Laura's Posts

Member Since: August 8, 2022

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Laura Johnston posted an update
3 years ago (July 6, 2023)
It's been almost 10 months since my aortic valve replacement but I still have some discomfort in my chest/breast area. Not really in the immediate sternum area which to me would be understandable. Is anyone else still experiencing this, especially the women? I thought I would be way past that... Read more.
3 years ago (July 6, 2023)
Not a woman but I'm about 3 and a half months post-op and my chest/pecs still get sore far easier than before surgery.Two sets of 10 chest press exercise at low weight and I'm pretty sore. The incision essentially is painless though for me.
3 years ago (July 6, 2023)
Hi Laura, I'm sorry you are having this pain. I did experience pain. I believe it's normal because of the nerves that were cut. Mine went away in time and hopefully yours will too.
3 years ago (July 7, 2023)
You use the word discomfort which is what I feel in my chest sometimes. A tightness. I wouldn't call it pain, but it comes and goes. All of it is liveable and just part of my present norm.
3 years ago (July 7, 2023)
Thank you for responding. Yes, my doctor said it was a musco skeletal response but it is so annoying. I just want to put this behind me not be something that defines my life. My friend says I am still processing everything along with the loss of my brother during... Read more.
3 years ago (July 8, 2023)
Hi Laura, I have not had surgery yet, but I recently came across a post by a member who has had 4 heart surgeries (Cathleen Dewitt, if you wanted to look up her profile in Find member option) She had posted a stretch that she recommended after surgery, and I... Read more.
3 years ago (July 8, 2023)
Thank you, Grace I will be sure to look her up and try the stretch. Good luck with your surgery. This group helped me alot to prepare and what to expect after surgery. Honestly, I thought I didn't need them much after but realized I do. No one understands as... Read more.
3 years ago (July 10, 2023)
Oh. Yes. I understand wanting to put it all behind you. And please don't let it define you. You are much more than someone who had heart surgery. But you have changed. And there will be physical reminders. And healing takes time. Take care.
Laura Johnston posted an update
3 years ago (November 3, 2022)
As of Monday, 10/31 it has been 6 weeks since my surgery, and there has been a lot of improvement. I am not carrying my heart pillow everywhere I go afterall. Lol But I really thought I would have a lot more energy by now. I am still suffering from... Read more.
❤️ Klara Čičić reacted to this
3 years ago (November 3, 2022)
Laura...I had the same surgery and my recovery timeline sounds like yours! I slept in my recliner for over 6 weeks due to chest discomfort. Same thing on energy level....that was the most surprising aspect for me, as I was in excellent physical shape prior to surgery and then had... Read more.
3 years ago (November 3, 2022)
Hi Laura, I am 5,5 weeks post surgery and also feeling better, but it's still not ideal. I have thoracic pains and can't walk and talk at the same time without breathlessness, which surprised me because when I walk alone I feel great and have no symptoms... I just wanna... Read more.
3 years ago (November 3, 2022)
Laura, I didn't feel like I turned. Corner for three or four months. Try not to compare yourself to what you read online. Try to take it one step at a time....
3 years ago (November 4, 2022)
Thank you all for your support.💕 I was pretty active before surgery and I can't help but compare before and after. I have been walking and going up and down my stairs outside the apartment. ( live on the second floor) I have started driving this week but somehow that... Read more.
Laura Johnston posted an update
3 years ago (October 14, 2022)
Just a quick update, Monday 10/10 was the 3 week mark since surgery. There have been some teary moments missing how active I used to be but I am improving. I have managed to go up and down 2 flights of stairs though I still get a little winded so... Read more.
❤️ Rose Madura reacted to this
3 years ago (October 14, 2022)
Sounds like you are doing well. Yes, it's definitely not a picnic in the park but doable. Be kind to your body. Take care.
3 years ago (October 15, 2022)
Laura, thank you for your post, it is both encouraging and helpful. You got it right. We need to be patient with ourselves and continue to do what we can to heal inside and out. Thank you for your love and prayers of healing, we can all use them. God... Read more.
3 years ago (October 16, 2022)
Thank you, Ana for your kind words.❤️

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