Gary's Journal

Richard Munson  After 2 weeks i was starting to wean onto Tylenol but we all have different limits. I started walking slowly but remember out side to figure in the trip back home.

Mary Jane Breinholt  Hi Gary. We share AVR dates which means yesterday was my 2-week anniversary too. I was envious when I heard how quickly you were released from hospital! It took me a few more days. great that you’re able to walk so much! I’m trying to get out to walk  2-3 times/day for a 10-15 min slow walk but I’m definitely not able to walk a mile! As for pain reduction, it’ll happen and you’ll get off Oxy as soon as you’re ready. I’m pretty much just on Tylenol now.  Sleeping is uncomfortable and nights have been hard. My biggest issue is with afib. My heart is jumpy and it is exhausting. I Look forward to hearing your news of progress and any setbacks (but hoping those are few and far between). Godspeed! 

Susan Lynn  Gary - You will probably want to touch base with your surgeon if your pain level is that high. Otherwise, you can see if Tylenol gives you enough relief.
As far as walking goes, i walked for 10 minutes, 3-4 times a day, for the first week. Then increased it to 15 or 20 minutes by the end of the second week. But, if you're in pain, don't overdo it. Everyone should recover at their own pace. When you don't see progress in your recovery, then you need to get medical guidance. Everyone is different even if they've had the same procedure. Be patient - better days are ahead.

Ana Brusso  Gary, I agree with Susan Lynn. Check with your doctor and take it easy on the walking. Continued good health and recovery and God bless you 

Patsy Stewart  Gary, congratulations on your 2 week Anniversary! If I’m remembering right, you only get a prescription for x amount of pills and no refill. Keep cutting back and relying more on Tylenol. If when the oxycodone is gone and the pain is too much for Tylenol, you need to speak with your doctor. As for ‘speeding up’ your recovery….sloooow down and don’t push yourself so much. Be kind to yourself and listen to your body. You could always call and ask how far to walk and how many minutes a day they suggest for you to be walking/exerting yourself. I was told to start walking for about 10 minutes a couple times a day and work my way up to 20 minutes for each walk. It became easier after awhile. The pain I had was more in my shoulders and back. Back off when the pain hits and try to stay ahead of it with Tylenol. I was also told to take a 1 hour nap in the afternoon. I set an alarm for the walking and the afternoon nap, and it really helped me to not overdo it. That nap was very welcome and amazing! You’re doing great and recovery will come at your own body’s pace. Be kind to yourself and heal! 

Klara Čičić  Dear Gary, folks said it all. Don't rush. I know you are in great shape, but this is serious stuff, your heart has a deep cut, a scar that needs healing. Imagine you had leg muscle ruptured. How long would you have to wait for it to heal, be careful with that leg... Please don't rush this. It's not leg, it's not any other organ. It's your heart. I am 34 and I wasn't walking properly until 2 weeks after surgery, let alone 1+ mile 🙈 we are all different, I know, but keep in mind you are anaemic still, your heart is healing, your lungs have also been through trauma.... There are all sorts of complications if you put too much strain on your heart too soon.   Just take it easy! 

Allen Carkner  Hello, I don't think you need to rush to get off unless you're worried about dependence. I just had a median sternotomy for Ross procedure in March and I was off of Oxy by day 8 post op. Still taking some tylenol.

Richard Munson  Wow, only last week. Be patient. Heart surgery is not a walk in the park. You will heal but don’t rush it. Happy easter.

Rose Madura  I honestly can't remember how long it was but I just know I had to stay ahead of the pain. You can try to wean yourself off with Tylenol. I do remember that's how I did it, just don't remember the timeline. Hang in there.

Donna Casaletto  Congratulations you’ll be so happy at home!! Make sure you rest and yes follow your Doc’s instructions! 

Greg Lewis  Way to go, Gary!  The pain will go away before you know it. ( unless you start chipping ice, like someone I know..lol )

Deena Z  Gary, you are on your way to a stronger heart and longer life.  You will be so happy it is over with.  In my prayers  today. Godspeed. 

DeLois Tweedy  Gary, thinking of you and sending good vibes your way, along with prayers for successful surgery and a speedy recovery.

Mary Jane Breinholt  That's great news. My AVR that was scheduled for today was postponed until tomorrow so we'll be sharing a new heart day. All the best for you tomorrow and good luck for your recovery! 

Steven Methot  Gary, as someone who was a reasonably successful (sponsored) runner and running coach who's been sidelined due to knee issues, I get the "But I'm an athlete!" surprise at the diagnosis.  The good news is that you're probably one of the fitter ones that your team has seen coming through the doors.  I am sure that will make this all the easier.  The cold though... well you're going to need to have your lungs clear for this and I think that you'll likely be rescheduled.  This messes with one's head.  Keeping my fingers and toes crossed.

Susan Lynn  Yes, Gary! We choose our attitudes every day; life is much easier when they're optimistic and thankful. We truly are fortunate for all of the medical advancements, surgical teams, and unexpected benefits that come with valve surgery. Every experience makes us who we are - might as well let the challenging ones make us better. All the best to you!

DeLois Tweedy  Wow Gary! What a powerful post! You are an encouragement to others. I know attitude goes a very long way in helping get us through these trying times. I guess sometimes people can't help but be anxious, but being grateful and thankful can shine another light on it too. I too am thankful for the new medical advances. They are allowing me to possibly use a clinical trial to have a mitral valve replacement. Keep the faith, Gary. My 2 mottos are "don't ever give up" and "today I will choose joy". God bless you on your heart journey.

Mary Jane Breinholt  Thank you for these reminders, Gary. I wish I could say I'm looking forward to my AVR on Tues--the day before yours. I'm scared--but remembering all there is to be grateful for helps. You're right about all of these. 

Deena Z  Wow. If you are in that great of shape, then your  recovery will be that much faster.  You ran up ALL those stairs?!! 

Gary Dupuis  Thanks Deena. Yes, 105 stories in a fundraiser for Shirley Ryan Ability Lab. Didn’t even know I had stenosis. 

Deena Z  That happens more often than you can believe, Gary. Pretty shocking. One minute you are feeling in tip-top shape and the next minute, your cardiologist tells you “don't worry, but you need open heart surgery”! That said, it’s fortunate that you found out. And good timing- - because the success rates are so incredibly high now.  I focused on the successful outcome stat of 99.3 percent for my surgery, while I waited three months. (During covid).  

Gary Dupuis  Thank you all for the support! We can all get through this. As I tell everyone, “It’s not the end of the road, just a bump in the road”.