Alyssa Arrowsmith - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

2179 days ago

Hi everyone! I had open heart surgery to repair my mitral and aortic valves and replace a portion of my aorta on 11/27. Overall I’m feeling so much better ...Read more

Hi everyone! I had open heart surgery to repair my mitral and aortic valves and replace a portion of my aorta on 11/27. Overall I’m feeling so much better than I expected at 4 weeks after surgery, but I am struggling with a lot of back pain. Did anyone else have this problem after open heart surgery? I’d love to know what you found helpful for relieving the pain. Thanks!

Meredith Bray Stand up straight! Like supermodel straight, Queen of the Universe straight, shoulders back & head up ... Read more

Meredith Bray Stand up straight! Like supermodel straight, Queen of the Universe straight, shoulders back & head up. Also, make sure you are supporting your head & neck when you are resting. If you are still sleeping or napping in a recliner, use a travel pillow under your neck so your back muscles aren't working to hold up your head. Grab a couple extra throw pillows or bed pillows and use them to support your arm & shoulder weight so your back muscles aren't holding those up as well.

Back pain was the bane of my recovery until my Physical Therapist helped me with these ideas. I hope you get some relief!

(This may help you get some better rest also-I found I didn't go all the way to sleep for a few weeks because I was scared I would roll over and hurt myself.)

Meredith
Holiday, FL

Sommer Russell I have had lots of back pain. I have focused on my posture and find myself with spasms when I walk. ... Read more

Sommer Russell I have had lots of back pain. I have focused on my posture and find myself with spasms when I walk. It really stinks.

Alyssa Arrowsmith Thanks so much Sommer and Meredith! I will definitely work on standing up super straight! I’m glad ... Read more

Alyssa Arrowsmith Thanks so much Sommer and Meredith! I will definitely work on standing up super straight! I’m glad to know that it’s not just me that struggled with back pain. Thank you so much for the tips!

Alyssa Arrowsmithposted a journal

2220 days ago

Dan Baltazor, Charles Hamel, Bradley Dunn and 3 others reacted to this

Exactly one week away from surgery! Feeling anxious but also ready to get on the road to recovery! Wondering what I should be bringing to the hospital and if ...Read more

Exactly one week away from surgery! Feeling anxious but also ready to get on the road to recovery! Wondering what I should be bringing to the hospital and if anyone has any suggestions for things to have on hand at home once I’m discharged. :) Thanks!

Rob Sparling Alyssa, Sommer has accumulated a lot of our input and might have it all in her journal (in addition t ... Read more

Rob Sparling Alyssa, Sommer has accumulated a lot of our input and might have it all in her journal (in addition to the many threads below)!

Good luck! The week will fly by (which is good, actually).

Brian Havlin Hi Alyssa, I am having a mitral valve repair on 11/26 by Dr. Gillinov too! I've been at the CC the p ... Read more

Brian Havlin Hi Alyssa, I am having a mitral valve repair on 11/26 by Dr. Gillinov too! I've been at the CC the past few days doing tests. Tomorrow I finally get to meet with Dr. Gillinov. I'm anxious too. As far as what to bring...I bough Adam Pick's book from this website and I found it helpful as he discusses what you need plus alot of other interesting topics related to heart surgery. Good luck with your surgery and recovery. I hear our doctor is one of the best!

Charles Hamel You're going to do well!! Don't be surprised if you feel more energy once you've recovered. When I ha ... Read more

Charles Hamel You're going to do well!! Don't be surprised if you feel more energy once you've recovered. When I had surgery as a child I noticed much more energy right away.... Keep your spirits high!! By the way interesting last name ... :)