John's Guestbook

John: Good luck tomorrow. I know everyone’s experience is different, but I’m betting you will do well. I had 18 months of dread before I had the surgery and I can honestly say it was not nearly as bad as my imagination. I too was terrified of the tube and unfortunately I was fairly conscious when they removed it. The best advice I can provide is to relax and revel in the fact that the surgery is over and you survived; it is so nice to get the tube out you will quickly forget it. The discomfort after the surgery is very tolerable. I’ll bet with the shape you are in that you have had workout injuries that were worse. Regarding fatigue after surgery - as others have pointed out, you will feel tired for some time. In my case, within 5 or 6 days after surgery I was walking 1 1/2 to 2 miles a day with no difficulty (and I am 69 and not nearly in the shape you are). I am now about 3 weeks out and I feel pretty good overall. Be REALLY careful of your sternum after. I accidentally pulled too hard on a sticky door last night and I’m feeling it today.

Hi again John. First - my apologies for the long message. I'm not going to lie, the first 24 hours sucked! The breathing tube stayed in for about 45 minutes after I awoke and I was gagging every few seconds. When the tube was removed I struggled to breathe. I hasten to add that most people I've spoken to had a very different experience and don't recall the tube coming out, so the chances are your experience will be much smoother. If it isn't, just remember to relax. Removing the drainage tubes was also pretty rough. Make the most of the Entonox if it's offered to you - there are no prizes for bravery! I was walking within 48 hours (about 100m around the ward) and discharged in 8 days. I was very strict with my recovery exercise. Athletics used to be a huge part of my life and I wanted to give myself the best chance I could to pick it up again. To give you an idea of my progress and various milestones: - Day 8 - walked 0.5 mile (13 mins) - Day 11 - first mile without stopping (22 mins) - Day 19 - 3 miles (53 mins) - Day 55 - first jog (0.8 miles) - Day 84 - jogged 5km (25 mins) - Day 120 - ran 10 miles (1h20) I was discharged from the Cardiac rehab programme last week and was told I am 25% fitter than the average 35 year old with a score of 15.6 METs (although that's probably more a damning indictment of people my age than anything else!). I shall be thinking of you on Friday and I wish you the very best of luck. By Christmas the worst will be behind you. If you need any encouragement during recovery, give me a shout.

Hi John and welcome. I'm sorry to read your story. I completely relate to your fear of the surgery - I was terrified. The odds are overwhelmingly in your favour so try to stay positive. As far as recovery goes, it's not easy but you will get through it. Having a high level of fitness will speed up your recovery but you will probably notice a big drop in fitness. My two tips are to sign up for cardiac rehab, even if it doesn't look challenging enough, and to not overdo it in the early weeks. I am four months post-op. Progress was painfully slow at first but I'm now running 35 miles a week and cycling to work. You can and will get through this!

Unbelievable, but believed, John how the watch alerted you and your PCP acted on it, as well as you. Fortunate. And the same will be with your surgery. You look like you are in great shape and this will be your best friend during recovery. You've got this!! Thinking of you. PS (Great story to send to Apple, by the way).

Hi John. I had open heart surgery on March 1, 2021 and am recovering well after some setbacks. I too have BAV and Aortic Stenosis and I never thought that at the age of 49 I would be going through open heart surgery. I wish you well on the 10th and I know you will come through this well. We can trade stories after your surgery. Please keep us all updated.