Lan's Journal

Susan Lynn  Lan - I would highly recommend you enroll in cardiac rehab. They'll get you into an exercise routine that's appropriate for your level of recovery. They may even be able to explain why you have SOB when carrying on a long conversation. I think you'll enjoy the training!

Valerie Herndon-Vitarella  Your surgeon and cardiologist should be able to answer when it is right in your situation. I am 9 weeks post-full sternotomy - my surgery was 5/14. In addition to walking, I rode a recumbent bike 8 days after surgery which was dr approved provided it didn't exercise the arms too. I was allowed to drive at 4 weeks and used a pillow or towel under the seat belt. I started cardiac rehab on the 5th week, but wasn't allowed to do any arm exercises until the 6th week post-op and then there were some limitations. After 8 weeks, I'm now allowed to do all the equipment at rehab including rowing machine and hand bike and light weights. I was told no bench press, planking or push-ups for 6 months - wasn't even planning that anyways! Were you referred for cardiac rehab? The rehab team definitely seems to know what we can and cannot do so that we don't over do it.

Lan Bui  Thanks Susan & Valerie. I declined the rehab because I was doing so well minus the SOB. I have another appointment with my cardiologist this Thurs. I will revisit the rehab conversation again :)

Susan Killian  Yes rehab really did the trick for me and continues to do so. They help with the breathing and exercise, you going on 14 weeks post op now and am able to go kayaking and hiking. Started driving June 1st.

Rita Savelis  Oh, gosh, I still get the SOB....if I walk fast and talk at the same time....if I walk uphill....on stairs....if I do a flamenco routine too many times in a row...
This doesn't mean I can't do things or am not active, but there is definitely a different way I still feel SOB 3 years after OHS.
To doctors I am perfectly fine.

Diane Maher  Anthony Fumo posted a similar question yesterday and received very encouraging and informative comments. Hope they help you as well😊

Susan Lynn  I had an MV repair and didn't have those symptoms, but your heart is adjusting to the increased blood flow, so it's probably not unusual to feel it pounding. It's important to inform your cardiologist of anything that seems odd.

Lan Bui  Thanks, Diane. I have read Anthony's post and I wasn't sure if the strong heart beat would apply to a repair valve. Anthony had a replacement.

Thanks, Susan and lucky you :) My first visit with the cardiac team is next Monday.

John Formby   Hi Lan I had my aortic valve replaced on 29 January ( I went for a mechanical replacement) For the first few months my heart pounded particularly during the evening but now 5 months post op I very rarely hear or feel it. Stick in there, it will get better.

Phyllis Petersen  We're all a little different. For me, my heart was quiet for the first time after my MV repair. That felt weird too! It had been so loud, especially at night, before the repair.

Rita Savelis  This is normal. Whether a repair or a replacement, your heart has been traumatised by surgery. It needs time to readjust as does the rest of your body.
It needs time, and we are all in a hurry.
This does not happen to everyone, but to many.

You may find that you are aware of your heart beats now in a very different way since they are louder and stronger. It will settle down, but you may find that you will have a different awareness of heartbeats for a long time.

Gina Fiorentino  Rita Savelis- thanks for your comments here... I have a strong heartbeat too, and sometimes, esoecially when I am laying down, it vibrates my chest and feels strange!

Joan Lyons  that is called an optic migraine. They should pass in anywhere from 2 to 30 min...but certainly scary. Had that before surgery and eye Dr. said they come and go as they please. Doesn't take heart surgery to cause it. Have your eyes checked just to be sure all is fine. Otherwise they shouldn't be something to worry about unless they become frequent. And Wear Polarized Sun glasses to protect your eyes.

Gina Fiorentino  I had that too... and was told it was called aura (often preceeds a migraine, but in my case I never got the migraine, thank goodness). I looked it up under "images" on Google search for "aura" and there are many versions depicted there to be sure.... I described them as zigzag lines on the outer edge of my field of vision. I had it for about 20 minutes in one eye on the day I was released feom the hospital, and a handful of times during the first month of recovery. I talked to the Care Nurse about it, and she said they usually disappear with time, and has been the case with me. I noticed that I got them when I was excited, or overdid something slightly- so I used it as a warning signal to slow down and breathe to equalize myself.

Betty Sullivan Sorge  Yup, optic migraine.😳😳😳 had one once while DRIVING - had to pull over for few minutes - went away and back on road. Actually saw Opthamologist and he confirmed my self diag. He thought patterns of light might have triggered it.

Rose Madura  Yes. Quite a few people had them after surgery. I've had them most of my life but they seemed to jjncrease sj me surgery. But it gets better.