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Patricia's Posts

Diagnosis: Aortic Regurgitation, Mitral Regurgitation

Member Since: October 21, 2016

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Patricia McAllister posted an update

9 years ago (January 17, 2017)

Today was my follow-up visit with my surgeon, Dr. Lewis. So it meant hitting the road bright and early for the drive to B-ham. Had to get a chest X-ray first, then had the surgeon consult. Dr. Lewis is pleased with my progress. He said the X-ray looks perfect. My... Read more.

Ellen Leng

Glad things are looking good. About the Cardio rehab...especially because you had a complex surgery the rehab is important! It has really helped me to improve my stamina for work and keep my mind at peace about not causing harm to my heart as you are monitored the whole time.... Read more.

Patricia McAllister

Thanks Ellen. We did call several other nearby hospitals, but found the same thing...very limited hours on the cardio rehab, and only during work hours so not doable for me. Looks like we may have to work up our own plan in a local gym and do the best we... Read more.

Catie B

Oh, I'm sorry there's no local program. The hospital where I did my rehab had a session that starts at 5:30/5:45 a.m. to help those who work daytime hours. If you do your own program, perhaps this info will help. The cardiac rehab nurses would start by taking sitting heart... Read more.

Patricia McAllister

Thanks Catie, that is very helpful info!

Eme Raven

Slow and steady, that is what I often have to tell myself. You are used to your body being able to do things, and your mind says you can, but your body knows better. It took me a long time to be able to listen to my body and work... Read more.

Patricia McAllister posted an update

9 years ago (January 1, 2017)

I took a few days off from blogging to quietly enjoy the holidays. Hard to believe that in 4 days, it will have been a month since my surgery. I wish I was improving faster. Had a bit of a setback with a fever for a few days. Fortunately it... Read more.

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Ellen Leng

I had sleeping and eating issues for 4-6 weeks after surgery. My sleeping improved before my eating. Do try and eat, it really helps your healing! I'm small to start with, lost about 12 lbs in the hospital and have gained about 7-8 back over the past 13 weeks. My... Read more.

Rita Savelis

I hear you Patricia. My appetite took a very long time to come back. I ate, but it was mechanical. I think OHS puts a lot of your body into turmoil.... and there are various reactions all over the place. It's hard to go through the long waiting for to... Read more.

Steven A Husted

it does get better it takes time and you do get your eating back to normal

Lila Richards

Patricia, I had no appetite and had strange cravings. I drank 2 gallons of buttermilk! I drank a bottle of Ensure or Carnation Instant breakfast when I didn't want to eat. About week 6 my appetite came back with a vengeance! Just in time for Christmas goodies! I'm quite sure... Read more.

Eme Raven

Food is evil, I have learned this over many years. Seriously though, you might try different foods, fresh fruit or something with natural energy. Body has to expend energy to digest, easy to digest foods might also be good.

Patricia McAllister posted an update

9 years ago (December 21, 2016)

Tomorrow I'll be getting a cheesecake that I ordered some weeks ago from a co-worker's son who was holding a fundraiser. Great timing as I'll have it for Christmas. DH doesn't like cheesecake so it will last me extra long. Between this treat and my recliner, I have it made... Read more.

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Phyllis Petersen

Relieving the pain is important and after you take the pain meds for awhile, even if just for sleeping, you should have fewer problems. It's hard to get the most out of your recovery if you're in pain. Good luck and enjoy the cheesecake.

Eme Raven

Reclining is good, I recline all the time while doing things, less pressure on the body. Tell me more about this Cheesecake I love them :)

Rita Savelis

I hated taking meds as well, but was talked into taking sleeping pills occasionally by doctors who said that rest was important for healing. Heat packs help, as does time, but you might try the occasional pain med as well to give yourself a break. And cheesecake can take your... Read more.

Meredith Bray

Regarding sleep: I was about 6 months post-op before I had a really REALLY full good night of sleep. Here is what worked for me regarding shoulder/back pain: make sure everything is supported when you are resting! This means: HEAD - try using a U-shaped travel pillow, or a small... Read more.

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