it is taking me to heal. Everything is so heavy - doors, windows, even my laptop. I am on a 10 pound weight lifting limit for another 3 weeks. A gallon of milk weighs about 8.6 pounds. So it's been an adjustment asking people for help. I am also on coumadin for another 2 months. So I am very wary of cutting stuff up. So far, so good, I haven't bled to death :-)
I am grateful that I was able to save a little money so I don't have to work this summer. I teach, and I usually teach summer classes. I live with my two grown children who are sometimes helpful, and sometimes not. I am grateful that I have friends and family that help out when I need it. My family is 200 miles away, and my sister drove up here 3 times in the last month to be with me after surgery, and take me to her house and took care of me.
Donna
Lora Lee Peterson Donna, you sounds like you are doing pretty well, except for that frustration, which I am sensing is ... Read more
Lora Lee Peterson Donna, you sounds like you are doing pretty well, except for that frustration, which I am sensing is the word of the day in the healing process. I will pray that you will turn a corner, and all will be well!
Tammy Pilcher Prayers and best wishes for continued healing, Donna! God bless!
W. Carter Take it slow and don't over-do anything. Just about the time that you quit obsessing (about 6 mo. pos ... Read more
W. Carter Take it slow and don't over-do anything. Just about the time that you quit obsessing (about 6 mo. post) over recovery it will all be gone but maybe an occasional pain here and there. It just takes longer than most people think to get back to normal after major surgery such as this. God bless!
Paul Rose Echo @Carter, take it easy. you have had major surgery and it does take a lot longer than they tell ... Read more
Paul Rose Echo @Carter, take it easy. you have had major surgery and it does take a lot longer than they tell you to fully recover. The good news is that you are already 5weeks down the path and things will just keep getting better 😀. there will be lots of emotional ups and downs along the way, but the ups end up winning 😎. Don't feel the need to push too hard too quickly, your heart and chest has had a big trauma and needs time to recover and remodel. The aches will subside, although it doesn't feel like that at the time - and it's OK to take the pain killers. If your in pain you tend to tense up the muscles which makes you ache more and then be more tired.
I had very similar surgery 3years ago and am also a runner. My HR and BP post surgery was close to yours and is now resting at 56 and ~120/80 and I'm very healthy and off all mends apart from a mini aspirin! You will improve over time.
Keep an eye on the pesky respiratory infection and keep coughing. If it doesn't clear please see the Dr.
Good luck and keep up the great recovery path.
Tim Goff Hang in there Donna. The progress is not always as we would like, but keep walking, resting and heali ... Read more
Tim Goff Hang in there Donna. The progress is not always as we would like, but keep walking, resting and healing!
My mitral valve was repaired on June 10, with a ring and 2 new chords. He closed me up with some wire, and then a long bracket with 8 screws. I was intubated ...Read more
My mitral valve was repaired on June 10, with a ring and 2 new chords. He closed me up with some wire, and then a long bracket with 8 screws. I was intubated for 2 days, because of my oxygen levels. I took oxycodone with an anti nausea med on Friday and Saturday that made me exhausted. I tried extra strength tylenol on Sunday and have been off the opiod drugs ever since. Minimal pain! I'm walking around, reading, sitting in my chair, eating 4 meals a day (and second breakfast ). I feel great. I won't be trying any ballet moves for a few months, but I am about 80% better than I thought I'd be!
Donna
John Jones great news. I hope it continues to go well!!
Cheryl Batzing Great to hear Donna! I also have a ring & 2 new cords on my mitral valve as of December! Feel great! ... Read more
Cheryl Batzing Great to hear Donna! I also have a ring & 2 new cords on my mitral valve as of December! Feel great! Will pray for your continued healing.
Bob M Outstanding heart sister! God bless and rise up!
My mitral valve repair surgery is slated for June 11th, so I am a month out yet. It will be a full sternotomy. I find I have days that I'm fine, and other ...Read more
My mitral valve repair surgery is slated for June 11th, so I am a month out yet. It will be a full sternotomy. I find I have days that I'm fine, and other days that I'm crying and scared to death. What kinds of relaxation tools did you use to help you relax and not worry so much about open heart surgery?
Donna
Terry Shermeister Hi Donna: I'm one week out. It was not long ago when I was where you are. For me I exercise. Bike ... Read more
Terry Shermeister Hi Donna: I'm one week out. It was not long ago when I was where you are. For me I exercise. Bike, and swim and do yoga. I was just at the pre op yesterday and though I'm asymptomatic, the cardiac nurse practitioner feels that once I have the surgery I will do better, have more energy and in fact could be having symptoms. Ever since I met my surgeon, and his staff my anxiety has been reduced. For me I need to research, find out about the procedure, and surround myself with people that can support me. I've also found out that certain people I need to avoid. Those that say how sorry they are, or freak out themselves, or say "how can you need this when your in such good shape". It's very individual and there is no cook book way of being anxious. Hope that is somewhat helpful.
Hi Donna, I had mitral valve repair surgery with full sternotomy 9 weeks ago. First, be grateful that ... Read more
Hi Donna, I had mitral valve repair surgery with full sternotomy 9 weeks ago. First, be grateful that you can have a repair. Replacement is more complicated and has longer term repercussions. I had endocarditis and almost died so I was grateful to be alive and have the option of having the repair surgery :-)
Bryan
Donna Gavin Thanks, Terry. I just saw your profile. I am having the surgery at St. Mary's in Madison. I will be ... Read more
Donna Gavin Thanks, Terry. I just saw your profile. I am having the surgery at St. Mary's in Madison. I will be at St. Mary's for a CT scan and physical on May 20th. It looks like your surgery is coming up soon. Good luck to you! You will be in good hands, I will send you good thoughts. Please let me know how your surgery goes.
I have been on lisinopril for 10 years now, because 10 years my left ventricle was enlarged slightly. I was never given the impression that I'd need surgery, so it was a shock to hear it. I do get out of breath when I am in ballet class, after a set of jumps or going over choreography. I just figured it's because I'm 47 and I'm trying to keep up with teenagers!
Donna
Donna Gavin Thanks, Bryan. I have been told that if they can't get a good repair, they will replace the valve. ... Read more
Donna Gavin Thanks, Bryan. I have been told that if they can't get a good repair, they will replace the valve. I won't know until after the surgery is over. So I am hoping for the best!
Hello Donna, I had a similar situation with my mitral valve. I was told most likely it would be repl ... Read more
Hello Donna, I had a similar situation with my mitral valve. I was told most likely it would be replaced however the surgeon was able to repair it.
I was taught a relaxation method called safe place. When I began getting nervous I would relax myself by using this technique. Most times I was so relaxed I would fall asleep. It was a great help in reducing anxiety.
I recommend taking something to occupy yourself while in the hospital. The pain for me was minimal. I walked the halls every time I was up for it I felt better afterward. My quality of life has drastically improved. I was told at cleveland clinic valve repair patients generally see an immediate improvement.
I'll be sending positive thoughts your way!
If you have any questions regarding my experience reach out.
Jamie
Donna Gavin Thanks, Jamie. Do you have any references, like a book or web page, for the safe place relaxation tec ... Read more
Donna Gavin Thanks, Jamie. Do you have any references, like a book or web page, for the safe place relaxation technique? It sounds perfect!
Joan Forster Hi Donna, I had my mitral valve replacement six months ago. My second time around. The first time, ... Read more
Joan Forster Hi Donna, I had my mitral valve replacement six months ago. My second time around. The first time, 17 years ago, I had a massage about a week before the surgery and I highly recommend it. It really helped to calm me. Along with the new age music. Healing thoughts go with you.
Kenneth Cole Just do the things you normally do, say a few prayers for your team as I will also. Yes I think we a ... Read more
Kenneth Cole Just do the things you normally do, say a few prayers for your team as I will also. Yes I think we are all scared, but I can tell you it's better on the other side of surgery. I'm 6 weeks post op tomorrow June 9th. Feeling great. God bless you. Keep us posted heart sister.
Mary Ann Espelage Hi, Donna. I had aortic valve replacement surgery June 4, 2014. Before the surgery, I pictured myse ... Read more
Mary Ann Espelage Hi, Donna. I had aortic valve replacement surgery June 4, 2014. Before the surgery, I pictured myself opening my eyes after surgery and pronouncing to the world "I'm Alive!!! It made me laugh thinking about Frankenstein's monster. You will be fine. You'll be so happy it's fixed. By the way I remember saying that exact thing when I was out of surgery. Good luck and Happy Heart Birthday to you.
Terry Shermeister Well that month flew by in a hurry didn't it!! Good luck and a quick recovery and may healing though ... Read more
Terry Shermeister Well that month flew by in a hurry didn't it!! Good luck and a quick recovery and may healing thoughts and prayers. Tomorrow marks one month post-surgery for my mitral valve repair. I feel better each and every day, just as you will.
Good luck tomorrow. Sending you warm wishes.
Tim Goff Donna, relax and let the medical professionals do their job and soon you will be on the other side. I ... Read more
Tim Goff Donna, relax and let the medical professionals do their job and soon you will be on the other side. I'm 12 weeks out yesterday and so many here will help you on your journey.
Hi Donna, I have sternal wires and after three plus years, yes I can still feel them and over time ... Read more
Hi Donna, I have sternal wires and after three plus years, yes I can still feel them and over time they have become much less sensitive. I still can feel them and they are only occasionally uncomfortable. On the HR side I was retentive on taking my resting HR first thing every morning for the first two years or so (sad I know!, but since it got down into the 50's I'm much more relaxed about it😎). I have just parsed back through an iPad app that I used to log my vitals every morning and night, after 6 months my average Resting HR (prone first thing in morning) was still around 80, I was hitting the gym pretty hard and was moved off ACE and Beta blockers (due to my BP 90/60 ish) The BP was dropping due to excercise and the meds, so they weaned me off of the meds. After 9 months my HR dropped to ~70. After I started running 2years ago using the couch to 5K programme my HR continued to drop and now 3 years post surgery and following more running plans its around 51 and my BP IS "normal" 😎
So the short version, it's still going to take some time but it will get better but it certainly takes hard work. easy for me to say now is don't get too frustrated and it helps I f you can get an excercise program that you enjoy and suits you. It sounds as if ballet covers some of that, me it's running 🏃 And had to start again from scratch too.
There have been plenty of emotional ups and downs, but the roller coaster gets easier to ride Good luck and keep enjoying life 👍🏿
Paul
Starting slow is definitely the way to go. I didn't start until I was around 5-6 months ... Read more
Starting slow is definitely the way to go. I didn't start until I was around 5-6 months post op.
Here's a C25K program that can be downloaded to your phone http://c25kfree.com It starts with nice and easy walk/runs and slowly builds you up
As for your pulse you can wear a Heart Rate Monitor and manage your exertion levels to keep your HR nicely under control. When I started the Cardio Rehab team tried to keep my excercise HR around 130 (when still on meds) it now peaks at 190 if I'm doing really all out sprints up tough hill runs. 😱 (Bearing in mind my Cardiologist has given me the all clear to do any thing and my heart now is "as good as new".) On a normal run it averages 150 and peaks around 170
Most HRMs link to a watch when running, you can pick them up fairly Inexpensively, I used one to start with but have since graduated to a Garmin Forerunner 220 which gives me a boatload of metrics on my run (distance, route followed, HR, Cadence, stride length, personal bests etc ) it also has HR zones that I have set and it notifies me with a beep and vibration if I'm out of my desired (programmed) zones 😎
I also joined a running site called therunningbug where i get lots of support from likeminded runners (most are UK based but there are plenty in the US too)
Good luck and let me know how you get on
Paul