I was shopping at a mall with my daughter and grand-daughter today. We were attempting to go upstairs on an escalator when we realized that it was stopped, ...Read more
I was shopping at a mall with my daughter and grand-daughter today. We were attempting to go upstairs on an escalator when we realized that it was stopped, but usable. My first thought was that it would have some effect on me. The only symptom i had prior to surgery was a winded feeling when climbing stairs. Well, what a great feeling to reach the top and feel absolutely fine. It is amazing how many things I do without worry now. The great side effect of this surgery is bravery.
I just had to do the math to realize it is 5 months today, that I had my mitral valve repair.
I never, never think about it anymore
Life continues to be great.
My surgery was 12/5/11. I have been walking ever since. I feel that walking is not optional, but mandatory. I have connected feeling good with walking.
I ...Read more
My surgery was 12/5/11. I have been walking ever since. I feel that walking is not optional, but mandatory. I have connected feeling good with walking.
I realize that I could easily skip a day or two, but absolutely will not let myself. The side effect of my surgery is making my friends and husband keep me company while walking.
I now realize that I must have had more symptoms than I was aware of. I am braver than I was before. I think I was always aware of my irregular heart beats and a little scared by them. I also think that when your heart feels \"funny\" you panic easier.
Life is not good, it is great.
All of you guys that are in the waiting phase,
I promise it gets so much better.
Monday 2/27 will be 12 weeks since my surgery. I only remember it when I check out this site. My life is absolutely back to normal and has been for a number ...Read more
Monday 2/27 will be 12 weeks since my surgery. I only remember it when I check out this site. My life is absolutely back to normal and has been for a number of weeks. I walk 2 miles everyday. I don\'t time it but it is usually 30 minutes.I went back to work at 4 weeks. I sleep in any position I want to (that is really a gift.) I am drawn to this site to check on friends and encourage those waiting not to worry too much. Life is good. I have absolutely no complaints. The support you all gave me made this journey almost fun. I did say almost.
I am 8 weeks post-op. I am back to full activities and a few new ones. I walk 1.5 or more miles every day. I somehow think I absolutely have to walk no matter ...Read more
I am 8 weeks post-op. I am back to full activities and a few new ones. I walk 1.5 or more miles every day. I somehow think I absolutely have to walk no matter what the weather or circumstance. I am off one medicine the beta-blocker for A-fib. I do think I am more aware of faster pulse off the bet-blocker, on it I had a pulse in the 60\'s. I now have a pulse in the 70\'s or sometimes 80\'s. I just might have to get used to this. I am on Coumadin for a while longer. Sometimes I am surprised that I am aware of heat beats, I thought after surgery I might not be thinking about it anymore.
Life is really good and I am grateful to be just where I am.
I had my 6 week post op visit with my surgeon today. He said everything was good. I asked about an alternative drug to Coumadin and he thought it would be ...Read more
I had my 6 week post op visit with my surgeon today. He said everything was good. I asked about an alternative drug to Coumadin and he thought it would be just fine. That would mean no more blood tests. I will have an echo in the next few weeks and pray for a good outcome. The surgeon said something about not really being back to myself for a fairly long time. My response was \" if I am going to feel better than this, that will be pretty dam good\". I feel just fine. If I stayed this way it would be absolutely fine.
I was told today that I have no restrictions. Watch out world.
My surgery was Dec. 5th, today is Jan. 6th. I had a manicure and pedicure today. I walked my local track easily. I drove my car without a problem. We went ...Read more
My surgery was Dec. 5th, today is Jan. 6th. I had a manicure and pedicure today. I walked my local track easily. I drove my car without a problem. We went out to dinner to celebrate our anniversary tonight.
I have made it through the last few days without thinking of my surgery. I can now do my household chores that I was unable to do. I have gone to the market as well as the mall and every other fun store. I want to take advantage of my time off from work. I will return to work on Monday. I will start out very part-time and increase to my regular part-time hours the following week. I have no complaints. I feel very lucky and grateful. I wish all who are on this journey an uneventful voyage. I feel lucky to have found this site with all the great support. I hope I am able to support as well as I was supported. Life is good.
How do I know if I should be pushing myself more? I am 3 weeks post op today. I have been to parties, had dinner guests, grocery shop with daughters and I ...Read more
How do I know if I should be pushing myself more? I am 3 weeks post op today. I have been to parties, had dinner guests, grocery shop with daughters and I get out every day to do something. When I am out, I usually last about 2 hours and want to be back on my own sofa. I walk around my yard, its cold and not very big. I look silly to my neighbors. How do I judge when I should do more? I think it is fear of not feeling well or causing atrial fib. that might make me do a little less or at least play it safe. Any suggestions?
Jane
I am 17 days post op from mitral valve surgery. I just saw my cardiologist because I was having some strong pounding heart beats.
He said I was in atrial fib. ...Read more
I am 17 days post op from mitral valve surgery. I just saw my cardiologist because I was having some strong pounding heart beats.
He said I was in atrial fib. and increased the beta blocker I was on from the hospital. I am now taking Coumadin as well. I will require blood tests to make sure I am at the proper level. The doctor didn\'t seem surprised. He said it is not uncommon after valve surgery. Hopefully, it will be temporary. I know I will be on the medication for at least a month, if not more. Anyone have any personal experience with this?
Jane
I had my surgery Dec.. 5th at 2p.m. and finished at 5 p.m. I was moved from ICU at about noon, Dec. 6. I was sent home at noon today. Wow! What a 5 day ...Read more
I had my surgery Dec.. 5th at 2p.m. and finished at 5 p.m. I was moved from ICU at about noon, Dec. 6. I was sent home at noon today. Wow! What a 5 day week. I am not in terrible discomfort, I am only taking Tylenol and using a Lidocaine patch on my chest. The surgeon decided to enter through my sternum, but that made the surgery a little bit shorter.
I am very pleased to say my mitral valve was repaired. It seems to be doing all the right things. My roommate was a 19 yr. old girl. I was asked to do an interview with Dr. Oz, who does surgery once a week at the hospital. He was warm and friendly. I think it will air as a holiday show.
I hope those of you that are still waiting find comfort in knowing it will soon be behind you.
I will leave for the hospital at 10:00 tomorrow with my husband and two adult daughters. I pray that it will be a day that proves itself to be a positive change ...Read more
I will leave for the hospital at 10:00 tomorrow with my husband and two adult daughters. I pray that it will be a day that proves itself to be a positive change for me. I pray that I have a good surgical outcome.
I pray for all of us to have uneventful recoveries. I pray that it is a boring day for my surgeon and he finds nothing he hasn\'t seen before.
Thank you all for sharing with your feelings.
Jane
I can\'t believe that I feel this way. I have gone from panic to actually being ready. I would not be happy if I was told my date changed. It is Monday Dec. ...Read more
I can\'t believe that I feel this way. I have gone from panic to actually being ready. I would not be happy if I was told my date changed. It is Monday Dec. 5, 2011. Only two days away. I am so ready to have this part behind me. I am doing the last household things today and tomorrow. I hope I don\'t panic Monday morning. Thank you all for the supportive messages and the wonderful information.
Jane