Leslie's Posts

Glad to hear that you are improving! Yeah that is one thing I would definitely do is stay in to not get the flu or any cold. I could not imagine going through the surgery and a sickness. I am sure with so much "downtime" it must be easy getting bored. I work from home so I was wondering how eager I would be to get back to work. Only so much Netflix we can watch. Hope your energy gets back here so you can start doing more stuff. Its been so gloomy up here in Minnesota that I feel sleepy to and I did not have any surgery yet.

Here I am complaining about the Jersey Shore where it's in the 40's and forgot what it must be like in MN! I was at a conference once in Minneapolis but it started on June 1. I remember falling asleep watching the news and my husband called around 9:30 and it was still light outside! If I was a better sleeper I'd probably not be so tired but I must admit, I feel very good. Remember you are going to the best of the best where they do this surgery all the time. My doctor does valve surgery all day and NY Presbyterian is noted for it just like Mayo. You'll be in gear hands and on the other side before you know it!

Hello! So happy to hear you are doing well. Yes sleep can be an issue early on after surgery. Be kind to yourself, Netflix, read. I know when I was recovering I had naps during the day for two or three hours, was awake and then sleep at night wasn't as great. I am now 4 months out and sleep on my side again!!! I really missed that. I know it gets better. Keep us posted on your progress.. Have a great day :)

Good to hear that you are doing well so quick after the surgery. I told my wife that I am going to buy a recliner for my recovery time till I can sleep again like normal. These stories of post-op help my anxiety of doing the surgery. Sounds like the pain is manageable and having something to do helps the time go by.

I went out and bought a recliner that lifts you up. I really did not need it. My other one is in the living room for now and i will put the new one eventually in my husbands room; he has Parkinsons which is progressing so it may be good for him. I was in my bed by my fourth night and I now at 2 1/2 weeks post-op can turn on my side comfortably. Trying to force myself to stay up later and think I made it to after 8 on the couch last night. Woke at 12 and fell asleep on the couch and then went back to bed to actually 4:30 which is fine with me, I always got up then when I worked, just don't like getting up at 3. It's definitely a day by day thing. If I wake at three of course I'm going to fall asleep early. Still working on getting my heart rate under 90 so doing a lot of diaphragmatic breathing exercises. When i went to my doctor down at home the other day, the girl took it as soon as I came in which was 128. I told her to let me sit a minute or two since we just took off my sweater, etc. and then was 93. Common sense dictates that, every time I go to my primary his asst takes b/p and then my doctor comes in ten minutes later and does again. Mike, what is your surgery date? It just comes and goes so quickly. Dr. Smith's Nurse Practitioner had told me twice that if I have my surgery in Feb, by April, I'll feel 50% better and probably by June, 100%. Did not get that as I only equated with pain and I have done unbelievably with just Tylenol. But I do get it. I physically feel very good, but overall, still extremely tired. I have a friend having stomach surgery next Wed and we are having a luncheon on Monday for her. I have not been out yet except to doctors and I thought what is the chance, even if I go for 10 minutes, that in a large group that someone has a cold or something of the sort. Thought pretty damn high and I am going to pay for the cake, etc. and send my best wishes. Don't want to jinx this very good recovery. It really does go quick! I am so focused on spring coming and working in my garden and sitting with my friends by the pool, that I am online looking at bathing suits, plants, etc. all good stuff. All good thoughts always help!!!

I do not have an appointment yet since I want to meet with the Mayo Clinic first which will be on 4/4 after I get back from vacation. Once I get the date I will post it out here. Thanks for the response and glad that you are doing great with the recovery want to get mine done ASAP so I don't have to live in fear and worry all the time. Want to just be in the other end of this.

Keep good thoughts coming on things you are looking forward to. I had a whole list of spring and summer things I want to do that I kept running through my mind. You'll find it goes quickly and you will be home before you know it. I have to laugh, I had my rolling suitcase with my three pair of button down jammies, slippers, OMG makeup, 3 books, etc. well you have to wear hospital gowns and their nonskid socks. Didn't have the energy to go makeup plus you cannot take a shower. But I did bring my pillow from home which was great. And I don't think I even opened a book till I got home. I could have brought a paper bag with all the stuff I really needed. LOL. And don't live in fear and worry, you are going to the best of the best places to have this done.