Sondra's Journal

Shaun Bloodworth  Hi Sondra.  I am now 10 weeks post OHS mitral valve repair and I am feeling fantastic.  The first few weeks, you will need to take it easy.  I was told to think about a cylinder placed over your torso from your shoulders to the inside of your elbows.  All movements should be moved thinking about this scenario.  Be careful what you lift and lift as per the cylinder method.  First couple of weeks you will be able to make yourself a cup of coffee and light kitchen duties for meals.  Do you have someone to help you for the first couple of weeks?  Don't use your arms to stand up, use your legs. I did pilates for 6 weeks before my proceedure to help with core strength.  Expect to sleep on your back for 6 weeks and I found sleeping at a 45 degree angle was the best.  Listen to your body and sleep if you need to, especially through the day.  Take your time Sondra, it will get better.  I am now walking up to 6 kms a day and I go to the gym 2 times a week.  Here if you need to chat.

George Gardopee  Hi Sondra. I had mitral repair four years ago at the Cleveland Clinic. I was home 5 days after surgery, and while I had weight restrictions due to having had a sternotomy, I felt like I could do pretty much anything when I got home - but not for very long. Fatigue was really the only after effect I had from the surgery. Other than not being able to drive, I felt like I could have taken care of myself. I had purchased a recliner but I did not use it for sleeping. I may be an outlier in terms of my ease of recovery - people here have had a range of experiences. I should probably mention that I was 69 when I had the surgery.  I can echo Shaun’s caution about lifting or doing things like yanking a door open. The biggest surprise for me was the lack of pain post-surgery. By day three I was taking Tylenol only.  The CC is really good at what they do.

Sondra Dean  Thanks Shaun and George - such positive outcomes for both of you with great progress.  I appreciate the info/details about your experiences andI hope to follow in your footsteps!   I will be in Cleveland post hospital release for a few days - which will be the first "tests" of ability/stamina then fly home.  Once back, it will be me, but with some check-in's/support from others.  Sounds like it may be/should be feasible following the guidance, restrictions and limitations in movement/lifting.  If I can get up/be up, shower, doing light things in the kitchen for meals - I think it will all work.  

Melinda Donahue  Hi. I had surgery on 9/4.  I walked up two flights of stairs when I came home from the hospital. Walking  long distances was difficult as it hurt when breathing but after two short weeks I was able to walk with little rest in between. I have been cooking since I got home but don’t pick up anything heavy as this impacts your stitches. I have taken showers alone since day 1 and brought a shower chair because of potential dizziness. I also purchased a 45degree wedge as you will be sleeping on your back initially. No driving- call grocery order in, maybe short term cleaning lady!!   Best wishes and speedy recovery. 

J Alexander Lassally  Hi Sondra - I am a CC alum, almost two years out - happy to answer questions ... I promise to be real and not sugar coat anything !  
First two weeks you will be very limited in what you can do - or care to do... Simple walking around house, bathing, taking meds will take most energy... Food shopping is difficult so stock way up in that regard....  But, small walks are a joy and it is not that bad to be frank. Just set expectations low. Some people think they will be superman or superwoman right away and that does not happen ! 

Pamela Gregory  Also a CC alum here. 3 years this Friday. They are wonderful there (as far as hospitals go). I have a very low pain tolerance and was surprised that they were able to keep it tolerable as long as you stay ahead of the pain. I advise a reclining chair! It was my best friend for a year. Honestly it was the only place I felt comfortable sleeping because it kept me on my back as I am a side sleeper. Also the slight elevation when reclined felt like a perfect angle to be most comfortable. Let people wait on you for a few weeks, although you will be able to do more than you think. Maybe a shower chair for a week or so for safety. Several short walks daily will quickly turn into longer walks that feel good. I thought cardiac rehab was the best both physically and mentally for me because it gave me confidence in my new heart parts since they were monitoring me. Please feel free to reach out with any questions!

Deena Z  Daily naps will be not only needed, but your best friend.  If you have second floor stairs to conquer, you may need to take a break before finishing, depends on how many.  

Melinda Donahue  It’s true stairs are tough but my surgeon said there is no reason not to. I had the luxury of having someone stand behind me. If you are by yourself maybe sleep on the first floor and skip until you are able to breathe normal. 

Sondra Dean  Thanks Melinda, J Alexander, Pamela and Deena!  This is all very encouraging! I am so impressed with how soon each of you were able to be home and relatively "active" for the day to day so soon.   Thankfully, no stairs for me.   It sounds like good preparation, a "can do" attitude along with naps, rest and walks will go a very long way to getting through the recovery period and I do plan on Cardiac Rehab.  Thanks to each of you for sharing your experiences and suggestions - it is very reassuring!!  And for feedback on the CC!   Thanks to all!!
 

Deena Z  You will love cardiac rehab.  Gives you tons of confidence/reassurance  on how much you can push yourself.  

JULIA LAFEAR  Rest and make sure you don't try to overdo it. You definitely will want a recliner. I was hesitant, and it ended up being my favorite place to be. I slept in the chair the first 4 weeks after surgery, as it was the most comfortable. I was also fortunate to set up grocery home delivery through our neighborhood Walmart Store, and I'm still using it today. Find it to be so easy and one less thing to worry about. I finished cardiac rehab 2 weeks ago, and it was one of my favorite things to do. I met great friends with similar journeys which always helps when you have those days asking how you got here. Best of luck with surgery, and you've got this!! You'll do great.

Louise Moore  Sondra, welcome to the recovery side!  I'm another CC alumni here so will let you get your rest post-op today but look forward to being a friend through your recovery.  To be entertained and duly informed, please enjoy George Gardopee's journal!  Onward and upward now!