Mark's Posts

Exactly 1 year ago today (2/28) I had my surgery. I still feel myself getting better every month but now it is incrementally smaller. The doctor gave me the go ahead to lift weights and get a good muscle burn. That was such good news for me. I had no idea recovery would take so long. The only downside is that the doctor believes I will be on medication for the rest of my life but only because they are unsure if my heart is doing better because of medication or because of me. This last year flew by.

My OHS was on February 28th so it's been just about 5 months. I occasionally hear the clicking of my mechanical valve which is almost reassuring for me. I am used to the loud and heavy heartbeat that I hear most of the time. Sometimes I feel it in my throat. What is distressing is that I worry it is not good for my heart. I was finally able to see the cardiologist my surgeon recommended. She is very good but doesn't know why I can hear and feel my heartbeat so firmly. The only explanation I have been told by several different nurses and people in the medical field is that my heart can now function normally so the pounding is normal and my heart trying heal after being weak. My new doctor did increase my dosage of medications but I was on the least possible dosage before and was cutting pills in half as well. What I really enjoy is how I feel after walking on the treadmill. I really push myself now and set a steep incline with a very fast pace. I walk this way for about 3 miles and end up with a good sweat. On days I don't use the treadmill I walk a leisurely 3 miles spread out between three walks a day outside. I started a new job and it just so happens someone at my job has had open heart surgery 17 months ago. I've been talking with him on and off. It's good to talk to people in person. Which reminds me, my new cardiologist said my body is healing well but I still need to make sure my mind and emotional state are healing as well. She runs a group that meets once a month for OHS patients so they can get together and support each other and people who are going to have surgery. First time a doctor has ever told me to think about my mental and emotional state too.