Michael's Posts

My apologies as it has been forever since I posted here. Just a brief story as a reintroduction. I had triple bypass as well as repair of mitral valve prolapse repair 12/5/13. Though surgery went well, in ICU my brother said, "God you're pink." (Guess I was a really white guy. LOL). Anyway I joined this group shortly after surgery. However, by sternum didn't heal properly. I could feel the two pieces moving when I coughed. Surgeon said that I have porous bones, whatever that means. Consequently, second surgery, 1/5/14, to put in plates. X-rays are pretty impressive I must say. Don't know if anyone wants to see but can post if requested. Don't want to freak anyone out, just let me know. Back to the story. Last nine months have been very difficult. I fell off of a depression cliff. Though I should know better, as I am a psychiatric social worker, I totally isolated myself including from the boards. This was a huge mistake - deepens depression. Had a long talk with my pulmonologist. Told him that I thought that the emotional piece was worse than the physical. His response was that the more active you are going in, the greater the losses post op. Adopting a reactively sedentary lifestyle tends to lead to hopelessness i.e.: Why did I do this? Sorry about the length of this post, but I wanted to let people know that you have to look to your entire self, not just focus on the physical recovery but also psychological and spiritual. I'll stop for now. I have much more to say, both history and current events. Before ending, I am doing much better, kick in the ass from my wife didn't hurt. Change in antidepressants helped to get me back on the right path. Have to go to wellness center but will be back. I need to tell my story to those who can understand on a different level. Thanks for listening. Like

Moved from ICU late last night. Each day is better than the last. I am at Touro Infirmary in New Orleans. I can't say enough about the staff. They are patient focused and will take time to talk to me as an intelligent adult. Of course that i my unbiased opinion even if my daughter is an RN here. Staff are telling me that I am doing well and on track. My brother says that I have better color than he has seen in several years. Apparently I was a really white guy. LOL. All and all I am pleased with how things have gone except for that coughing thing. I don't think that you can overemphasize that level of pain. I know that this is getting a little long, but it has been quite a week. I cannot say enough about the online support community. Knowing what to expect made this experience so much easier to manage.