Morning...checking in. Echo was good but pressure across the valve is up from 18 to 21. I see them again next year for an echo and of course as always if ...Read more
Morning...checking in. Echo was good but pressure across the valve is up from 18 to 21. I see them again next year for an echo and of course as always if something changes I call them.
Deena Z wow, is that great news, Lynn!! Thanks for the update. So, was there actually no heart murmur to be ... Read more
Deena Z wow, is that great news, Lynn!! Thanks for the update. So, was there actually no heart murmur to be heard, unlike what your primary doc thought?
Rose Madura So glad all is well! Thanks for letting us know!
Patsy Stewart Did they explain what it meant to be up from 18 to 21? Not having to go back for a year sounds encour ... Read more
Patsy Stewart Did they explain what it meant to be up from 18 to 21? Not having to go back for a year sounds encouraging. Stay healthy, Lynn! ~❤️
Morning everyone. It has been over a year and I am going this morning for my 2nd Echo since my AVR. I am a bit nervous about this echo. My GP said I... Read more
Morning everyone. It has been over a year and I am going this morning for my 2nd Echo since my AVR. I am a bit nervous about this echo. My GP said I have a murmur. Thought I got rid of that. I did read though that it does happen.
Deena Z Hi Lynn, hopefully the sound your GP heard was only something minor, but I hear ya, not something y... Read more
Deena Z Hi Lynn, hopefully the sound your GP heard was only something minor, but I hear ya, not something you ever want to hear. I am thinking of you today and said a prayer.
Lynn Loudermilk Thanks Deena. I will know in about a week how it looks.
Deena Z Maybe you can ask for your review to be moved up? A week is a long wait, I think
Richard Munson Yes, they know the results almost as soon as you have the echo. I know this because when i had my mgh ... Read more
Richard Munson Yes, they know the results almost as soon as you have the echo. I know this because when i had my mgh echo, the cardiologist would see me right after to review the findings. Possible down under they have a different system that takes longer.
Rose Madura I'm thankful that we have MyChart here. Results are posted as soon as they are read. Most times, y... Read more
Rose Madura I'm thankful that we have MyChart here. Results are posted as soon as they are read. Most times, you'll see before the doctors do. Lynn, I hope it's nothing to worry about. Don't assume the worst. I know it's easy for me to say. I'll be praying for you
Lynn Loudermilk I also have my chart, but he needs to review it. She said within 5 days
Patsy Stewart Thinking of you, Lynn. Hopefully it won’t lead into a bigger problem. I also got the same news, but ... Read more
Patsy Stewart Thinking of you, Lynn. Hopefully it won’t lead into a bigger problem. I also got the same news, but my cardiologist said it’s nothing to worry about right now. Sending prayers up for you that you can find peace while waiting for your results. ~❤️
Hey everyone. Doing well, just having nerve pain issues with my scar. Suggestions? No, I didn't think it is that serious. Thanks.
Rose Madura Hi Lynn. I had some nerve pain where the main port was - not so much with the 7" incision. I don't ... Read more
Rose Madura Hi Lynn. I had some nerve pain where the main port was - not so much with the 7" incision. I don't remember doing anything other than taking Tylenol for it. I hope it goes away soon.
Heart wise doing very well. Cardiologist is happy with everything. I only take 81mg aspirin a day.
I have had major dental work done in the last week...all ...Read more
Heart wise doing very well. Cardiologist is happy with everything. I only take 81mg aspirin a day.
I have had major dental work done in the last week...all teeth removed. I have full dentures now. I swear mouth pain is harder to deal with than having heart surgery. It is one week today and still sore and healing.
I hope you all have a wonderful day and doing well.
Deena Z Hi Lynn, think about you. We had our surgery so close in time. Glad that your heart is a-okay. T ... Read more
Deena Z Hi Lynn, think about you. We had our surgery so close in time. Glad that your heart is a-okay. That dental work was another medical event to get through. Bet you are relieved it is over with!
Wow Lynn, that’s a lot of work on your mouth. Hope your pain goes away soon, glad your heart recove ... Read more
Wow Lynn, that’s a lot of work on your mouth. Hope your pain goes away soon, glad your heart recovery is going well. God bless you
Cheryl Mann So glad you are doing well. I hope your mouth feels better soon.
Lynn Loudermilk Thanks everyone. Mouth is better everyday....soreness from the dentures not so much but that will ge ... Read more
Lynn Loudermilk Thanks everyone. Mouth is better everyday....soreness from the dentures not so much but that will get better too.
Hello everyone. Ankle is better and I will be back at the teeter and walking prolly today. I have been doing more just working my way back up after the ankle ...Read more
Hello everyone. Ankle is better and I will be back at the teeter and walking prolly today. I have been doing more just working my way back up after the ankle incident.
The 9th is 6 months since surgery. Seems like yesterday, I feel so much better. I am also working at losing weight I am on a new eating plan with a nutritionist. Lost 7 so fat (2 weeks).
Hope you are all doing well.
Deena Z Getting right back on the teeter. Way to do it, Lynn!
We had our surgeries one week apart; the emo ... Read more
Deena Z Getting right back on the teeter. Way to do it, Lynn!
We had our surgeries one week apart; the emotional (and physical) part stays with us forever. More than I could have ever imagined!!!
Patsy Stewart Lynn, I totally missed that you had hurt your ankle. I’m glad you’re doing better. Sounds like yo ... Read more
Patsy Stewart Lynn, I totally missed that you had hurt your ankle. I’m glad you’re doing better. Sounds like you’re doing great on your new diet plan. Keep at it….you are doing great!! ~❤️
ok, my Cardiologist said I was doing great. In the past month fell 2x. Balance is off, has been a very long time (neck). A few weeks ago fell on my butt ...Read more
ok, my Cardiologist said I was doing great. In the past month fell 2x. Balance is off, has been a very long time (neck). A few weeks ago fell on my butt when my chair rolled away from me and the 22 was being stupid and worked my way down some limestone to a creek and twisted my ankle and fell. Still hurt, chest is fine. No didn't see the dr. That ankle and been badly sprained 5 times now. I can walk on it, just very sore and brused. I have to stop thinking I am in my 20's and realize someone in my helth/weight class shouldn't be climbing on rocks. Feel stupid.
Lynn 7/25/2021
Richard Munson We’re going to have to tie you to a chair. Stay well.
Joseph Heinzmann Silver lining: Your heart is healthy enough for you to hurt yourself while hiking.
Marie Myers I hear you: we are not spring chickens anymore...
Deena Z Well the positive side, Lynn, is that you still have gusto in you, keeps you young. That said, when ... Read more
Deena Z Well the positive side, Lynn, is that you still have gusto in you, keeps you young. That said, when you are in a place where good balance is essential might want to it tame down, huh. Hindsight, don't ya love it.
Lynn Loudermilk Thanks everyone....like I said, feel stupid. Hindsight, something I have to learn....lol
Wishing you get well soon Lynn. My balance has not been great since surgery. Most of the time I try t ... Read more
Wishing you get well soon Lynn. My balance has not been great since surgery. Most of the time I try to be careful and watch how fast I am walking. Sometimes I forget and have had close calls. Just try to slow down.
Richard Munson I also lost a little balance after surgery. Another side effect? I think there are repercussions from ... Read more
Richard Munson I also lost a little balance after surgery. Another side effect? I think there are repercussions from long surgeries especially on the heart lung machine that are unknown. My wife contends i have been a little unbalanced for years.
Deena Z Concur, Richard. Sometimes referred to in the social sciences as "unintended consequences"! I had 2 ... Read more
Deena Z Concur, Richard. Sometimes referred to in the social sciences as "unintended consequences"! I had 20/20 vision before the surgery and now have 20/30, and a bit worse in the other. Plus floaters and sometime foggy eyesight. Not hard to get to root cause. You have said the same before.
Richard and Deena, I also concur but wish doctors would give you a heads up for when these things occ ... Read more
Richard and Deena, I also concur but wish doctors would give you a heads up for when these things occur we don’t freak out. Richard, I’m sure your wife is right, but mostly I believe we are all a little unbalanced. 😃😉
Richard Munson Please don’t agree with my wife ana. I am sharp as a knife. Be safe tomorrow.
He said the echo was perfect and that I am doing very well. No more plavix only the 81mg asprin.
Asked abut the pain he checked it out and we agreed it i ...Read more
He said the echo was perfect and that I am doing very well. No more plavix only the 81mg asprin.
Asked abut the pain he checked it out and we agreed it i just nerve pain and may take a while to go away. My neck surgery nerve pain took about a year. So I wait.
I am so happy I am doing so well. Now to work on weight loss again. Wih me luck.
Lynn, so glad you saw your cardiologist and you are on your way to get better and better. Be patient ... Read more
Lynn, so glad you saw your cardiologist and you are on your way to get better and better. Be patient with your body and your weight, it’s one day at a time. God bless you
Sherry Bradford Yay! So glad you are doing well! Start with exercise - it will help so much as you move forward and i ... Read more
Sherry Bradford Yay! So glad you are doing well! Start with exercise - it will help so much as you move forward and it is the one thing I neglected and regret post surgery.
How long does it take on average for your chest to not hurt getting out of bed. I Am ok laying down (using my wedge) but getting up almost always hurts. I ...Read more
How long does it take on average for your chest to not hurt getting out of bed. I Am ok laying down (using my wedge) but getting up almost always hurts. I am 4 months out from surgery now. Other than that...had my echo Friday and see the cardiologist on Thursday. Been down even though I take an anti anxiety med. Been riding my teeter at home and doing more around the house, even ventured to the basement now a few times. Fibro has been kicking my butt, but dealing with that. So glad my dr let me have more t3. I think out of 30 in over a month I have used 6-7 total. It helps. Hope you are all doing well.
Deena Z Hi Lynn- we had our surgeries around the same time. I do not have pain getting in and out of bed, b ... Read more
Deena Z Hi Lynn- we had our surgeries around the same time. I do not have pain getting in and out of bed, but everyone is different. I would speak with your cardiologist this Thursday just to make sure that everything seems ok, but some warriors on this website say they have some residual pain even years later. I think if you sternums wires were out of wack you would know that, but just make sure...!
Lynn Loudermilk Thanks Deena, yea planned on asking when I week him. It is just really irritating.
Question.....I am 3 months + post op. Sternum is so achey and occasionally painful. Is this normal. I also started sleeping flat in bed, could that be causing ...Read more
Question.....I am 3 months + post op. Sternum is so achey and occasionally painful. Is this normal. I also started sleeping flat in bed, could that be causing this?
Trevor Haigh Hi Lynn I’m 4 months post op and still cannot sleep flat in bed or end up with the same problem. T ... Read more
Trevor Haigh Hi Lynn I’m 4 months post op and still cannot sleep flat in bed or end up with the same problem. T
Lynn Loudermilk Thanks Trevor. Guess I go back to the wedge.
Deena Z Wonder if the pain is from nerves, muscles being too tight or the incision. Or all of the above? H ... Read more
Deena Z Wonder if the pain is from nerves, muscles being too tight or the incision. Or all of the above? Hard to say.
Lynn Loudermilk Deena, it might be all of the above. I know the scar can be crazy sensitive. Slept on the wedge las ... Read more
Lynn Loudermilk Deena, it might be all of the above. I know the scar can be crazy sensitive. Slept on the wedge last night and seemed to sleep better. Still achey but didn't expect it to be a miracle.
Today it is 3 months since surgery. Seems like yesterday. Time really flew.
I am feeling very good except of the intermittent sternum pain...pretty sure ...Read more
Today it is 3 months since surgery. Seems like yesterday. Time really flew.
I am feeling very good except of the intermittent sternum pain...pretty sure it is nerves, remember that feeling from my neck surgery.
Thank you all for being there for me :)
Now to know my limit. Starting out again with 30 minutes to 40, on teeter. I thought I was more weeks along than I was, counted the weeks a few times and ...Read more
Now to know my limit. Starting out again with 30 minutes to 40, on teeter. I thought I was more weeks along than I was, counted the weeks a few times and tomorrow is actually 11 weeks since surgery. I thought I was past 12 already...lol Slowing down was a good thing. Nerve zingers, muscle and bone aches are never fun.
We are going to have the outside of the house changed as in gutters siding etc and I have to get going on the reseach and who to get quotes from. Next year is driveway. I hate adulting.
stephanie arnold hi,Lynn. I've been in this group since May 2020. there are some amazing people here,with amazing stor ... Read more
stephanie arnold hi,Lynn. I've been in this group since May 2020. there are some amazing people here,with amazing stories. what you're saying mirrors where I was 2 and 3 months post op. I am NOT a good patient...no patience...I was fighting the physical weakness,overdoing every time I felt good,and winding up with vertigo. scared me when my eyes crossed and I had to sit down or fall down.so much weird stuff goes with our healing. but we're rebuilt.oh yehhh. I call it a valve job....you seem to have a good handle on your healing. God bless you. keep up the good work.
Went to my regular dr today to ask for T3. She said yes and gave me 30 tablets. It will last me months. I never take more than one a day and sometimes only ...Read more
Went to my regular dr today to ask for T3. She said yes and gave me 30 tablets. It will last me months. I never take more than one a day and sometimes only 1-2 a week. Fibro and healing from this isnt' a good combo. It will help. She also said I should be more active ike I have been and if I get too sore take a couple days off.
Obviously I have been doing too much, lifting especally...lol Thanks for listening!
Tracy Fallu Listening to our body is one of the hardest parts of recovery. In our mind, we know whatever we’re ... Read more
Tracy Fallu Listening to our body is one of the hardest parts of recovery. In our mind, we know whatever we’re doing is likely too much yet we press on and then pay for it the next day.
A piece of advice I read on this site years ago is that one of our jobs during recovery is to rest our body.
I too have fibro and empathize with you. One day at a time, as each day is a gift. I hope as days move on you’ll notice an increase in energy.
Lynn Loudermilk Thanks Tracy, yea this is so much harder than when I had my neck fused C5-7. I have been trying no t ... Read more
Lynn Loudermilk Thanks Tracy, yea this is so much harder than when I had my neck fused C5-7. I have been trying no to do too much but that is difficult...days I have energy I do too much. I have to remember my fibro rules and use that for this too.
Ribs, sternum and muscles all have a horrible ache. Took tylenol and messaged my dr, but haven't heard. Maybe Monday. No Teeter today but did take a small ...Read more
Ribs, sternum and muscles all have a horrible ache. Took tylenol and messaged my dr, but haven't heard. Maybe Monday. No Teeter today but did take a small walk.
Hope all of you are doing well.
Dylan Kempers I hear you, Lynn. I stopped taking Gabapentin and started having pain in my shoulder blades. Taking T ... Read more
Dylan Kempers I hear you, Lynn. I stopped taking Gabapentin and started having pain in my shoulder blades. Taking Tylenol now (I don't want to abuse the Gabapentin). My surgery was 4/19/21, MV repair robotics.
Lynn Loudermilk Dylan I would like more Tylenol 3, it helps and I only use it when I really need to. fingers crossed ... Read more
Lynn Loudermilk Dylan I would like more Tylenol 3, it helps and I only use it when I really need to. fingers crossed she will agree.
Deena Z Hey Lynn, maybe using your arms on the teeter is causing the pain. You’re stretching you pec muscle ... Read more
Deena Z Hey Lynn, maybe using your arms on the teeter is causing the pain. You’re stretching you pec muscles, etc when you use it.
Lynn Loudermilk Deena I was thinking that might be it. I will try it this week without and see if it helps.
UG, I think I have been doing too much. Combinding fibro and recovery from surgery is hard.
Time to dial it back a little. Yesterday afternoon I fell asleep ...Read more
UG, I think I have been doing too much. Combinding fibro and recovery from surgery is hard.
Time to dial it back a little. Yesterday afternoon I fell asleep watching tv for 2 hours.
I could have easily slept another 2 hours but with a dog and a cat that need to be fed, that isn't happening. We have her (the cat) Charlie.
Today taking hubby car in for tire switch (snow to normal tires) and oil change. I did the Teeter yesterday, been doing 30 minutes every other day.
Take care of yourselves.
Deena Z I hear ya, Lynn. I find it hard to pace myself. Yesterday I took an extra long walk and didn't hav ... Read more
Deena Z I hear ya, Lynn. I find it hard to pace myself. Yesterday I took an extra long walk and didn't have the energy to get back home, even after resting for awhile. I had to call my husband to pick me up. Keep up the Teeter!
Lynn Loudermilk Thanks Deena. I just wanna feel better and more like me, my patience is wearing thin. Now that I ha ... Read more
Lynn Loudermilk Thanks Deena. I just wanna feel better and more like me, my patience is wearing thin. Now that I have all this energy especially, but then like you said it doesnt' last forever. When I walked around the block I seriously thought about calling my hubby, but it wasn't that much further and I pushed through. Yep sticking with Teeter for now. Hoping soon to go wander old cemeterys I haven't been to yet.
Cheryl Mann I hear you both! My energy level is lagging pretty badly too. Between recovery from surgery and the ... Read more
Cheryl Mann I hear you both! My energy level is lagging pretty badly too. Between recovery from surgery and the new meds, those little bursts of energy just don’t last long... I feel like I should probably plan what to use them for, but just don’t quite manage to have enough to go around... it is so hard to be patient with myself.
Susan Lynn Lynn - Sleep whenever you need to rest. Forget about the clock. Your body doesn't know what time it ... Read more
Susan Lynn Lynn - Sleep whenever you need to rest. Forget about the clock. Your body doesn't know what time it is.
I was not prepared for the lingering fatigue. You'll be surprised, even after the scars are healing and the days go by on the calendar, that exhaustion will catch up with you. The first 95% of recovery goes pretty quickly, but that last 5% can go on for awhile. Hang in there!
Cheryl Mann Susan - that is the best description of recovery that I have heard so far!
Lynn Loudermilk Hey Thanks Susan. When I get so tired I feel like a wimp. Yes I know it was major surgery and I nee ... Read more
Lynn Loudermilk Hey Thanks Susan. When I get so tired I feel like a wimp. Yes I know it was major surgery and I need to have patience, but it is so difficult. I am not used to having this much energy.
Rose Madura All I can say is, listen to your body! You k ow it best. There will be days when you are plumb wore ... Read more
Rose Madura All I can say is, listen to your body! You k ow it best. There will be days when you are plumb wore out. It's ok. Rest on those days. Lots of napping too!
OK, so this morning I finally decided about rehab. The drive for one hour to get there (for one hour there) and the fact that I am doing great AND have a recumbent ...Read more
OK, so this morning I finally decided about rehab. The drive for one hour to get there (for one hour there) and the fact that I am doing great AND have a recumbent stepper at home plus I can walk outside now that it is nicer....I am not going to rehab anymore. I will be staying active. Back to exploring my old cemetarys.
EDIT....I just did my recumbent stepper for 30 minutes. 2900 steps. Used my arms also. Feeling good.
Richard Munson Please do not mention cemeteries in the same breath as heart surgery. Lol.
Lynn Loudermilk Richard, it is a hobby of mine, sorry...lol They are peaceful to me.
Richard Munson I am on the board of a local cemetery and the oldest grave is 1700, sea captain. My hope is not to vi ... Read more
Richard Munson I am on the board of a local cemetery and the oldest grave is 1700, sea captain. My hope is not to visit as a customer for awhile yet.
Rose Madura There's a lot to see. We have a ton of history here at a local cemetery. The Wright Brothers, Pau ... Read more
Rose Madura There's a lot to see. We have a ton of history here at a local cemetery. The Wright Brothers, Paul Lawrence Dunbar, Erma Bombeck to name a few. They offer a self guided tour which is very fun and lots of hills!
Barbara Wood I love them too! We have lots of nice old ones in New England, sometimes I do rubbings of particularl ... Read more
Barbara Wood I love them too! We have lots of nice old ones in New England, sometimes I do rubbings of particularly cool headstones!
Hi Lynn, I didn’t finish my cardiac rehab either. I have kept myself busy and doing yard work and e ... Read more
Hi Lynn, I didn’t finish my cardiac rehab either. I have kept myself busy and doing yard work and exercise at home and do some walking when weather is not too hot.
Richard you are funny, keep your sense of humor, you make me smile. Never liked cemeteries, only visited for very few funerals in my lifetime. Read history in books.
Deena Z Do what works for you Lynn, as long as you are getting better every day. Just do it! (borrowed from ... Read more
Deena Z Do what works for you Lynn, as long as you are getting better every day. Just do it! (borrowed from Nike:)
Patsy Stewart I think the most important thing is that whatever you choose, that you do it. Sounds like you have a ... Read more
Patsy Stewart I think the most important thing is that whatever you choose, that you do it. Sounds like you have a great plan. Our bodies are a machine and they were meant to move. Keep moving and you’ll do great!
I am tired and woke up with my pain levels off the chart. Mostly fibro....took one of my last t3's I had and slept well for 2 hours. Completely out of it ...Read more
I am tired and woke up with my pain levels off the chart. Mostly fibro....took one of my last t3's I had and slept well for 2 hours. Completely out of it today so staying home.
We adopted a cat this weekend. She is beautiful. Her and our Golden Addy get along really well, so pleased. Nothing like a free cat. A friend of hubbys form work her sister needed to get rid of some of the chaos, a parent died and a lot of stuff going on. So we took the cat, she will be 2 in December and is huge.
Marshall, relax and go with the flow, I know that is difficult. Prayers.
Have a great day everyone. I am going to try...OH dinner Saturday was awesome!!!
Deena Z Hi Lynn, the bouts of pain can be so debilitating. It's invisible to others. My best friend has rhe ... Read more
Deena Z Hi Lynn, the bouts of pain can be so debilitating. It's invisible to others. My best friend has rheumatoid arthritis and she has tried everything, as I am sure you have. She does say that the CBP drops help alleviate (downgrade) the pain, but only if it is a the higher concentration levels (1000). Was thinking about your new best friend (cat:) You might want to name/rename her something appropriate for all that you have been going through with OHS!! The good part!
Lynn Loudermilk Deena thanks....We have decided on Elly for the cat. Yea, I have tried it all. It is difficult to c ... Read more
Lynn Loudermilk Deena thanks....We have decided on Elly for the cat. Yea, I have tried it all. It is difficult to convince dr's that the only thing that works is t3. Honestly I can have 20 tablets and it can last me months. Oh well. Do you mean cbd? from canabis? Yea I tried it. Didn't do anything really :(
Cheryl Mann Lynn, so sorry you are hurting - is anything new going on that is aggravating the fibro (getting too ... Read more
Cheryl Mann Lynn, so sorry you are hurting - is anything new going on that is aggravating the fibro (getting too cold, not sleeping, food triggers?). I hope you feel better soon.
Lynn Loudermilk Cheryl, yea, I don't sleep very well ever, I could have had a food issue with dinner out, not sure. ... Read more
Lynn Loudermilk Cheryl, yea, I don't sleep very well ever, I could have had a food issue with dinner out, not sure. Thanks a day of mostly rest helped a lot for now. Does not help that this weekend it was in the 80's and today rain and 50's.
Patsy Stewart Hope you’re feeling better today.
How fun to get a new kitty! I hope she’s still a little playf ... Read more
Patsy Stewart Hope you’re feeling better today.
How fun to get a new kitty! I hope she’s still a little playful and brings you hours of joy.
Today I did 40 minutes level 2 4159 steps. BP was 96/60 when I was done. All I can say is I am very glad I am no longer on blood pressure meds form the surgery. ...Read more
Today I did 40 minutes level 2 4159 steps. BP was 96/60 when I was done. All I can say is I am very glad I am no longer on blood pressure meds form the surgery. oh and my watch has 2432 steps. Yep tired. Ready to rest. Maybe it is the plavix making it low, it is a side effect.
Hope you are all doing well....have a great day!
Deena Z Every time gets better. Nice trending! Great aerobics for your heart and also burns some decent calo ... Read more
Deena Z Every time gets better. Nice trending! Great aerobics for your heart and also burns some decent calories in anticipation of your birthday dinner tonight. Buon appetito!
Today I got upped to the next difficulty level and did 35 minutes and it said 3735 steps. Yes tired and sore since I really haven't been doing a lot of physical ...Read more
Today I got upped to the next difficulty level and did 35 minutes and it said 3735 steps. Yes tired and sore since I really haven't been doing a lot of physical things in years...oy. Never out of breath and heart rate doesn't go very high. Today after bp was low but she had me stand to do it again and it was good. Right now so glad I am not taking blood pressure meds anymore.
Started eating better again today. Better for me anyway, I am keto. Very few carbs and I fasted today also. Missed that, I know sounds weird but I was used to not having breakfast and the first few weeks it was suggested I eat 3 meals. I feel better when I don't. I also gained a few pounds back, but will lose it again. Grains don't like me but I like them. Inflammation.
Hope you al are doing well.!
Laura Julius Wonderful update! I start rehab on Friday. I’m wondering how tired it may make me 😊
Cheryl Mann There will be no stopping you now! Great job!
Deena Z Rehab and you work well together, Lynn! Nice increase in time and speed. And back on-the-band wagon ... Read more
Deena Z Rehab and you work well together, Lynn! Nice increase in time and speed. And back on-the-band wagon with KETO. Some of the new, some of the old!
Lynn Loudermilk Thanks everyone...Yes Deena not easy at all but doing it. So tired of the body aches from the inflam ... Read more
Lynn Loudermilk Thanks everyone...Yes Deena not easy at all but doing it. So tired of the body aches from the inflammation.
Cheryl Mann Lynn - check out the Wahl’s diet - it is not easy, but works very well to reduce inflammation for m ... Read more
Cheryl Mann Lynn - check out the Wahl’s diet - it is not easy, but works very well to reduce inflammation for me (even when I don’t follow it to the letter).
Lynn Loudermilk Thanks Cheryl....yea keto works for me, just been off track for 2 weeks. All my fault.
BUT I will ch ... Read more
Lynn Loudermilk Thanks Cheryl....yea keto works for me, just been off track for 2 weeks. All my fault.
BUT I will check it out, I have heard of her.
Today did 40 minutes on the recumbent stepper on level one. Wednesday 40 minutes level 2 and some light weights. Wish me luck after that. I did take a short ...Read more
Today did 40 minutes on the recumbent stepper on level one. Wednesday 40 minutes level 2 and some light weights. Wish me luck after that. I did take a short walk on Saturday .5 of a mile 15 minutes. The OA in my hips has been screaming since Saturday.
Hope you are all doing well...
Deena Z You’re really advancing well, Lynn. Must fell good, but not the OA. Did you ever try CPD drops or ... Read more
Deena Z You’re really advancing well, Lynn. Must fell good, but not the OA. Did you ever try CPD drops or chewables to help alleviate some of the inflammation? (As for me, I am still am on two waiting lists for rehab. Due to Covid, Cardiac rehab staff left their jobs to self-school their kids, for health concerns, etc.)
Lynn Loudermilk Deena yea I tried it but didn't help me. I have some roll on lidocane that helps a bit. Doesn't hel ... Read more
Lynn Loudermilk Deena yea I tried it but didn't help me. I have some roll on lidocane that helps a bit. Doesn't help that I have been eating off my keto plan, too many grains. Full of inflammation right now. Sorry about your waiting list for rehab. Hope they call you soon.
Mike Dotson Way to go Lynn. Walking is great because it is a weight bearing exercise and effectively strengthens ... Read more
Mike Dotson Way to go Lynn. Walking is great because it is a weight bearing exercise and effectively strengthens the heart, bones, and muscle. However, due to your OA, you may consider using some machines long term to maintain cardiovascular fitness, e.g. elliptical, stationary bike, etc. I used to run but had to transition to rowing due to a bone spur.
Lynn Loudermilk Mike, I have a recumbent stepper at home also. So much easier on my joints. I am hoping that once I ... Read more
Lynn Loudermilk Mike, I have a recumbent stepper at home also. So much easier on my joints. I am hoping that once I am eating right again inflammation goes away again and it isn't as bad.
Great job Lynn. Sorry about your inflammation but soon you will get back to normal eating and will fe ... Read more
Great job Lynn. Sorry about your inflammation but soon you will get back to normal eating and will feel better God’s willing. Keep up the good work. Blessings
Patsy Stewart Look at you go!! Sorry you’re feeling so much pain. Have you tried sleeping with a pillow between y ... Read more
Patsy Stewart Look at you go!! Sorry you’re feeling so much pain. Have you tried sleeping with a pillow between your knees? I have a smaller pillow that I use and it helps alleviate some of the pain in my hips. I hope you get some relief soon.
Lynn Loudermilk sore but not red or hot, just feel like a truck hit me.
Deena Z Massaging the injection spot often helps as well as a hot pad. I had a slight fever (100.2) with my s ... Read more
Deena Z Massaging the injection spot often helps as well as a hot pad. I had a slight fever (100.2) with my second Pfizer shot and took tylenol and it quickly broke. Just know that any side effects dont last long!
Lynn Loudermilk Thanks Deena. Yea back to rehab monday, just resting today.
Went well, pushed myself harder to go faster. Friday I will be doing 40 minutes instead of 30.
Oh and possibly setting 2 instead of one. OH I am getting ...Read more
Went well, pushed myself harder to go faster. Friday I will be doing 40 minutes instead of 30.
Oh and possibly setting 2 instead of one. OH I am getting my first covid shot tomorrow,
nervous about it and possibly having side effects. Wish me luck.
Marshall Rader The wife and I drank plenty of water before and after in having no side effects at all with both firs ... Read more
Marshall Rader The wife and I drank plenty of water before and after in having no side effects at all with both first and second shot Phizer
Deena Z Go for it, Lynn. You’re ace-ing it. You will do so with the vaccine too.
Back form rehab....2230 steps on the recumbent stepper and I was on 30 minutes. I still don't use my arms for it and my watch says 1413 steps as of right now. ...Read more
Back form rehab....2230 steps on the recumbent stepper and I was on 30 minutes. I still don't use my arms for it and my watch says 1413 steps as of right now. Crazy, wasn't even out of breath and blood pressure was good. I am amazed.
Marshall Rader Fantastic lynn, you're still my role model. Next Thursday the 29th.
Marshall Rader Hi Lynn, I was wondering are you driving yourself to the rehab. Stay optimistic
Lynn Loudermilk Yes I a driving myself to rehab. My cardiologist told me at 4 weeks out I could. He thinks 6-8 week ... Read more
Lynn Loudermilk Yes I a driving myself to rehab. My cardiologist told me at 4 weeks out I could. He thinks 6-8 weeks is too long to wait and thought I was doing great so he said go ahead.
Michael Morrison I’ve seen several of you mention rehab. Is this an extra thing, my doc/surgeon never mentioned it. ... Read more
Michael Morrison I’ve seen several of you mention rehab. Is this an extra thing, my doc/surgeon never mentioned it.
Deena Z Hey Michael, Cardiac rehab, while elective, is highly recommended. If you had a Physical Therapist i ... Read more
Deena Z Hey Michael, Cardiac rehab, while elective, is highly recommended. If you had a Physical Therapist in the hospital watching your first few walks, he/she might have mentioned it. Or if you read over your hospital discharge instructions, it would likely mention it. I am about 32 days out from surgery and almost ready to enter cardiac rehab (usually based on of a hospital). Can't wait until I can drive!!!
Deena Z Lynn, that IS amazing. Must feel great to getting closer to feeling normal (well, new, improved norm ... Read more
Deena Z Lynn, that IS amazing. Must feel great to getting closer to feeling normal (well, new, improved normal:)
Lynn Loudermilk Thanks everyone, yes feeling good. I doubt I will do 12 weeks, I am thinking 2 months at the most. ... Read more
Lynn Loudermilk Thanks everyone, yes feeling good. I doubt I will do 12 weeks, I am thinking 2 months at the most. tomorrow I am 6 weeks out from surgery.
Deena Z Lynn, so do you go to cardiac rehab, spend 30 min on the machine and then leave? Wondering how much m ... Read more
Deena Z Lynn, so do you go to cardiac rehab, spend 30 min on the machine and then leave? Wondering how much more they will do with you after you get stronger?
Lynn Loudermilk Deena, eventually I will get to an hour. Amazing that I am at 30 minutes aftrer my 2nd time. I will ... Read more
Lynn Loudermilk Deena, eventually I will get to an hour. Amazing that I am at 30 minutes aftrer my 2nd time. I will also do stretching and weights I think. I signed up for an exercise class that is informational on things we can do that is in May. Not really sure how long I will need this. It is amazing how much energy I have. It is helping already.
Deena Z Gotcha. Like the idea of the weight lifting too. Sounds like you are turning a big corner! Awe ... Read more
Deena Z Gotcha. Like the idea of the weight lifting too. Sounds like you are turning a big corner! Awesome.
Those of you that are 4 weeks or more post op are you still taking pain meds? I haven't taken prescription pain meds since 1st week home and hve been avoiding ...Read more
Those of you that are 4 weeks or more post op are you still taking pain meds? I haven't taken prescription pain meds since 1st week home and hve been avoiding taking any tylenol mainly because I am tired of taking so many medications, Am I hurting myself in not taking anything for the pain?
Thanks:)
Marshall Rader No, if you don't mind the pain discomfort, then being on no pain pills is go for it !! So far you're ... Read more
Marshall Rader No, if you don't mind the pain discomfort, then being on no pain pills is go for it !! So far you're doing fine. You're like a role model for me next after next week. Stay safe and optimistic Lynn
Deena Z Heck. I agree with Marshall; if you don’t really need the pills, don't use them. I stopped using ... Read more
Deena Z Heck. I agree with Marshall; if you don’t really need the pills, don't use them. I stopped using oxy and tylenol after about 2.5 weeks at home, because my pain had lessened. I use a hot pack that is microwaved for the off and on pain in the sternum. My biggest challenge right now besides getting my heart strength/stamina up, is having to be home all day and night. Not able to drive yet nor do much but read, TV, nap, etc.
Lynn Loudermilk Thanks Deena. Yes I also put heat on my sternum and back. Helps a lot.
Once you get to rehab that w ... Read more
Lynn Loudermilk Thanks Deena. Yes I also put heat on my sternum and back. Helps a lot.
Once you get to rehab that will happen. Doing jst a little more every day also helps. :)
Marshall Rader My wife bought a good processor !! She already making salad dressing etc !! LOL
David Smith I took mine til they ran out. I don’t mean to be too descriptive but, I had a couple extra incision ... Read more
David Smith I took mine til they ran out. I don’t mean to be too descriptive but, I had a couple extra incisions I didn’t expect. One down the right groin and one over the right pec. Both were for the heart/lung machine. This was only done because of the aneurysm. Had more pain from those than anything.
David Smith And no Lynn you’re not hurting yourself. Probably doing your liver a favor
Rose Madura I tried to stay ahead of the pain but probably within a week was on nothing more than Tylenol.
Rita Savelis Pain is very personal. Do what you like. I hear you. I had SO many meds to take after OHS that the la ... Read more
Rita Savelis Pain is very personal. Do what you like. I hear you. I had SO many meds to take after OHS that the last thing I wanted to add was a pain med. Not everyone experiences pain after OHS. Discomfort yes, but not necessarily pain. Take care.
Michael Morrison I started backing off at about 2.5 weeks, and by 3.5 weeks was managing with Tylenol as needed. My pa ... Read more
Michael Morrison I started backing off at about 2.5 weeks, and by 3.5 weeks was managing with Tylenol as needed. My pain was really bad the first couple weeks, and my surgeon when I had my neck fusion had told me, you can’t heal if you are in pain, and to stay ahead of it. Now, coming up on 4 weeks, I don’t have much pain at all.
John Mohr I only took oxy a few times in the hospital but took Tylenol at hone at night for quite a while (mont ... Read more
John Mohr I only took oxy a few times in the hospital but took Tylenol at hone at night for quite a while (month or two). Not sure it did much as I didn’t notice a huge change when I stopped taking it.
David Smith I still have some discomfort after 9 weeks. Just met my new Cardiologist. I was told it takes 6 month ... Read more
David Smith I still have some discomfort after 9 weeks. Just met my new Cardiologist. I was told it takes 6 months for the sternum to heal completely and I still have some discomfort but not pain. Pillows at night help me.
Finally home from rehab...went well. Blood pressure stayed below 120 and ekg thing was good. Did 20 MINUTES on their recumbent stepper all at one time. I have ...Read more
Finally home from rehab...went well. Blood pressure stayed below 120 and ekg thing was good. Did 20 MINUTES on their recumbent stepper all at one time. I have been sticking to lower times and wow didn't think I had it in me to do 20, no shortness of breath either.
How many of you bought a medic alert bracelet, necklace etc after your valve replacement?
Marie Myers No, I just put my valve card in my wallet.
Rose Madura I did not. I also keep my valve card in wallet.
Susan Lynn Like Marie and Rose, I have my Edwards Life Sciences card (for my ring) in my wallet. I have a small ... Read more
Susan Lynn Like Marie and Rose, I have my Edwards Life Sciences card (for my ring) in my wallet. I have a small, side-incision scar from my procedure that wouldn't be immediately recognizable in an emergency. I may consider a necklace in the future.
Marie Myers That is one positive thing about having a full sternotomy- no way the paramedics will miss that!!
Marie Myers Within a few weeks of your surgery, you will receive a card from the company who made your valve. It ... Read more
Marie Myers Within a few weeks of your surgery, you will receive a card from the company who made your valve. It tells the size, manufacturer, date of implantation, doctor and hospital. I was given a temporary card at the hospital before discharge.
Patsy Stewart I have a medical alert necklace that I’ve worn for years. I feel safer wearing it. I’m waiting to ... Read more
Patsy Stewart I have a medical alert necklace that I’ve worn for years. I feel safer wearing it. I’m waiting to update mine because I won’t know until May if they are implanting a defibrillator. I also carry the valve card in my wallet.
Did you not get a valve card? They gave me a temporary one before I left the hospital. I received a permanent one a few weeks later in the mail.
Lynn Loudermilk I have information in my one folder but not a card. I did get a nice bracelet and put the code AVR o ... Read more
Lynn Loudermilk I have information in my one folder but not a card. I did get a nice bracelet and put the code AVR on it with my name and my hubbys name and number on it.
Patsy Stewart You might call your cardiologist’s office and ask them about a card for your wallet if you didn’t ... Read more
Patsy Stewart You might call your cardiologist’s office and ask them about a card for your wallet if you didn’t get one. I understood that I was to carry it everywhere I went. It contains all the important information that Marie mentioned. They said I would need it in case of a recall as well as information for future reference.
Your bracelet sounds pretty neat.
Deena Z I got paper cards for my two valves that were repaired while in the hospital, and then about two week ... Read more
Deena Z I got paper cards for my two valves that were repaired while in the hospital, and then about two weeks post discharge received the laminated cards from the medical device companies.
David Smith I have a necklace for Coumadin and a paper for my wallet.
Everything went well. I am released from the surgeons office. Friday is the start of rehab and in 3 months I have a new baseline echo and then see the cardiologist ...Read more
Everything went well. I am released from the surgeons office. Friday is the start of rehab and in 3 months I have a new baseline echo and then see the cardiologist the next week. Then the next year. Whew....
Marshall Rader I'm happy 😊 for you Lynn !! I looking towards the same outcome !! Are you feeling better each and ... Read more
Marshall Rader I'm happy 😊 for you Lynn !! I looking towards the same outcome !! Are you feeling better each and every day ?
Jill Boroniec That's a huge milestone - congrats Lynn!
Deena Z Yahoo. You will make great gains in cardiac rehab. Onward!
Lynn Loudermilk Marshall yes I am, feeling more and more like me.
OK, it has been a month since surgery. Sternum aches all the time and no matter how I sleep...side or back. Muscle top of chest also hurts. Nerve pain off ...Read more
OK, it has been a month since surgery. Sternum aches all the time and no matter how I sleep...side or back. Muscle top of chest also hurts. Nerve pain off and on all over chest. The nerve pain I cana deal with, after have c 5-7 fused I understand that pain well. How long till I can comfortably sleep on my side, back sleeping just makes everything hurt...lol Sorry for the whining. Any suggestions other than tylenol?
Oh the cardiologist took me off the blood pressure meds yesterday!
Harris Chrysanthou Took me three months to sleep on my side and 6 months on my chest
Jill Boroniec Aiy Lynn - I'm sorry you're so uncomfortable. Not being able to side sleep is one of my biggest worr ... Read more
Jill Boroniec Aiy Lynn - I'm sorry you're so uncomfortable. Not being able to side sleep is one of my biggest worries. Have you tried lidocaine patches (either OTC or prescription) around the incision?
Deena Z Did you try sleeping with your back slightly elevated via pillows, 30 degree angle. then place two p ... Read more
Deena Z Did you try sleeping with your back slightly elevated via pillows, 30 degree angle. then place two pillows, stacked vertically, at one of your sides. slightly turn to your side, towards the two pillows, maybe 20 degrees. Really needs a drawing, I know. helped me somewhat.
Rose Madura I am sorry you are frustrated with sleep or lack thereof. I remember those days. I'd start out in ... Read more
Rose Madura I am sorry you are frustrated with sleep or lack thereof. I remember those days. I'd start out in bed and then end up downstairs in the recliner many nights. You will start to feel better soon. This is your heart valve journey and sometimes it seems to take forever to get well. But you will. Before you know it, you'll feel better than ever!
Lynn Loudermilk Thanks everyone. Deena I will try that again but I still ended up completely on my side when I woke ... Read more
Lynn Loudermilk Thanks everyone. Deena I will try that again but I still ended up completely on my side when I woke up. Jill no I haven't tried lidocane patches, I might have to. Rose yes I ened up back in the recliner when I just couldnt' make myself lay in bed again. Harris thanks, hope it doesn't take that long. It is pretty bad when you start dreading going to bed.
Michael Morrison I’m still using my wedge pillow to prop me up to sleep on my back. I’m a side sleeper as well and ... Read more
Michael Morrison I’m still using my wedge pillow to prop me up to sleep on my back. I’m a side sleeper as well and really miss it, but the wedge seems to keep me on my back really good.
Lynn Loudermilk Michael I sleep on a wdge too but I also have a bad back and sleeping on it is so hard. I did try so ... Read more
Lynn Loudermilk Michael I sleep on a wdge too but I also have a bad back and sleeping on it is so hard. I did try something new last night, wedge with pillow and one to hug, worked very well. I started with the wedge after my neck surgery.
Michael Morrison Ah, I’m glad you found some combination that may help alleviate the pain. Hope it continues to help ... Read more
Michael Morrison Ah, I’m glad you found some combination that may help alleviate the pain. Hope it continues to help
Deena Z Lynn- you have lots of company. I just had told my husband yesterday that my least favorite part of e ... Read more
Deena Z Lynn- you have lots of company. I just had told my husband yesterday that my least favorite part of each day is bedtime.
Michael Morrison Lol, Deena, same here. I always wait to the last minute before going to bed.
Marshall Rader Mazes me how some patients walk around with no to little issues, and other patients struggle for week ... Read more
Marshall Rader Mazes me how some patients walk around with no to little issues, and other patients struggle for weeks on end ! Hmmm !!!!
Lynn Loudermilk Marshall it doesn't help that I have fibromyalgia, MPS (myofacsial pain syndrome) and OA. It doesn't ... Read more
Lynn Loudermilk Marshall it doesn't help that I have fibromyalgia, MPS (myofacsial pain syndrome) and OA. It doesn't make the healing process easy.
Cheryl Mann Putting a small pillow behind your knees may help a little - it takes some of the pressure off of you ... Read more
Cheryl Mann Putting a small pillow behind your knees may help a little - it takes some of the pressure off of your core. I even saw a wedge pillow that comes w/ an extra wedge to go behind your knees - was planning on ordering that myself. The other thing you could try is to prop up your elbows/arms on pillows so they don't pull on your sternum - it would probably look a little like Deena's pillow fort...
Deena Z Exactly, Cheryl. You are showing your nursing skills. In the ICU, the nurses put a pillow on each of ... Read more
Deena Z Exactly, Cheryl. You are showing your nursing skills. In the ICU, the nurses put a pillow on each of my sides to lay my arms on. 😃
John Mohr I echo the recommendations regarding pillows on the sides abs elevating your head a bit while sleepin ... Read more
John Mohr I echo the recommendations regarding pillows on the sides abs elevating your head a bit while sleeping on your back. I feel like the extra pillows too pressure off the chest or contained everything. Hope they continue to work.
Rose Madura I had pillows for my arms
And it was most helpful.