sherry weed - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

2482 days ago

Shannon Gray, Barbara Wood, Bob Gillespie reacted to this

On July 12th, I'll be 4 weeks post op (aortic valve replacement. Oink!) I guess I have a habit of overdoing it! I feel great for several days and go all out ...Read more

On July 12th, I'll be 4 weeks post op (aortic valve replacement. Oink!) I guess I have a habit of overdoing it! I feel great for several days and go all out and then, "crash!" I can hardly get out of bed for two days and oh, the pain! Good news is that the sternum is still healing well, despite my over activity. Incision still tender but the cough and congestion have finally gone! Still hurts a bit with the occasional cough.... a sneeze still makes me cry like a baby! BP still maintaining in the normal range, yay! Staying on an anti-inflammatory, Mediterranean diet. I have no detectable inflammation and it's a very satisfying diet!

Judy Stokes Great news. Keep up the good work. Before you know it. You'll be like new!!!

sherry weed Thank you Judy!

sherry weedposted an update

2499 days ago

Phyllis Petersen, Barbara Wood, Debby Morgeson and 1 other reacted to this

I had aortic valve replacement on June 14. I came home on June 17th. After a little over a week post-op. I feel wonderful (except for the sternum). I had high ...Read more

I had aortic valve replacement on June 14. I came home on June 17th. After a little over a week post-op. I feel wonderful (except for the sternum). I had high BP, controlled with med.s, but after surgery, my BP seems to be staying within very normal range. Is this just a temporary blessing? I'm walking briskly about 2 miles and doing non weight bearing household chores and really want to get back to the gym and pool. How long does it take for the sternum to heal? I'm so very grateful for the skill of my Cardiac Surgeon, Dr. Patrick Ryan at Swedish Hospital, Seattle!

Steve Farthing Sherry, No idea about your BP but what a great recovery path!

Marie Myers The cardiologist at my rehab said the sternum is pretty well healed at 4 weeks, but they tell the pat ... Read more

Marie Myers The cardiologist at my rehab said the sternum is pretty well healed at 4 weeks, but they tell the patients 6-8 weeks so they won't over do it. I know I slept on my back for 6 weeks just cuz I wanted my sternum healed nice and solid...As far as the BP goes, could it be partly due to the fact that you are more relaxed since the surgery is over?

Shawn Taylor Hi Sherry...I'm a few months ahead of you and also had a good experience at Swedish (with Dr. Barnhar ... Read more

Shawn Taylor Hi Sherry...I'm a few months ahead of you and also had a good experience at Swedish (with Dr. Barnhart), although didn't bounce back as amazingly fast as you. In terms of your sternum, I wouldn't rush it as I was told on a few occasions that it was 3 months until it was completely healed for a full sternotomy. And the sternal precautions I had said no repetitive weight lifting for the 1st 6 weeks and after that less than 15 lbs until 3 months...and swimming was off-limits for 3 months due to the twisting. If unsure, you should check in with the cardiac surgery team, but generally I would say to let your body heal.

Swedish also has a great cardiac rehab program...not an option in Port Angeles I guess, but you could check to see if there is anything similar closer to you.

Good luck with your recovery and hopefully the bp stays good!

sherry weed Thanks for all the thoughtful remarks and good advice!