Adam you provided timely and very helpful facts about Covid in your 3/9 Newsletter and that was pretty early in the experience of coronavirus. Now with more ...Read more
Adam you provided timely and very helpful facts about Covid in your 3/9 Newsletter and that was pretty early in the experience of coronavirus. Now with more history and knowledge in the medical community has anything changed about risk of Covid for people like me that have bovine heart valves?
Disappointed in healthcare. Saw my local Cardiologists last Monday and he thought I was doing great. I was noticing effects of low blood pressure, light headedness ...Read more
Disappointed in healthcare. Saw my local Cardiologists last Monday and he thought I was doing great. I was noticing effects of low blood pressure, light headedness and some vision issues. The cardiologist had me dc my meds of metoprolol and amiodoron. By Wednesday or Thursday of last week my wife was getting concerned because my resting pulse was high 90's to 100. I called the Cardiologist on Friday and left a message. Later in the day his assistant called me back and said she was not concerned because my bp was good but that she would let the doctor know. I woke up Saturday with shortness of breath and dizziness after not having a restful night. I finally listened to my wife and asked her to take me to the ED. I was admitted and treated for afib. My cardiologist was on call and we discussed the situation created by coming off the meds. I will say you have to be very aware in the ED as to their protocols and I refused having a CTA. This cat scan would check for pulmonary embolism and they actually put you on blood thinner anyhow to prevent clotting . So the CT is just wasteful and dangerous my opinion. I was discharged on Sunday after getting back in normal rhythm. I was also put back on just the metoprolol 2 x daily. So I'm concerned that this in itself is enough to prevent another afib situation. I take my bp and pulse multiple times during the day now at home. However, I have low confidence in my medical management. I had the big surgery and this post phase is feeling like mismanagement is going to adversely impact my health status. Anyone else have similar experiences?
Rita Savelis Alas, the post phase can be and often is difficult. Your OHS went fine and your doctors are content w ... Read more
Rita Savelis Alas, the post phase can be and often is difficult. Your OHS went fine and your doctors are content with that. Post-surgery care is often treated as minor compared to OHS, even though various secondary effects from surgery are common. Afib happens, one can feel out of breath, etc. Three weeks after surgery is still very early and you will probably be on betablockers for awhile to allow your heart a rest after the trauma it's been through. You need to stay vocal about your needs, but it is a big change from being the patient about to get OHS, and the one who is recovering afterwards. I would have loved to see my doctor often after OHS and be reassured, but appts didn't happen that often and I had many questions and worries. It can be hard to find answers.
But it is early for you, and hopefully your heart will settle down after its surgery trauma, and as the weeks go by you will feel better.
I'm wishing you the best in this difficult time.
Catie B Hi Charlie, I had post-operative afib also, but they kept me on the Amiodarone and warfarin for weeks ... Read more
Catie B Hi Charlie, I had post-operative afib also, but they kept me on the Amiodarone and warfarin for weeks. Maybe he's having you just be on the metoprolol because you only had one episode and it was brief? You could consult another cardiologist electrophysiologist (heart rhythm specialist) for a second opinion, if you're so inclined. I hope you don't get afib again, but if it feels like you do, scurry in to get checked.
Just taking Tylenol since discharge. Seems to be working enough to control pain. Nights stink, just not comfortable. Still have low energy and not full lung ...Read more
Just taking Tylenol since discharge. Seems to be working enough to control pain. Nights stink, just not comfortable. Still have low energy and not full lung volume. Started sleeping in bed last night versus upright on the couch. Have moments of hot/cold while excess fluid leaves my body. Bowels are finally regular today day 8 post-op. I think that was the biggest unexpected event for me, i e. Getting bowels started in hospital prior to discharge and then settling at home.
Ron Broadhead Hi Charlie - Even though its been 2 years I remember that for the first 1 1/2 weeks after hospital re ... Read more
Ron Broadhead Hi Charlie - Even though its been 2 years I remember that for the first 1 1/2 weeks after hospital release that it really hurt in bed at night. Took a prescription pain pill about an hour before bed which did help. Then everything started to feel better pretty quickly and I just needed Tylenol. Its different for everyone, but the time will come when you feel better at night. Hope its soon for you.
John Cousins Sounds exactly like what I went through. I am now just under 7 weeks out and those pains in the back ... Read more
John Cousins Sounds exactly like what I went through. I am now just under 7 weeks out and those pains in the back and hot and cold spells are a few weeks removed. Stay rested!
Bob Jensen Charlie. I am almost 3 weeks post-op I'm going through the exact same thing you are. The exact. I'm s ... Read more
Bob Jensen Charlie. I am almost 3 weeks post-op I'm going through the exact same thing you are. The exact. I'm starting to understand my body and letting it heal itself the way it needs to just be patient like I have to learn to be and this will come out great
Lilly Black I don't remember taking pain meds, but I DO remember all of those sleepless nights. Try to walk as mu ... Read more
Lilly Black I don't remember taking pain meds, but I DO remember all of those sleepless nights. Try to walk as much as you can. Walking helped me recover quickly. Sleep when you can, take naps, and try to relax! one day at a time....you're doing great! I wish you a very speedy recovery.
Civita Fahey Thanks for posting ( I think lol). good for me to put in my journal so I remember all the issues tha ... Read more
Civita Fahey Thanks for posting ( I think lol). good for me to put in my journal so I remember all the issues that can happen.. prayer for continued successful recovery