Hi everyone,
I'm coming up to 10 months post-AVR and feeling good, despite the promise of Winter in the air. This site has been fantastic for me – I learned ...Read more
Hi everyone,
I'm coming up to 10 months post-AVR and feeling good, despite the promise of Winter in the air. This site has been fantastic for me – I learned so many important things I didn’t get anywhere else, that helped me have a relatively easy surgery and recovery.
Still feeling a bit slug-like (sort of like sluggish but not quite that!) as I try to get back to a regular gym program – which I seem to be strongly resisting. At least I walk most days.
I clearly need a project, so thought I’d write a book…..as you do!
Why not a light-hearted little book on heart surgery? That’s something I know a bit about. It won't be any sort of threat to Adam's book, but still full of really useful and doable info.
It hasn’t got a title yet, but maybe 50 TIPS FOR HASSLE-FREE HEART SURGERY
And with that in mind, I’d love to hear from anyone who could offer a piece of pithy advice for before, during or after the event. Images might work too.
It’s early days yet, so the format isn’t clearcut, but I’d also like to maybe add people’s name and area (or not as you wish).
Email would be the easiest way for me to keep track rather than on the feed – my email is: sue@suewaterworth.com
Look forward to hearing from lots of you with your best ideas, tips and tricks. And of course, you'll get a free copy if you're featured in it!
Sue
I'm into my 13th week post-op, and it's all gone really well - I can sneeze 6 times in a row without holding on!!!! My body is doing all the right things. ...Read more
I'm into my 13th week post-op, and it's all gone really well - I can sneeze 6 times in a row without holding on!!!! My body is doing all the right things.
But I'm wondering about people's level of fatigue, or is it just a level of depression and procrastination? I sleep and eat and walk well, but (while I do have a tendency towards bone laziness,) I can't seem to be bothered doing much, like simple gardening. Is this just me, or do others have the same issue, and does it take longer than 12 weeks to get back to whatever normal is?
Jennifer Lynn I am 12 weeks post op as well. I don't exercise really (I know I should) but I do feel more energeti ... Read more
Jennifer Lynn I am 12 weeks post op as well. I don't exercise really (I know I should) but I do feel more energetic in general and most of the time I don't even need to nap to get me through the day like pre surgery I was always tired and had no energy. But I do try to get some cardiovascular in. I think really you should compare how you were before and how you are now and see if you feel any better. If you loved gardening before but now you just can't seem to be bothered maybe you do have a slight depression. I know it's so funny how we come to the site to figure out what's normal and what's not, when in reality everybody is truly different. Lol
I hope everything works out for You!:) and you get some motivation and energy back.
Willie Radl Are you in a cardiac rehab program? It may be a good idea to get your energy and stamina levels back ... Read more
Willie Radl Are you in a cardiac rehab program? It may be a good idea to get your energy and stamina levels back to normal.
Sue Waterworth I didn't have any symptoms before, so it's all a bit tricky. Guess I'm wondering if low motivation is ... Read more
Sue Waterworth I didn't have any symptoms before, so it's all a bit tricky. Guess I'm wondering if low motivation is part of the package.
Rita Savelis There is no set time. It certainly took me much longer than 12 weeks to get to something approaching ... Read more
Rita Savelis There is no set time. It certainly took me much longer than 12 weeks to get to something approaching a "normal". One can be exhausted, one can be less motivated. I remember being okay for the first time in my life with just being and not doing much. This was very new to me. I used to do a lot. OHS is a big ordeal and it can take so much time to recover and to realise that you may be in a new space and maybe never go back to a former normal. Many people act like they are doing fabulously in order to convince themselves and others. So if you compare yourself to the fronts others are presenting you can feel as if you are not doing/feeling/being what you should. But it's okay to take things more slowly. To feel different.
And it's okay to feel down about what you've been through.
It's so normal to not bounce back right away.
I validate everything you are feeling.
Be kind to yourself.
Susan Lynn I'm 10 months out and i still have days when I'm really fatigued. I've been going to cardiac rehab ... Read more
Susan Lynn I'm 10 months out and i still have days when I'm really fatigued. I've been going to cardiac rehab for almost 7 months and I think it's improved my endurance. There are ups and downs, but the up days definitely become more frequent. All the best to you. Better days are ahead.
Diane Maher Thank you so much for your very important and ‘real’ comments Rita and Susan Lynnâ£ï¸ Very ‘ ... Read more
Diane Maher Thank you so much for your very important and ‘real’ comments Rita and Susan Lynnâ£ï¸ Very ‘reassuring’ ...and honest.
Diane Maher Jennifer Lynn....â€everyone is truly different†is definitely what needs to be remembered when rea ... Read more
Diane Maher Jennifer Lynn....â€everyone is truly different†is definitely what needs to be remembered when reading everyone’s posts and thinking about our own recovery.
Louanna Miller I saw my cardiologist this morning and he said it can take anywhere from 3-6 months to return to norm ... Read more
Louanna Miller I saw my cardiologist this morning and he said it can take anywhere from 3-6 months to return to normal and it may be a new normal than what I was use to before surgery. I think it is important to remember that we are all unique and even if you didn't have symptoms before OHS, the recovery will be unique to your physical makeup. My cardiologist also told me that I may experience sternum discomfort for 12 months. I am very lean and thin over all and he said it is not uncommon for people to experience soreness for a year. So, I am not going by what most experience. I am not going to be a super woman or wonder woman. I just want to heal and be healthy. Also, depression is a very real issue for many people after heart surgery. My cardiologist spoke to me about this as well. He said it is a major life event...life changing for many. So, it is not uncommon for individuals to become depressed as a result. It is a learning process to assimilate the fact that we have experienced a very invasive and most likely life saving and life lengthening surgery. I am still trying to process this and wrap my head around it each day. I am 54 and in no way did the thought occur to me that I would have OHS this year.
Rita Savelis I second everything that Louanna said! Wishing you all some peace as you recover. Take care.
Sue Waterworth Thanks soooo much for all those amazing and wise words.
I guess I thought I should be 'wonder woman' ... Read more
Sue Waterworth Thanks soooo much for all those amazing and wise words.
I guess I thought I should be 'wonder woman', but maybe not. I feel much better now about leaving things half done; I'll just remind myself that in the end, it's only dust or grass or whatever, and no-one will die of it! And I'll add: "in my own time".
Jennifer Lynn @Diane Maher your reply sounded negative to me. I wasn't trying to be negative. I just told her about ... Read more
Jennifer Lynn @Diane Maher your reply sounded negative to me. I wasn't trying to be negative. I just told her about me. I thought the question was is it normal? And everyone is different. This is my fourth open heart surgery. I can only tell her what I feel like and what I am up to because I honestly don't know what is normal?? That's why I am a part of this site too
Diane Maher Oh my goodness jennifer, I am very sad that you thought I was being negative in my reply, as I though ... Read more
Diane Maher Oh my goodness jennifer, I am very sad that you thought I was being negative in my reply, as I thought your comment about everyone is truly different really reasonated with me and something that I definitely needed to be reminded of at that moment considering all the complications i was recovering from over this past month. I think if you read my last journal posting, hopefully you will reconsider that I was being negative and just trying to remind myself that there are others out there who are having bumps along the way, which I am most grateful to Sue for sharing her story.
Jennifer Lynn Diane i am sorry I linked your comment with the other lady's comment about how people pretend they ar ... Read more
Jennifer Lynn Diane i am sorry I linked your comment with the other lady's comment about how people pretend they are doing fine. And then I might have read that one the wrong way. Lol. When i realized you didnt even say it I tried to delete it but my phone would not let me. I am so sorry. :(
Jennifer Lynn I have had 4 of these things so for me it's a part of my life. Almost like one of my arms. I have dea ... Read more
Jennifer Lynn I have had 4 of these things so for me it's a part of my life. Almost like one of my arms. I have dealt with it since birth so I actually do feel great because i am so used to it. But I know some other people take a lot longer to heal
I also know people personally who went through very bad depressions after having surgery. I was an emotional mess a couple of the 12 days I was in the hospital. I think everyone heals differently, and experiences things differently
There is no right and wrong. I hope she starts to feel better and I hope you do as well. I wish everyone only the best on this page. :) I actually love this site because so many people know what you are going through where as in real life you can sometimes feel alone. Because not many people truly understand.:)
Oh Wow! I'm singing! In my 8th week post-op, and free. I can even cough now without clutching my chest. And what a relief that is. And I haven't sneezed once ...Read more
Oh Wow! I'm singing! In my 8th week post-op, and free. I can even cough now without clutching my chest. And what a relief that is. And I haven't sneezed once since surgery....Thank you Universe!
Saw my cardiologist yesterday following an echo, and he's ecstatic (well, that's a bit strong for him, very pleased might be better) saying the valve is working beautifully. Then saw the surgeon today, and he is likewise very happy with the way things are going.
I'm driving, can lift 10kg, and do as I please within reason (the surgeon seems to think I'm sensible enough to know what that means) Still going to rehab for a couple more sessions, but will be glad when it's done.
So, with good luck and a fair breeze, I'm headed for good health and lots of vitality.
Best wishes to everyone who's just at the pointy end of their journey......and even though you may not believe it now, everything gets better really quickly. Just hang in there.
Judy S Thanks for the great update Sue and congratulations. You give me hope for better times ahead!
Cynthia Wellbrock Wow Sue. I totally needed to see this today. Thank you. I've just been recently diagnosed with ... Read more
Cynthia Wellbrock Wow Sue. I totally needed to see this today. Thank you. I've just been recently diagnosed with an enlarged aorta and am meeting the surgeon this afternoon to discuss the repair plan. Feeling overwhelmed and scared. You gave me hope, so thank you!
Into my 7th week post-op, and proud and grateful that my recovery continues to be easy and all in the right direction. I had to see the GP then the Cardiologist ...Read more
Into my 7th week post-op, and proud and grateful that my recovery continues to be easy and all in the right direction. I had to see the GP then the Cardiologist last week. Both commented that my blood pressure was a bit high. I told both it was because I was seeing them - their fault entirely!
And to prove that it wasn't me, I borrowed a BP machine and recorded twice daily readings. Last night it was 180 over something, so I waited a few minutes before redoing it.....213/110. Oh crap!!!! I'd had palpitations for 24 hours, so got pretty freaked. Finally got a friend to take me to A&E, where I eventually was given a beta blocker and sent home.
Turns out, the Amiodarone I was given - just for a few days - because I'd had afib for no longer than 3 minutes, I kid you not, had messed with my thyroid, and that's probably what caused the high blood pressure. It can take up to 100 days to get it out of your system. Bloody drugs. I read the side effects of this particular one, and while it may be effective for intractable afib, it's sooooo toxic it'd better be necessary.
So now, with pulse and blood pressure absolutely normal, I'm light-headed and dozy, and won't go to rehab in case I fall off the treadmill.
I'm fascinated to hear others talking about rehab and all the fabulous monitoring they get. We get none, except visually - just doing a gentle circuit and using treadmill or similar at our own pace....waste of time, I reckon. I went for a walk yesterday, and there was such a frigid wind blowing that I walked faster than I had any idea I could. More useful for my heart I think.
Echo tomorrow, and seeing the surgeon Monday, so I hope hope hope I can drive after that, I'm starting to get cabin fever, and need my independence back, quick.
Marie Myers All cardiac rehabs are different. Ours heart-monitored us throughout the exercise, and took BP before ... Read more
Marie Myers All cardiac rehabs are different. Ours heart-monitored us throughout the exercise, and took BP before, during and after exercise. But honestly, I could have accomplished the same thing on my own. It is reassuring, though ,to be watched early in your post op exercise.
Jennifer John Indeed. I’ve learned that if it’s a “certified†facility, they’ll go the extra mile to moni ... Read more
Jennifer John Indeed. I’ve learned that if it’s a “certified†facility, they’ll go the extra mile to monitor you and your progress after several weeks.
Susan Killian have loved my rehab, go in get b/p taken and monitor on then warm ups, this is stretching, lifting w ... Read more
Susan Killian have loved my rehab, go in get b/p taken and monitor on then warm ups, this is stretching, lifting weights, and balance excercises, then on to 4 different machines targeting different areas. B/p taken durimg excercise at some point. ending on treadmill, you are encouraged to increase tension, incline, weights or speed everytime. Also given instruction on a different heart healthy topic every week, then cool down and b/p tsken again.
In its' benevolent wisdom, the Aussie Gov department of something or other provides subsidized services for "the aged and infirm". I qualify for a cleaner, ...Read more
In its' benevolent wisdom, the Aussie Gov department of something or other provides subsidized services for "the aged and infirm". I qualify for a cleaner, having had serious surgery. Yea, I thought. I hate housework with a passion. One hour per week is certainly better than nothing....I thought.
Yesterday, without warning, Wendy turned up on my doorstep, ready and willing to help me out. But there are just a few caveats:
not permitted to dust because it's possible they'll break something
not permitted to move any furniture
not permitted to vacuum the stairs because it requires lifting the vacuum cleaner
not permitted to clean windows even at arm height
There are probably others, (I bet the stove and fridge are off limits) but I didn't dare ask! Is this bureaucracy got completely mad?
Luckily, I was just contemplating changing the bed, so Wendy did that for me, made a few passes with the vacuum cleaner, and washed the tiled floors (all three tiny areas) asking should she move the mat in the laundry 1 x 1.5 feet) or wash round it!
And her hour was magically up. I'm still reeling from this truly amazing performance.
Had my massage yesterday - just half an hour, sitting up. I immediately felt so much looser, and this morning, though a tad sore from it, much of my chest soreness is gone as well as the shoulder issues. Much freer everywhere. Will have another in a few days.
Marie Myers And I thought we Americans had the patent on "Insane Rules by the Government"... Good to know it is n ... Read more
Marie Myers And I thought we Americans had the patent on "Insane Rules by the Government"... Good to know it is not just us... And glad the massage helped!
Sue Waterworth Hi Marie. Oh I think we've learnt everything we know from you!!!!
Jennifer John That’s hilarious. I’ll bet you thought you were being “punked.â€ðŸ¤—
Meredith Geneja Thank you, Sue Waterworth, & all! These notes are so helpful to me. Been down the, "help with cleanin ... Read more
Meredith Geneja Thank you, Sue Waterworth, & all! These notes are so helpful to me. Been down the, "help with cleaning path" due to hernias. Similar results. Was wondering about massage sitting up. So glad it helped.
The surgeon said to expect up days and down days. And since I've had lots of good days, there was always going to be a downer...and today's the day.
I ...Read more
The surgeon said to expect up days and down days. And since I've had lots of good days, there was always going to be a downer...and today's the day.
I feel mentally and physically crap, not to put too fine a point on it! And what I'd really like is to be suspended in a huge hot tub for the entire morning. Just to float there with no input from me.
Think it's probably the result of the walking to the shops a couple of times yesterday. I didn't carry very much home, but I suppose it's stirred up some more of my chest muscles which thought they'd been retired. Anyone relate to being sore in every nook and cranny of your upper body? I bet there's plenty of you out there.
So with no hot tub in sight, I've instead booked a shoulder massage to see if some of the tightness can be relieved. And I'm getting someone else to do the shopping!
Meanwhile, feet up and hello Panadol.
Anna Jones Hi Sue. Yes, I went to cardiac rehab on Monday and they had me work on a machine that I had to peddl ... Read more
Anna Jones Hi Sue. Yes, I went to cardiac rehab on Monday and they had me work on a machine that I had to peddle with hands and feet simultaneously. On Tuesday I woke up thinking that I must have broken my rib cage and pulled every wire through the bones. I was in so much pain I couldn't even touch the incision. Even the bones in my legs hurt. I had to call and cancel cardiac rehab until next week because I didn't think I would be recovered by Wednesday. I don't think I am ready for that exercise. So, I understand what you were going through and I hope you start to feel well again very soon.
Sue Waterworth Hi Anna, I just read your last post, and I love your spirit. It even cheered me up some. Peddle at y ... Read more
Sue Waterworth Hi Anna, I just read your last post, and I love your spirit. It even cheered me up some. Peddle at your own pace till you're good and ready for more. I only have to show up once a week for rehab, I'm glad to say. Quite enough for me. It can only get better as we progress.
Bonnie Stone-Hope Hi Sue,
Hope you feel much better soon.
Glad to hear that you are taking it easy (and you, too, Ann ... Read more
Bonnie Stone-Hope Hi Sue,
Hope you feel much better soon.
Glad to hear that you are taking it easy (and you, too, Anna)
Take care,
Bonnie
Sue Waterworth Thanks Bonnie. I'm an optimist from way back, and don't know how to behave when I feel off.
Gail Dyer Hi Sue, I'm at 6 weeks past surgery and I'm much more sore across the upper chest than I was 3-4 week ... Read more
Gail Dyer Hi Sue, I'm at 6 weeks past surgery and I'm much more sore across the upper chest than I was 3-4 weeks after surgery. Thank you for your input because I was wondering why now and is there something wrong. This muscle soreness started as I was becoming more active. I am planning on doing cardiac rehab to get the benefits so I hope some of the soreness calms down very soon.
Bonnie Stone-Hope It is interesting...........was just at the mall today, doing a bit of "retail therapy" and recalled ... Read more
Bonnie Stone-Hope It is interesting...........was just at the mall today, doing a bit of "retail therapy" and recalled how right after surgery, my hubby would first push me around the mall in a wheelchair for a short outing, then I would walk a little bit, then a bit more walking each day. It was very frustrating to not be able to go about alone, but now just a memory.
Keep the faith, it will be OK.
Kim Lonergan Sue I felt exactly the same at 4/5 weeks after surgery. I felt like my muscles were sore and tender, ... Read more
Kim Lonergan Sue I felt exactly the same at 4/5 weeks after surgery. I felt like my muscles were sore and tender, my incision burned and hurt when I used my right arm. It’s getting better this week but I still have tenderness and weakness when I use my right arm and muscles. Hang in there! I know there are many of us dealing with the same issues so it’s nice to not feel alone in this process!
Marianne Charters I’m 10 weeks out from ohs. Last week was super depressing. And now my collar bone area hurts the w ... Read more
Marianne Charters I’m 10 weeks out from ohs. Last week was super depressing. And now my collar bone area hurts the worst. Not bad but super annoying
Sue Waterworth Gail, Kim and Marianne, thanks for the comments. I'm really understanding the benefit of a forum like ... Read more
Sue Waterworth Gail, Kim and Marianne, thanks for the comments. I'm really understanding the benefit of a forum like this now....I realize others are going through the same stuff, so the fear factor goes way down.
I've just come back from my massage and already feel like my neck has found its way up out of my shoulders at last, which should help to calm at least some parts of me. Also decided to stop being a 'stoic' and increase pain meds to 4 times a day instead of 3. And stopped at the coffee shop on the way home and had a gooey brownie with my cup of tea. Ah! That's better!
Like me, you're probably all control freaks, and not being in control of the situation is too hard to deal with!!!
Diane Maher A good decision about the meds., Sue. When my Mom had cancer, her pain management nurses couldn’t ... Read more
Diane Maher A good decision about the meds., Sue. When my Mom had cancer, her pain management nurses couldn’t stress enough how important it was that we were managing her pain and meds. accordingly....the brain diverts its attention from healing messages to addressing your level of pain.
Debbie Chatzky My chest and shoulder blade muscles are still sore after 10 weeks. It’s got worse when I started do ... Read more
Debbie Chatzky My chest and shoulder blade muscles are still sore after 10 weeks. It’s got worse when I started doing more. The cardiologist told me to get a massage but I’m afraid that could burst me more. Glad to hear the massage made you feel better.
Sue Waterworth Do get a neck and upper back massage Debbie, but have it sitting up. And remind the therapist that y ... Read more
Sue Waterworth Do get a neck and upper back massage Debbie, but have it sitting up. And remind the therapist that you don't want to be pummelled too much. 3 hours after mine, I feel sooooooo much freer, with a lot less soreness in my chest.
Rita Savelis There will be down days...which help you notice the up days. It's hard, but it's still early for you ... Read more
Rita Savelis There will be down days...which help you notice the up days. It's hard, but it's still early for you and your body has been through a lot.
Sue Waterworth Thanks Rita. You're right...it's important to remember just how amazing our bodies are, and how they ... Read more
Sue Waterworth Thanks Rita. You're right...it's important to remember just how amazing our bodies are, and how they bounce? back after such trauma.
Hard to believe it's getting on to 4 weeks since my surgery. There are days when I think maybe it was only yesterday - like when I have a 'good' cough; and ...Read more
Hard to believe it's getting on to 4 weeks since my surgery. There are days when I think maybe it was only yesterday - like when I have a 'good' cough; and the days when I feel so good I forget, and as I did recently, plop down in a chair.....OUCH!
My recovery is going really well though. Went to Cardio rehab this week for the first time. Tried catching a bus, and that worked. It leaves across the road from my house, and isn't that far to the centre. So now I feel I've got a level of independence, and can go to the shopping centre if I want; note to self: remember, no more than 5kg to carry home.
So, cardio rehab just about killed me. I went from a gentle stroll along my street to an hour of exercise, even though gentle. That night, I thought I'd been run over by a truck. But I slept like a baby-child, and woke up next morning feeling somewhat looser.
So today, I'm off to the local shop, which is probably 7-8 minutes away, and plan to go a couple of times a day to buy what I need. But slowly!
I keep trying to reduce my Panadol, and have only managed to get it down to 8 hourly. Rather than generalized pain, I still get very sore areas, mostly left side upper chest. But moving around, and I notice this in bed specially, is getting much easier.
The other tricky thing to deal with has been tight sore shoulders and between my shoulder blades; if there was a next time, I'd make sure those areas where as flexible as humanly possible (isn't hindsight a wonderful thing?)
But i'm truly and continually grateful that I exercised as much as I did, and was really fit to begin. It has made life just so much easier. Pilates for the strong core muscles, and a step class for lower body strength. At least Pilates is easy to do, even if you can't do too much, and can be tailored to your needs.
Had to see my GP yesterday...why? who knows, and what a waste of time. Part of the medical rort where everyone needs to be in on the action, I guess. Could I be a cynic, I wonder? She took my blood pressure, had a chat and that was it. $30 thanks!
Off for my indulgent morning hot shower - I promise to worry about the environment again just as soon as my shoulders stop aching!!!!
Diane Maher What a wonderful and encouraging post, Sueâ£ï¸ It was exactly what I needed to read right now. So ... Read more
Diane Maher What a wonderful and encouraging post, Sueâ£ï¸ It was exactly what I needed to read right now. So happy for you!!
Sue Waterworth Another thing I did was go round the Op Shops and collect a box full of light reads - nothing taxing ... Read more
Sue Waterworth Another thing I did was go round the Op Shops and collect a box full of light reads - nothing taxing in any way. Took a few to hospital, and got more as I needed them. Easy reads are ideal to doze between the pages of! Also collected a box of 'funny' dvds. Have watched about 2. If they really make you laugh, it hurts too much,
Dan Vechiola So glad things seem to be going well Sue! I have followed you during the entire process and am very ... Read more
Dan Vechiola So glad things seem to be going well Sue! I have followed you during the entire process and am very happy for you. Also, your progress gives me something to grasp as I am in the waiting/holding pattern. Doing everything I can to distract myself and feel my curious mind about the surgery!
Sue Waterworth I remember that holding pattern...I was in there for 18 months. I kept exercising but for the last 6 ... Read more
Sue Waterworth I remember that holding pattern...I was in there for 18 months. I kept exercising but for the last 6 months lowered the intensity, still doing 2 step classes, but with a lower step. And certainly kept walking. You can't change or even influence much about the surgery, so I tried to spend my time and effort sorting out how to have a good recovery... is the house easy to get round; are there plenty of gentle things that you like and can manage to do to fill in time. Is there a comfortable chair you can easily get in and out of, inside and out.
Anna Jones Sue Waterworth, it sounds like recovery is going smoothly. Great news that you can take a bus. Send ... Read more
Anna Jones Sue Waterworth, it sounds like recovery is going smoothly. Great news that you can take a bus. Sending prayers and best wishes for continued improvement, loose muscles, and no pain.
Yesterday evening and this morning I've had a lot of unpleasant pain in my left chest and underarm. It felt muscular - stopped if I supported that arm and ...Read more
Yesterday evening and this morning I've had a lot of unpleasant pain in my left chest and underarm. It felt muscular - stopped if I supported that arm and stayed absolutely still. So after an obscenely long hot shower this morning, I put on a bra for the first time in weeks....didn't think there was much worth supporting there! But - Voila! it feels so much better already. The surgeon had said that a really firm sports bra would make me more comfortable when its cold - he's clearly right, even without the cold.
What a relief to have one less thing to panic about.
Anna Jones How frightening. Good that you found the source.
Judy Shaw I'm glad the bra helped you. I couldn't wear one for 3 weeks because it caused me pain.
Jennifer John Even though it seems like the last thing you’d want to wear, a bra helps boost those sore muscles.ð ... Read more
Jennifer John Even though it seems like the last thing you’d want to wear, a bra helps boost those sore muscles.ðŸ‘ðŸ»
Time is flying by, and I improve every day. Had a couple of 'ordinary' days, but today's a good one - an 8 hour sleep always does wonders for morale. When I ...Read more
Time is flying by, and I improve every day. Had a couple of 'ordinary' days, but today's a good one - an 8 hour sleep always does wonders for morale. When I have less than perfect days, I reach for the Bergamot essential oil and use it often; it really helps to lift depression and anxiety.
Walked past the letterbox, and halfway along the street (not very long). Later repeated the walk, but went to the end. Survived another milestone. Yea.
I have a friend staying for a few days, and I'm surprised at how easily I could slip into watching someone else preparing meals and then cleaning up afterwards...and I thought I was totally independent!!!
But I'm surprised at the simple things you can't do and need help with, like fluff up the pillows (maybe stamping on them would work?) unscrew tight jar lids, and reach up to very high shelves. In general though, my house works well, so life is looking good.
Judy Shaw Good to hear you're doing so well. Better than I did at 2 and half weeks. I had too much pain in my i ... Read more
Judy Shaw Good to hear you're doing so well. Better than I did at 2 and half weeks. I had too much pain in my incision and chest muscles at that time. It's better now though.
Judy S Great news Judy, your experience is inspiring!
Mark Wilbur What an upbeat report, Sue! I'm happy that you are doing so well...
Susan Lynn Excellent progress! Keep up the great work, Sue!
Diane Maher Really happy to see you are doing so well, Sue! Look forward to more ‘good news’ reports😊
My Aortic valve was replaced as planned on 16th July, and everything went textbook fashion from beginning to end. Apart from less than 5 minutes of Afib when ...Read more
My Aortic valve was replaced as planned on 16th July, and everything went textbook fashion from beginning to end. Apart from less than 5 minutes of Afib when the trace wires came out, it was straightforward.
Got home yesterday after 2 weeks in hospital, and have just woken from 8 hours of blissful sleep in my own soft, warm bed. I'll try never to forget such simple pleasures again.
Of course, there's been some discomfort along the way, but that's been managed with Panadol (think that's Tylenol in US) after day 2. The only serious pain was coughing, and that's horrible...and still is pretty awful.
I am so grateful I'd persevered with the gym for the past few years, because having core strength and strong arms and legs made it soooooo much easier to move around, though getting in and out of bed was still tricky!
I asked for, and got an extra week in hospital because I live alone, and am really pleased I did that, though I had trouble dealing with the continuous noise and intrusion of staff. Can hospitals be the noisiest places on earth I wonder? When I first went to the ward, my room was right at the nurses station, but luckily I had ear plugs. But staff were lovely, and always ready to help.
My biggest surprise was my surgeon. What a gem. I'd liked him as soon as I met him, pre--surgery. But he visited every day for 2 weeks, often sitting down and chatting. Warm, funny and humane. And clearly very competent. Despite having a classic sternotomy, I've only had discomfort, and already have what will be a good clean scar.
After many years spent working in operating rooms with surgeons, I simply had no idea it was possible! Dr Ash Hardikar, thank you so much.
Food was as bad as I expected, but I supplemented it with a continuous supply of avocados and vegetable juice that friends brought me,
And so now, it's lots of gentle walking, and fabulous food and quiet, to regain the old me with the brand new valve.
C Ashes As I sit in my dressing gown & finally have a day to relax & heal, I share your joy at being able to ... Read more
C Ashes As I sit in my dressing gown & finally have a day to relax & heal, I share your joy at being able to heal. Inside & out. I luckily had a mitral repair which could have been a mitral replacement. Very painful to heal but it’s amazing how the body is eager to start healing.
Sounds like you made some terrific decisions early on & reaping the benefits now. Happy to hear how positive you are....it’s a life changer but can make us much stronger than we knew was possible (and yes hospitals hmmmm , home is so much better :))
Mark Wilbur Happy to know you're home and doing well, Sue. Thanks for the reminder about physical fitness. I go ... Read more
Mark Wilbur Happy to know you're home and doing well, Sue. Thanks for the reminder about physical fitness. I got off my routine... but, now I'll be more disciplined with the hope I'll be more prepared when the time come. Thank you for sharing!
Today is admission day, and I'm pretty much ready to go. Apart that is, from finally doing the housework.
But it's only 6.30 am, and I'm ready for breakfast. ...Read more
Today is admission day, and I'm pretty much ready to go. Apart that is, from finally doing the housework.
But it's only 6.30 am, and I'm ready for breakfast. Trouble is, the fridge is full of nothing. There's half a celery, and jars of fermented veggies, but not much else. Doesn't sound terribly exciting. Being highly organized clearly has a downside.
Oh well! I guess its off to the local cafe for fuel before I get to work with the vacuum cleaner.
Marie Myers Don't work too hard.. I dusted once, and the dust all came back. Not falling for that again...
Best w ... Read more
Marie Myers Don't work too hard.. I dusted once, and the dust all came back. Not falling for that again...
Best wishes for a smooth surgery!!
Paul Kurf Hoping your surgery has gone well and that you're on the fast-track to getting sprung and feeling muc ... Read more
Paul Kurf Hoping your surgery has gone well and that you're on the fast-track to getting sprung and feeling much, much, better.
C Ashes How are you Sue ? Sending you a Melbourne hello 🦋
Only a few days to go, and I'm busy putting 'care packages' into a few of my friends freezers! Lovely light almond bread rolls and containers of creamy kefir. ...Read more
Only a few days to go, and I'm busy putting 'care packages' into a few of my friends freezers! Lovely light almond bread rolls and containers of creamy kefir. And little jars of crisp fermented veggies. And I've got a bag of ripening avocadoes to take with me. The thing that worries me most (Ha! little do I know!) is the hospital food. I generally eat with real care - everything fresh and real, with lots of veggies and fermented foods. So, I'm hoping that along with juices I intend asking people to bring, in lieu of flowers, I'll not die of malnutrition! No flowers, because I sneeze all too readily, and I can just imagine how that feels.
Anyone would think I was obsessed with food!
I've been putting off the housework, but today has to be the day - or it'll never get done. Then I can holiday from it for a while since I live alone, and will need someone to do it for a while afterwards.
Adam Pick Hey Sue, In my experience, the hospital food at USC was actually much, much, much better than expecte ... Read more
Adam Pick Hey Sue, In my experience, the hospital food at USC was actually much, much, much better than expected. And, they delivered it quickly. My thoughts are with you!
Sue Waterworth Thanks Adam. I'm sure I'll be fine, whatever the food's like.
Bonnie Stone-Hope Hi Sue,
My personal favourite food was high-protein yogurt, and soup/juice.
I remember the dietary ... Read more
Bonnie Stone-Hope Hi Sue,
My personal favourite food was high-protein yogurt, and soup/juice.
I remember the dietary staff coming each day to ask what I wanted, so they really are attentive, but I just wanted the same thing everyday.
Anna Jones Hi Sue, the food at Houston Methodist was the worst I have ever tasted. I simply could not swallow i ... Read more
Anna Jones Hi Sue, the food at Houston Methodist was the worst I have ever tasted. I simply could not swallow it. I'm vegetarian and they marked that on my order sheet so if I ordered something (like honey, or butter) that went against their opinion of what is vegetarian, I was refused it! One would think I know what I eat. Eventually my friend took pity on me and started bringing me food and the nurses looked the other way. Sending best wishes that you will have an easy time finding food.
LINDA ROBERTS Thinking about you and wishing you a successful surgery.
Jennifer John A low-fat, protein-rich diet will build up your strength quicker while in hospital and once you’re ... Read more
Jennifer John A low-fat, protein-rich diet will build up your strength quicker while in hospital and once you’re home. Get a cleaning person.ðŸ‘ðŸ»ðŸŒº
Rita Savelis One is often not very hungry for a few days after OHS, so food is not a major issue, really. If you f ... Read more
Rita Savelis One is often not very hungry for a few days after OHS, so food is not a major issue, really. If you feel very interested in food after OHS, then you are probably ready to leave hospital, and get back home to the food that is familiar.
Take care.
Maria Gapinski One little piece of good advice I got from a nurse-friend of mine: you will be very thirsty when you ... Read more
Maria Gapinski One little piece of good advice I got from a nurse-friend of mine: you will be very thirsty when you wake up from surgery. You need to take liquids VERY slowly, the nurse in ICU will start by giving you water from a sponge swab to moisten your mouth. When you are able to swallow water from the sponge without nausea, then you would start with an ice chip. If still no nausea, then more ice chips and a few sips of ice water. Next you can graduate to a popsicle. My husband got nausea from the ice chips and CPAP machine, but stopped them in time and thank goodness did not get sick. Vomiting shortly after surgery risks pain, choking, and slows down the ability to eat, etc., so it is very important to try to avoid stomach upset after surgery as much as possible.
Hi All,
I've been skulking round this site for 18 months, as I waited, hoping I wouldn't need an Aortic valve replacement. It's fantastic to be able to hear ...Read more
Hi All,
I've been skulking round this site for 18 months, as I waited, hoping I wouldn't need an Aortic valve replacement. It's fantastic to be able to hear from others what its really like, so thank you to everyone who's posted.
I'm in Tasmania, that wee island at the bottom of Australia. Not a lot of choices here, but I have a lovely surgeon who I think will take great care of me. My surgery in on 16th July, after 4 cancellations due to the snafus of setting up a new unit.
I'm wondering if everyone who has bovine valves goes on lifetime Aspirin afterwards. Or are alternatives being used?
Sue
Anna Jones Welcome. Sending prayers and best wishes.
Judy Shaw Welcome Sue. I had aortic valve replacement on June 28th. I too chose a bovine valve. I was put on a ... Read more
Judy Shaw Welcome Sue. I had aortic valve replacement on June 28th. I too chose a bovine valve. I was put on a 81mg aspirin a day.