Walter's Journal

Nearly two years since my AVR and I FINALLY got to stop the beta-blocker (metoprolol) and I feel SO much better--not nearly as fatigued. Now I feel like I can actually get some work done around the homestead.  I did have to restarted the ARB (Losartan) to deal with the elevated BP (which I had before the AVR procedure).  It's going to take a bit to re-build my strength but I finally feel like I'm over the hump and getting back to "normal". 

I'm taking a little break after hauling 7 wheelbarrows full of mulch to freshen up the perennial beds. 

It's been about a year since the consultation with the thoracic surgeon and 10 months since surgery.  Overall I feel fine but really hate the drugs (especially, the metoprolol). The greenhouse is 95% complete and later this afternoon,  I'll transplant the seedlings (started months ago in the greenhouse) to the garden plot. 

Every so often, I see Debbie (one of the cardiac rehab nurses) at one of our local breweries. I give her an update and to pass on my greetings to the others. 

All in all,  I guess I couldn't have asked for a better outcome. 

Best of luck to all those facing the same ordeal. 

I wrapped up my 12 weeks of Cardiac Rehab and "graduated" yesterday (11/29/2023). I'll continue my exercise activities at a gym 5 min from home vs 25 min to get to HeartPath facility. It's been quite a while (before COVID) since I've worked out on a regular and this program really helped me get back in the groove.

BP drugs have been adjusted and I no longer have the roller-coaster pressure shifts. And the dizziness has resolved as well.

At this point I'm done with Dr. appointments for a few months and feel better than I have in months!

Well, after 12 weeks of relatively boring recovery,  I think I may have pulled a chest muscle. The pain (which feels like being stabbed with a red hot, serrated knife) is quite localized to only one or two arm motions (eg pressing my palms together) so avoiding the trigger isn't too bad. I see the cardiologist tomorrow so that'll be the first thing I ask about. We'll see if he refers me to an orthopedic practice. This is a disappointing setback as I was just getting used to being somewhat normal again.  

Tomorrow (8/18/23) will be 7 weeks since surgery and I feel almost normal again.  This past weekend I drove to a campground in WV (425 miles) for a weekend with friends. Walked a lot and navigated the hills with no problem.  And today I mowed about 1/2 the yard (~3 acres). Will tackle the rest tomorrow.  I still get  flashes of dizziness if I bend over and stand up quickly but not nearly as often as a few weeks ago and it passes quicker, too.

I'm also anxious to get back to work on the greenhouse (26' diameter geodesic dome). That'll happen when I'm comfortable climbing on 12' and 20' ladders again. 

Cardiac rehab orientation is next week with the sessions (M-W-F) starting the following week. Hopefully,  they'll mix in some strength building exercises to go with the cardio as my upper body and core have really suffered these past few months.

I had my followup appointment with Dr. Groh (surgeon) on Thurs, Jul 25 (approx 1 month since surgery). He said I was in the top 5% of patients at this stage of recovery (I suppose that's good). X-rays looked good and the sternum is healing as expected. He cleared me to drive and I can get rid of the compression stockings (Yea!) I still can't mow the grass for another 3 weeks or so. Now waiting on the call from the cardiac rehab folks to see when I'm to report for that. All in all, I'm getting better each day. I'm increasing my walks and adding some of the hilly areas of our property to the mix. Dizziness is getting better, too.

Saw my PCP today for the one week followup since surgery (I've been home 3 days). She was pleased with my progress. I feel pretty good considering what they did to me!