Jennifer's Posts

I recall reading that the lower limit of "normal" LVEF, even at rest can vary a lot. The LV pumps a slightly different amount of blood in every beat. The time of day, eating, position, breathing, medications, etc. can all slightly change LVEF in a normal person. All of these factors make it practically impossible to define a single limit that applies to all persons. A value that may be normal for one individual in a certain setting may be slightly low for that same person in a different physiological setting or for a different person under similar circumstances. Think there is some controversy among professionals that suggest 55% (the higher end of 'below normal') is normal, if you can say that as stated in other papers 55% is the lower side of the normal 55%-70% The human population often in many medical measurements show more of a bell-shaped curve rather than a definable set limit. Its just what I've read. Also I think most cardiologists would want to see a 45% number before they could conclude anything especially noting that the accuracy of the test is 3%.

My experience is every cardiologist and surgeon seem to have a different opinion of ejection fraction. That was frustrating for me so I stopped being concerned about that number. Like everything else in medicine, doctors "practice" and have opinions based on what they have run into in the past. I think you have to look at all the measurements together as a whole.

Coughing and sneezing become unforgettable events, right? If you are able to get to it in time, holding a small pillow to your chest helped me. Then one day you won't make it in time and you will realize that it was just a sneeze and not an explosion in your chest. For me, it was never about the incision, but a more deep seated event, breathtaking actually. Keep up your recovery, sounds like you are doing well.

Yesterday was 12 sneezes. I've never counted the event in all my life! It's not horrible pain but I wouldn't call it pleasant either. My coworkers find it funny that I brace myself dramatically and say ouch three times after an attack. I'll get them back somehow. Eleanor hits the nail on the head. I've still not gotten used to it.

Yah it's definitely bone pain. You can tell when your scar is stretching and that isn't so bothersome - this little zinger comes from deep w/in. Right after I typed my earlier response I had another attack of three. Coughing isn't all that pleasant either. Needless to say I am keeping the folks at Mucinex in business this allergy season. Years ago I had to get my deviated septum fixed in my nose, they taught me how to open my mouth and throw my sneeze while I was healing, and I am grateful for that. Remember to not bottle the sneeze up or hold it back, just let it go, it definitely helps.