Steve's Journal

Greg Lewis  Yep. My chest feels all kinds of pains. They get better. Remember those muscles took a beating! My chest was open for three days, so i get all kind still. Over a year out now! It will get better, but always let your doc know if something seems off! Good luck!

Susan Lynn  Steve - It sounds like your nerves are regenerating. I had numbness, pins and needles, and shooting intermittent pain on my side and back for more than a year after surgery. If you're concerned, however, put a quick call into your surgeon or cardiologist to ask about it. Be well, Steve.

Carol Jackson  I get that when I do too much upper body exercise. I use a hard small ball and lean up against the wall ,  rolling the ball in the tense areas. I also ice the area. 

Adam Baumgartner  I'm at 10 weeks and dealing with the same problem. I'll share one that has helped me loosen chest, which helps with back as well. Lay flat on back and stick one arm straight out sideways palm down. Slowly move hand down towards hip, like snow angel motion, while keeping hand elbow and shoulder in contact with floor. If shoulder starts to lift up you should feel tightness in chest. Use opposite thumb/fingers and apply pressure to tight muscle. I started with big knot in my chest and after repeating several days my chest and back where much looser. 

Jeffrey Shebovsky  I'm 10 years out now but I remember the midd back pain a lot and it was the most annoying thing and very uncomfortable. I found massage very helpful. I would also highly recommend you look into some Class 4 deep tissue laser therapy. It's non-invasive and extremely extremely effective for pain, decreasing inflammation, increasing circulation and promoting healing anywhere you use it. We are using it in my practices and its the best thing I've done in 28 years. Our patients absolutely love it. I wish I had it 10 years ago when I was having my mid back pain post surgery. Here is some information from my site. ReliefNowLaserOrlando.com  Maybe you can find a place near where you live, just search "Class 4 laser therapy near me". Good luck

Dan Rhoden   Steve, I have a device called Theracane that really helps relieve those muscle knots and pain. It's a manual massage tool. Very easy to use. I use it in the morning and evening. Google it, usually run $30. Also search it on YouTube on how to use it. Hope this helps.

Timothy Williams  Steve, have you started an exercise routine?  I increased walking and stationary bike to 30-75 minutes a day.  I did the stretching routines 3 times a day and as those got easier started going through motions of weightlifting adding 3lb, 5lb, 8lb dumbbells being careful to go slow and monitoring soreness next day.  I also do foundation training to manage lower back pain. Fortunately, I can dedicate about 90+ minutes a day to this.  I think that all has helped.  I had a back muscle spasm due sleeping in a recliner that has nagged me for nearly 30 days now.  I do have ever changing mix of discomfort related to the surgery, but nothing that paused the progress.

Rose Madura  Overall, great checkup. Your doctor seems on top of everything.  You'll feel better than ever before long.  You have been through  lot.  One day at a time!

Steve Neal  Thanks I just need to remember that it was major surgery that I/we have all had not the walk in a park and breeze through that I'd kind of lulled myself into thinking it would be.
Yes I am lucky with the team of Doctors here

Marie Myers  Great news about the ventricular remodeling!  It is hard, but you have to be a patient patient...It was not easy for me either!

Stephen Ray  Sounds like your on the right track! I had MV repair on 12/6, but also had to have a pacemaker put in due to heart rate too low. The I went into afib and had to have 2 cardioversions, but the last one has held me in normal sinus rhythm ever since. I have been lifting weights, doing cardio, bike riding for the last couple months. It has taken a while, but I feel back to normal now! You will get there too. Hang in there! 

Tom Everson  Hi. Your body had been through so much. ( valve replacement and Covid) Recovery is a marathon not a sprint.  My resting heart rate took 12 weeks to average below 90 ( for the week)  . My aortic valve replacement was 1 1/2 years ago and my heart rate  average is in the 70’s now. Take it easy

Dan Rhoden  Steve, sorry to hear about the bumps in the road. Hoping your post op review will be beneficial. Take care.

Deena Z  Steve, are you fitting in naps to make up for the restless nights?  And when you walk it helps to have a heart rate monitor  to see your HR when you seem out of breath.  One day at a time, getting there!

Sara Latina  Steve it took me five months before I could sleep in my bed and even now, a month later, I still don’t sleep well.  There are so many ups and downs with recovery.  Try not to push too hard both physically and mentally.  I had complications and still short of breath doing simple activities.  I just keep reminded myself that opening up my chest and stopping my heart to fix it really is a HUGE deal and will take a lot longer than I think and that’s ok.  You got this! Stay strong!

Marie Myers  In my cardiac rehab program, I started with 10 minutes on the treadmill, then 10 minutes on the bike, then 10 Minutes on a stepping -kind of workout machine . I worked up to 20 minutes on each machine, and did that 3 times a week. I started in my third week of recovery. You really can do it yourself, just start slow and easy, gradually working your time up. 

Susan Lynn  My cardiac rehab was similar to Marie's experience. Ten minutes on the treadmill (with speed, incline, and eventually duration slowly increased), stationary bike, arm bike, and light weights. I also moved up to a rowing machine, but I didn't have a front incision. Take it easy and be patient. Your strength and endurance will increase with time. Best of luck to you!

Deena Z  Hey Steve,
ditto the above as to approach 
Slow increases in time AND intensity.
Also:
1.  Weigh yourself every am.  Monitors any major fluid build-up, etc.
2. Take BH and HR before you exercise;
3. Warm up for 3 minutes when starting 
your first aerobic machine, started on two machines, trend mill and recumbent bike then went to bike and elliptical 
4.  Added push-ups, dead bugs for back and stomach, and weights after two weeks.
5.  Walk for 3 minutes after you finished to lower BP and then measure BP.

(Had full sternum cut,   Started cardiac rehab 8 weeks post rehab (covid delayed).  I was 63, you are younger so will do even better!)

Thomas Brusstar  The aspect I appreciate was the supervision so I could be confident I wasn't doing anything wrong, or overstressing myself.  They would put on the remote EKG sensors and then basically give us a lot of choice on bike, elliptical, treadmill, eventually weights.  They took BP at beginning and end, I think.  I never had any trouble, but it was comforting knowing that they could watch my heart rate and EKG patterns for any trouble.  It gave me the confidence to push more than I would otherwise have done.

  I didn’t do cardiac rehab because of COVID, so I walked, did stretch exercises and light weight. Then again, I’m not an athlete and have not exercised regularly, but work in my garden, continue to walk and do balance exercises at home. 

Timothy Williams  I'm a week behind you and don't have any specifics to share.  Just wanted to say, I think your question speaks a lot about your good progress.  Congrat's!  I'm grateful I'm in similar stage of recovery.  I have an appt with surgeon on Apr 12 where I expect to get more info.  I have started indoor bike (bit uncomfortable), upper body exercises with no to VERY little weight.  Increasing reps daily with no pain, soreness.  Trying to do something without overdoing it.  Atrophy is real!  I haven't taken my HR >115bpm-ish, but feels great.

Steve Neal  Thanks yes I’ve got my post op review next Wednesday so will see what my surgeon says and allows me to do 👍

Patsy Stewart  Another thing they watched for was on a scale from 1-10: how hard or how easy the task was and how short of breath you were from nothing at all to being maximal out of breath. These are called 1-10 Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale and Shortness of Breath Modified Borg Dyspnea Scale. They increased your work load on how you answer these questions along with your vital signs. They restrict some of the machines until 8 weeks post surgery so you won’t damage the sternum closure.  I recently had to start cardiac pulmonary rehab again.😕 This time they added harmonica therapy, which I find quite amusing. They also asked if I liked to sing….which I use to love to do until my lungs wouldn’t allow it. I’m suppose to try singing again. Thank God my husband and son are tolerant people! Ha!  Anyway…. they started me on an at home program. They don’t want me out anywhere because of my immune system and Covid. I checked in for my initial starting appointment and go back in 28 days. In the meantime, I am to keep a record of my exercise program they have me on and they call 2 days a week to get my information. The only charge for this program is when I have to go see them in person. It’s a new program and I’m the first patient they’ve signed up. Maybe they will have something like this program for you to follow at home.  Adam might give you some good advice about using your peloton. Good luck with your recovery!

Rose Madura  So glad you are home!  I know what you mean about the safety blanket.   Listen to your body,  rest when you need to and take one day at a time.  You'll be feeling great before you know it. 

Marie Myers  Sorry that your hospitalization was so long! But you are home now and can rest. Sometimes they send a visiting nurse to check on you in the early days of recovery. Hopefully you are feeling more confident even now!

Adam Pick  Steve, I love and completely get that "safety blanket" comment above. My hope for you... After all that you and your body have been through... Don't look back... Look forward!

You've had eyes, hands, etc. all over you for the past three weeks. Your medical team would not have discharged you if they did not feel comfortable with your current medical status and cardiac function. Now, it... is... time... to... heal - physically, emotionally, and maybe even a bit spiritually.

Please do not rush to feel "normal". Please do not rush to feel anything besides that you, my friend, are on the path to recovery. Take your time. Step-by-step... Breath-by-breath... My thoughts and prayers are with you!!!

Timothy Williams  So great to hear you are home.  You are a trooper!  Remember to take it easy.  My valve repair was simpler than yours and I am home on day 3 now.  Surprised how exhausted I am and little stamina.  But, trendline is improving!  

Deena Z  Steve, yay!  you are over the hardest part.  If and when you enter cardiac rehab your confidence level and your heart's strength will increase by leaps and bounds.   

Dan Rhoden  Steve, hope you have progressed well since being home. Patience and baby steps is the key. If you focus on getting 1 percent better each day you'll be where you need to be in no time!

Deena Z  Steve, exhale….. you’ve been through the very hardest part and you got through it will courage.    Three weeks is a long time, but you did it.  Now you will start feeling the gains!  You go man. I 

Susan Lynn  Steve - You'll get that INR in range.   They'll modify your meds and/or diet.  It takes a little patience.   Hang in there! 

Marie Myers  Sorry it was a bad experience. Building up fluid is something that happens occasionally, as it did to me also. Hopefully you will be feeling better and getting out soon!

Patsy Stewart  Still sending prayers your way, Steve. Those things are so painful! Sometimes it takes a while to get it all drained off. It does sound like it is going in the right direction. Praying that you’ll be through this in a few days and will get to go home soon. 

Susan Lynn  Steve - I'm sorry you have to go through this. It sounds like your team is on top of your care, but it's not pleasant to experience these procedures. We'll keep you in our prayers and hope that you'll soon be going home for a speedy, uneventful recovery! Hang in there!

  You are well taken care of by your medical team. Praying for a quick stay in the hospital and recovery. 

Deena Z  Steve, you’re getting there.  Must be frustrating to have some set-backs, but you WIlL get better and be in cardiac rehab and amazed at your improvement. 

Karen Marvenko  Hope you’re doing better today, I was readmitted last weekend (my surgery was 8 Feb) for fluid buildup around my right lung, they drained 600ml. I’m home again but anxious to see the dr tomorrow for my follow up echo to confirm all is well. Discouraging to say the least about these set backs, but pray we all get over the hump and to the true recovery side. Prayers to you!

Adam Pick  Keep your head up Steve. These things can happen. Step-by-step this will get resolved. My thoughts remain with you!

Rose Madura  Steve, stay strong. Be thankful they are keeping you. I had Simi issues and ended up in ER via ambulance. Praying for you

Martin Smith  Hey Steve, you're in good hands, and you will persevere. We will keep you in our thoughts as you begin this early phase of your post-op recovery.

Adam Pick  Hey Steve, I wanted you to know that we’re all thinking great thoughts for your upcoming “Round 2” as you say!!! Hopeful the pacemaker will do the trick!!!

Patsy Stewart  Steve, I think you meant to just ride the carousel, but it sounds like you got on one of the bigger rides! I’ll definitely have you in my thoughts and prayers. It’s truly amazing how they can fix you all up and make you whole again. I pray your surgery goes well tomorrow and you get to head home on Friday.~❤️

Deb Yednak  Good luck with the surgery - wishing for a speedy recovery.  

Rita Savelis  Sorry about the pacemaker. I know what that's about having gotten my (unexpected) pacemaker about 2 weeks after double valve replacement (7 years ago). I was upset about having surgery again, but glad I was still in hospital as they had waited to see if my heart could get its rhythm back on its own. Even as you want to get home, it's comforting that they have kept you there to make sure everything is okay and taken care of before you leave. Get some rest. 

Susan Lynn  Steve - The road to recovery is sometimes longer than we anticipate,  but it sounds like you're going to be headed home soon.  We're sending you positive thoughts and keeping you in our prayers!  ❤

Susan Lynn  Oh, Steve! Sorry to read this news. I'm sure your medical team will resolve your issue. Maintain your positive outlook. You will get through this and be back on the recovery track, shortly. Please keep us posted on your progress. ❤

Rose Madura  So sorry for your setback Steve. The doctors know what they are doing and will take care of it. Hopefully you will get to go home soon.

  Steve, recovery is an up and down journey, as Susan Lynn says, your medical team will figure how to resolve your issue. Hang in there heart warrior. Will continue to pray for your recovery. God bless you

Rose Madura  Best wishes on your upcoming surgery. I don't do weight lifting but my only advise is to take one day at a time and listen to your body. Don't try to push anything

Richard Munson  I can only tell you what my surgeon and cardiologist told me after successful mitral valve surgery and i have an ascending aortic aneurism too small at this point for surgery. Stay off heavy weightlifting forever. Stick to light weights and reps. Heavy weight lifting puts an enormous strain on your heart and vessels. I’m older than you but a heart is a heart. Mine has just had a few more beats. Good luck.

Martin Smith  Steve, I started light resistance training with rubber bands approx. 3-4 mos post-op. I had ceased training with weights 8-9 mos prior to my surgery. My cardiologist discouraged me from doing heavy lifting, but is less resistant to my practising low-weight, high-rep workouts. Those are the resistance workouts I've always favoured, so not a huge sacrifice there. I'm ramping up the intensity gradually as I'm now 16 mos post-op. Exercises and goals are beneficial both mentally and physically, but I'd encourage caution and patience as you begin rehab after your operation. Best wishes for excellent outcomes, Steve!

Dan Rhoden  Good luck on your upcoming surgery Steve. I'm looking forward to getting back to an active lifestyle as well (cycling, rowing, weights). My concern is how much the surgery will change what I like to do. Surgery date is March 28, aortic valve replacement and ascending aorta repair.

Brady Busch  I had surgery in mid November,last year and started rehab,using treadmill,combo arm/leg machine and light weights,a few weeks ago.A technician,where it's done,told me that some people begin two weeks after the operation.