Erin's Journal

Mary Wagner  Hi Erin, I am almost 6 weeks post aneurysm surgery ( I already have a mechanical aortic valve, a pacemaker and arrythmia). I am a teacher too. I had planned to go back on April 25 but have delayed it until May 2. I am retiring this year after teaching 39 years of orchestra so this is breaking my heart! In did a student teaching observation today plus a 40 minute drive and even thosugh it was less than half a day - it wiped me out so I feel your angst. Don't know anything about the leg, sorry. Hang in there. You will feel like a new person soon!

susan kotansky  It's still so soon after surgery. Three months will be better...four months so much better...five months? forget about it...you'll almost forget you had surgery!!! Really, be patient with yourself and give your body the time it needs to heal. Then you can truly enjoy your students.

Lynee Casper  Cardiac Rehab is great, Erin. It builds confidence in just how much one can do physically, gives ideas as to how to get stronger, and for me, helps me measure progress regarding strength and endurance in everyday recovery. I am six weeks post op, and I admit, I'm impatient, wishing I could progress faster. Not there yet, but taking little steps, I guess. Best to you, as a recovery warrior!

Sophia Ridley  Concentrate on you. A fit and healthy you is much better for your students. I took 3 months and then returned on shorter days. I'm 5mths now and still utterly shattered. I'm looking forward to working from home tomorrow which I'm blessed I can do.
Do check your iron and vitamin b12 levels if suffering restless legs and getting the shakes.

Brian Stugart  Hi Erin. Thanks so much for your words to me! Wondering, did you go with mechanical valves or tissue? Still questions going on in my mind on this! Thanks, Brian

Brian Stugart  One thought on your post Erin --- Everyone is different of course. We all say this to ourselves, but can at times compare ourselves to others. I'd say what a good friend of mine told me yesterday that had heart surgery: Take all the time you need for your recovery. You're worth it! Take advantage and enjoy your "personal trainers" and learn from them. I am a man of "faith", and playing soft worship music day and night really speaks "Peace" to my spirit. Hope that helps.

Barry Kanick  Greetings Erin,,,,,,,,,,,Thanks for your input previously on my own Journal page. ,,,,,You commented above about 36 visits with insurance. How often per week is that may I ask??? Additionally,,,,,I agree with Brian Stugart, take the quality time for your recovery,,,,You are worth it!!! ,,,,,,,,,,Barry

Corey Sines  cliche I know, but everyone recovers differently. I would say it was 6 months before I really felt "good" and strong again. I think cardiac rehab is a great idea and will help you push yourself, which will likely help you feel better sooner. Just curious, how are you doing with managing your INR?

Kate Watson  I agree with your doctor that it takes longer than we'd like it to take. I'm getting ready for my second surgery soon. But after my first, honestly I think it took 6 months to feel more normal and have energy again. Try to be patient, as hard as it is! And of course, eat healthy foods and get lots of rest in the meantime :)

Wanda Mroz  I can tell you after five weeks I was just starting to drive. I was off work for four months. I'm over 7 months post op and still get a little drained. It takes time. Your body has gone through a lot of shock and it takes the better part of a year at least to be considered recovered. If you have an option for rehab, do it. It will build you up and make you feel stronger. Walk a lot too... And get rest and sleep. hang in there... You will surely feel better a little at a time. Hugs💞

Emily Rowley  Hi, I am just over the 6 week mark (or maybe abit more) and recently started Cardiac Rehab last week. I'm really skinny, and lost more weight since surgery so I'm trying to eat foods that give me more natural energy. Have you Erin started Cardiac Rehab? Mine is lost of interest too which makes it little more difficult-do you or anyone else experience this? Now I find trying to stay awake during the day and going to bed early in a routine helps me have a better nights sleep and bit more energy than when I was having numerous sleeps during the day but there of course are a lot of days I need a rest. Take it slowly, as Pat says listen to your body-it will take time (no quick fix), takes 12 months to recover some people, feel they need more time and others less as everyone is different.

Clare Auten  I was 44 (almost 45) when I had my surgery. With three small kids at home, they wanted me to be mom again right away. And I would get frustrated with myself for not being able to do everything. Give your self time to recover. Your body is healing. It is ok and things will get back to "normal".
Clare, AVR 1/9/14

Sophia Ridley  I was told that I'ld be 90% recovered at 6wks, And 100% at 12wks. I think that this related to recovery from the surgery itself rather than from the whole procedure, I think that'll take a year.
First 6wks your body is healing from surgery - eat well (healthy), rest and walk. I recommend cardiac rehab usually starting about 4-6wks, which will help give you marks for your recovery.
We're all different, there are super fit people who bounce back and then others of us that are surprised that we become fitter post surgery than before. It's good to have goals, but keep them realistic or it can become frustrating... We've all overdone it, and then paid for it for a couple of days! But, then again a week later, we've managed it!

Christine Oliva  Erin we are all different and it seems your level just prior to surgery will make the biggest difference in how long it takes to recover. As most people it took me about 6 weeks to feel like myself and drive around without discomfort, no pain/sleep meds needed. I went back to work at 3.5 months part time and it was okay but still felt very tired at times. Now 5.5 months out I am working close to full time, have occasional chest pain and feelings of fatigue near the weekend. The good news I am exercising daily 30-40 minutes cardio, gotten back to household duties as mother and wife. Even with the fatigue and discomfort I honestly can say I feel much better than I was prior to my surgery, no more shortness of breath and that feeling of doom. I was told by a nurse at cardio rehab that the climb back to health was going to have some bumps so the key was push forward when you stall a bit or feel you are moving backwards. I've kept in touch with my rehab nurse and she has really helped me mentally as I've recently hit a wall. This is another reason to go to rehab as they can help you through these periods if you have them. I also agree you have to listen to your body and don't forget your mental/emotional state as well.

Erin Hannum  Thank you everyone - I don't know anyone who has gone through this and I am not used to being as sluggish as I am. I started today with a walk - not even caring that I was in my flannel pajamas! I need to start the days strong and not get bogged down in depression. That is the battle I am going to fight every day.

Kim Murray  I wanted to thank you for your comments to me about visiting clevland clinic on April 7th for my first real consult with a surgeon.. You ask if I was a west clevlander , I'm actually from Cincinnati. I'm trying to keep positive😀