Lin's Journal

Tim Goff  The folks here in the community will be thinking of you. "on the other side" had been ringing in my head also, guess I'm not the only one

Tammi Gunwall  Best of luck to you Lin. Praying for you and your family to find a sense of peace and comfort from now until surgery tomorrow for your surgeon's hands to be guided well. Looking forward to hearing from you when you are up for it on the other side of this! God bless.

John Noriega  Hi Lin...I want you to know that I will be praying for you & your surgical team. Be comfortable in His arms and He will see you through. Having gone through this 14 weeks ago, I must say that the thought is scary, but as long as you know who is in charge all will be well. Don't worry about the lifting, opening, closing, stretching - your body will let you know what you can & can't do! Looking forward to your post surgery posts. Onward & Upward!

Bob M  I pray that your surgery and recovery will be peaceful. Tomorrow will be a new day with a fixed heart. God bless and rise up!

Edith Dim  Will be thinking of you, and pray that your surgery will be successful, and that you have very smooth recovery..

Cheryl Batzing  Lin...great questions! Again, I think we are all different. You will probably be told to not lift over 5 pounds, then see what hurts and what does not. I erred on the side of caution for the first week or two and took advantage of people feeling sorry for me, so asked that they bring me things, open caps, etc. HOWEVER, I really was capable of most all of that! Frig door--no problem for me. Twist off caps--fine. iPad/small Mac laptop --both no problem. Only trouble I had was reaching to my right backwards to grab something (my incision was there on my right side). I would forget and reach, then hurt. I started vacuuming lightly, loading dishwasher, coffee pot, etc. easily at 2 weeks post op at home. You'll figure it out!

Clare Auten  I agree with Cheryl. You will quickly find out what you can and can't do. I unloaded the dishwasher at 1 week post op...took 25 times longer than usual and did it one dish at a time. Doctor thought that was fine. Was home alone with 4 year old by week 2....sure I was opening things. Just remember that we all heal at our own rate.

Clare Auten  Also remembered that you live alone. I would suggest getting some stuff out of overhead cabinets and bottom cabinets (getting down there is hard to) so you can reach what you need. Buy some paper plates and cups if you are worried about that. Maybe buy milk in a half gallon instead of a full one. Line up your family for the stuff you can't do...trash, laundry, etc. Laundry was the hardest for me...love in a 2 story and laundry in basement. Also, plan on taking lots of naps. Unload a few dishes -nap. Shower -nap. Etc.

Elaine Foster  Someone posted on here- keep your elbows in at your waist, and that was a very good idea. Opening refrigerator, don't reach out, step close and use both arms. Just take it very easy first couple of weeks, then like others said - listen to your body. If something causes pain or discomfort, don't do it!

Eleanor R  The very first days you will learn what you can and cannot do. I had not counted on not being able to reach you in front of me (even sitting down), to take something being offered. Once you reach the limit where your chest muscles are engaged, you feel it. I could not take lids off of things for a couple of weeks, except small things like water bottles, holding them close into my body. I could bend over a little, but it wasn't comfortable. I learned down to bend my knees instead of my back, to deal with the dishwasher, so I guess I learned to curtsey. Reaching overhead was out of the question, so move things down to chest level or lower, otherwise ask for someone to get something for you. I didn't realize I couldn't hang blouses in my closet, until I tried. Your body will say "stop!" don't worry about that. I had thought I wouldn't be able to open the refrig. door, and wondered what I would do the hours I would be home alone, but standing sideways to the handle, grabbing it with both hands close in to my waist, it worked. Didn't work for the door out to the deck, which with the summer humidity, always stuck. Took me a week or so to apply the same technique to that door. Otherwise you should be fine. I would say put the things you use most (favorite mug or glass, favorite clothes and shoes and cosmetics, close at hand. I imagined how a robot would grab things without reaching, lifting or bending, and that worked. Doesn't last too long, and by week 3 or 4 you will find yourself doing things more normally. Reaching overhead took me a while but I was able to stay home alone by week 2, when my daughter and nephew went back to work. I was glad they were handy the first week, mostly because I was tired, little appetite, so I needed someone to cook, or hand me things. Then one day you realize everything you can do normally, and you will wonder when that happened. I am wishing the very best for you. Eleanor

Eleanor R  Oh, forgot to say feel free to read my journal, probably around late July or early August, for my experience.

Tammi Gunwall  Great advice ladies. Im still in early stages of recovery (10 days post-op). You've been given a list of limits by Drs but remember it's a day to day progression. Your body will quickly let you know when you push a little too hard. But truthfully, that's the only way to learn your getting stronger. Just don't over do it. Be cautious but gently test limits as you move farther away from date of surgery. Best of luck to you!

Lin Casebier  Another question came to mind today regarding energy level. My fourth grandchild is due March 11 which would make me right at 6 weeks post op. How long does the 5 lb lifting limit last and I wonder what kind of a day I could expect stamina wise at that point? I also have a couple of Fine Arts events coming up at my church around that time. Wondering if it is even reasonable to expect that I might be able to participate.....

Meredith Bray  At 6 weeks post op, I was driving myself to my 3rd cardiac rehab appointment. I would get up early, eat breakfast, take meds, drive 20 miles to rehab, work out for 75 minutes, drive 20 miles home, shower, fix lunch, and take an hour nap. When I woke up around 3pm, I had plenty of energy to do a bit of housework and prepare dinner. On non-rehab days, I slept til 9 and didn't need an afternoon nap. You will probably be able to participate! And people will be falling all over themselves to help you :)

Cheryl Batzing  Lin, I think the answer to how quick you'll get your energy back is also so different for each of us. I hate to sit still, so I wasn't good about just resting when I got home and I would end up tiring myself out too fast. But overall now I'm not taking naps and working full time, and doing great energy-wise as long as I'm not stupid and pace myself. I'll be at 5 weeks post op this coming Tuesday, and started cardiac rehab last week. I did notice being more tired since I started rehab, but feel that's a good thing. Pacing wise--I did too much his weekend... I helped give a baby shower this Saturday and getting there early to set up, then being the MC/host of the shower for 2 hours, plus cleaning up...was too much. I then tried to garden when I got home because the weather was beautiful....stupid! I crashed Sat night, and then was tired/lethargic most of today. You'll learn how to pace yourself. My guess is at 6 weeks you'll be able to determine if the Fine Arts events are important and then make those the priority for the day and not try to do other big things. My advice anyway, as I'm not doing it myself all the time.

  My recliner was a weekly rental. I knew at least two weeks would be needed, and we just played it by ear, seeing how I felt, and if I wanted it longer. For me, 3 weeks was good. I used it 24/7 with a heating pad on the upper back to the shoulders. The bed felt wonderful after that, I was able to get up ok, slowly, and have never looked back!

Jeff V.  Lin, The need for a recliner is completely random. I expected to recuperate and sleep on mine when I first returned home but rarely used it and when I did it was just to occasionally watch TV. I was able to sleep in bed and on my side without discomfort. I had a median sternotomy (9.5") on Dec. 4. It would probably be best to have one available just in case... If it is a monthly rental I would go with 1, if weekly, I would take 3 like Christine suggests and extend if necessary. Good luck, Jeff

Eleanor R  I had the recliner set up close to my bed, as I thought I would use it for naps, reading and watching TV in my room. Turned out I spent most of the time downstairs in the family room, but loved the recliner at night. I had a hard time sleeping in bed so the recliner was heavenly, for far too long. I finally had it sent back after close to two months, as I was afraid I would end up sleeping on it forever. Sweet parting, for me it was a lifesaver. Others have no trouble getting right back in bed. Some nights, with hip pain from arthritis, I still miss it, but I can move around and get up and down like a champ since probably week seven after surgery. Every body is different, you will know when it is time to part company with the recliner.

Kathleen McClung  Hi, I slept in bed from day 1 at home. Just used several pillows to prop me and a blanket folded up as a wedge to turn some. After the hospital bed I wanted my bed so bad. Lol We have a recliner that my husband.moved to our room but I never used it.

Joan Napier  My experience was similar to Kathleen's. I slept in bed from day 1 using a 9 inch wedge with a pillow on it. I had purchased an electric recliner (cost was about the same as rental) but I have never really used it.

Cheryl Batzing  Lin, same as Kathleen & Joan! I have a comfy recliner in the living room that is NOT automatic, but I was able to make the footrest rise up when I needed and I could lay back as needed. Slept there night 1, then moved to my bed and been fine there with 3 pillows propping me up for 3 1/2 weeks! My thought is a power recliner is not a necessity...at least not for me.

Cheryl Batzing  Lin, so glad you felt comfortable with Dr. Reul in Houston. I just had a MVR at Heart Hospital Baylor Plano on Dec. 16 and am recovering well. Will pray for a successful surgery and recovery!

Linda Crawford  Hi Lin, Welcome to the "January Group". I remember being relieved to actually have the date set and at the same time feeling a bit frantic to get ready. I make lists to feel more in control. Checking things off makes me less stressed. I keep focused on what I can do and what I can control.

Lin Casebier  Oh yes, I am the "List" woman! It does help foster a sense of control during a frantic period. Thanks for your post!!

John Noriega  Lin I was able to function by myself as to dressing, showering, using the bathroom, making my own breakfast, etc. I did have my wife to assist, if I needed it. But for the most part, I took care of myself! In the early days it was gingerly, but manageable. I don't think you need to check into a rehab center. If you can, just have family check on you. I think you'll do fine! Onward & Upward!

Lin Casebier  Thanks, John. Seems more questions creep up around each corner and I am really finding this website to be putting me at some ease.

Bob M  I agree with John. My biggest surprise was although my first shower felt awesome, I was completely exhausted and needed to get back to bed immediately. But everyday, I got stronger and stronger. For me, my wife has been with me for most of my recovery journey.

Edith Dim  Does anyone know why my photo is showing up into many spots when I only wrote a few times? Compared to what all of you have gone through, I know it is not the least important. I wish you all a speedy recovery.

Clare Auten  I don't remember your specifics but my husband had to go back to work about 1 and a half weeks post op. I managed to get kids on bus before I went back to take a nap. I was technically not alone though....my 4 year old was home with me. You should be fine with a phone handy. The people from my work brought dinner a few nights a week for a month. It was nice not to have to cook and to have leftovers to heat up for lunch.

Elaine Foster  Be sure ahead of time to move often used things to lower shelves so you don't have to reach up high. Also, it would be a good idea to have someone with you for the first couple of showers. You tire out very quickly, and may need some assistance. Also, have clothes that zip or button up so you don't have to put on over your head for a couple of weeks. I had a little step stool so I could set on bed, and then put my feet on it and get back on the bed farther. I needed help to get out of bed the first couple of days, after that I could do it on my own. If you like protein drinks, I found I could drink that first thing in the morning, when I didn't have much appetite. Protein is great for helping the body heal.

Nancy D  I put a small patio chair in the shower so I could sit the first week, I had to, the second week, it was available if I needed it. You tire out very quickly initially but soon with practice you get stronger pretty quickly. I took naps daily for a while, and that helped. Prior to the surgery, I cooked up several meals and put in the freezer, my husband is a better cook than I am, but he needed a break from time to time. A pot of stew or chili, or soup can be divided into smaller portions and frozen for individual servings. Family and friends did bring meals as well, but I had the time and needed to stay occupied as I waited for surgery day. I also picked up anything like loose rugs, or trip hazards to clear my paths to restroom, bedroom and to walk a path in my house to get frequent short walks in prior to getting outside to stroll the driveway. For the first week, my appetite wasn't great, but I did enjoy cold fruit- apples, oranges, grapes etc others loved popcicles but I found them a bit sweet. You will do well, be patient with yourself, and take good care!

alan holland  Had my tricuspid valve repair done 11/20/14 (median sternotomy) and did fine with the showering and dressing. I did go into surgery in the best shape of my life and, according to the Cleveland Clinic nurses, have a pretty high threshold to pain based on the minimal amount of pain medicine I received while in hospital so I'm sure that made my situation go a little smoother. Bottom line is, whatever your condition or threshold to pain, it will get a little easier each day. Also, unless Dr's say otherwise, exercise the heart daily and eat a good diet after surgery as this will further aid in recovery. Remember, surgeon can only do so much........we gotta do our part.

alan holland  ps: one other important thing before surgery if you live alone like I do.........try and organize stuff you routinely use around house so you can easily reach it and avoid violating the 10 lb lifting rule. Think thru your daily routine and organize stuff in house knowing you won't be having to stretch or do any significant lifting. Note that it would be good to stay the first week or so with relatives after you get home if you can.

Clare Auten  I forgot to mention that you may want to make sure bills and stuff are taken care of for the few weeks following surgery. I was a little foggy and was glad I didn't have to concentrate on that stuff.

Meredith Bray  It varies person to person. I didn't blow-dry my hair for three weeks. I wore my surgical bra for a few days, then switched to a pull-over sport bra (I needed assistance initially) or a tight-fitting cami or tank top. 9 months later, underwires still irritate me a little.

Elaine Foster  Going for my 2 week check today-that was one of my questions. I'll let you know when I get home from appt. I have used my arms a little. Keeping my elbows into my sides, and not over my head. Just enough to brush hair and blow dry a little.

Clare Auten  I don't remember when I dried my hair for the first time. I do remember having a surgical bra on from day one. I wore no wire bras 24/7 for a few days but then went back to my regular ones. Some are better than others. As far as lifting, I don't remember being given specific restrictions but I remember unloading the dishwasher one plate at a time into the upper cabinets about 10 days post op.

Melinda Hacker  It was around 10 days for me. Once I got home, I found it much more comfortable without a bra around home, but when I went for my follow up, the nurse said its best to keep a bra on all time time while the incision is healing. The bra provide support and keeps the tissue from pulling apart. After that, I kept a front closure sports bra on all the time, even at night. Take a look at my journal. You may find it helpful. I'm 2 months post op.

Suzanne Hunter  Blow dried hair second day home. Day 8 after surgery. Just don't hold it up too long and keep eye on any sternum pain. Wore bras with no wires for about a month then back to normal ones. I am 5 months post op.

Elaine Foster  My NP told me today I could wash and dry hair. I am 2 weeks out tomorrow. As others said, if it hurts don't do it. Also, she said to wear sports bra, to support chest. I had not been wearing bra at home because my drain tube hole was too sensitive. Wore underwire bra today to appt, with husbands clean while hankie tucked over the drain hole spot. Hope this helps.

Tammy Pilcher  It was three weeks before I could dry my hair. I wore the bra they gave me at the hospital the first couple of weeks. Then started wearing my regular bras again.

Lori Beuerlein  I am scheduled for the same day! You are the 2nd person who has posted something about dental work, what is that all about?

Lin Casebier  From what I am told, when you even go in for just a cleaning and you have a heart condition or any recent surgery, bacteria can be released in your mouth and could create "endocarditis" , cardiac infection. So, premedication of antibiotic is required before ANY dental procedure..even just a cleaning.

Elaine Foster  Dr.s like to be sure you have no underlying dental problems. Heart health and gum health are connected.