Laura's Journal

Allen Carkner  Not a woman but I'm about 3 and a half months post-op and my chest/pecs still get sore far easier than before surgery.Two sets of 10 chest press exercise at low weight and I'm pretty sore. The incision essentially is painless though for me. 

Rose Madura  Hi Laura, I'm sorry you are having this pain. I did experience pain. I believe it's normal because of the nerves that were cut. Mine went away in time and hopefully yours will too.  

Rita Savelis  You use the word discomfort which is what I feel in my chest sometimes. A tightness. I wouldn't call it pain, but it comes and goes. All of it is liveable and just part of my present norm.

Laura Johnston  Thank you for responding.  Yes, my doctor said it was a  musco skeletal response  but it is so annoying.  I just want to put this behind me not be something that defines my life. My friend says I am still processing everything along with the loss of my brother during  this time. I so appreciate you all. My mistake was to think was I didn't need the group anymore since I was doing well. Emotionally I still need the support. Thank you!

Grace Mason   Hi Laura, I have not had surgery yet, but I recently came across a post by a member who has had 4 heart surgeries (Cathleen Dewitt, if you wanted to look up her profile in Find member option) She had posted a stretch that she recommended after surgery, and I was keeping it in mind for my post surgery. You can see it here: https://youtu.be/jRY9-4VTCcw. Not sure it will help with your discomfort but may be worth a try.

Laura Johnston  Thank you, Grace I will be sure to look her up and try the stretch. Good luck with your surgery. This group helped me alot to prepare and what to expect after surgery. Honestly, I thought I didn't need them much after but realized I do. No one understands as much until they prepare and go thru it. Sending 🙏❤🙏 your way.

Rita Savelis  Oh. Yes. I understand wanting to put it all behind you. And please don't let it define you. You are much more than someone who had heart surgery. But you have changed. And there will be physical reminders. And healing takes time. Take care.

J H Mattingly  Laura...I had the same surgery and my recovery timeline sounds like yours!  I slept in my recliner for over 6 weeks due to chest discomfort.  Same thing on energy level....that was the most surprising aspect for me, as I was in excellent physical shape prior to surgery and then had to start back at 0 it seemed.  It took a while but I gradually got my energy back.  I think trying to be active (walking, hiking, light yardwork, etc.) helped me the most.  Had to push myself alot, but it all came back pretty quickly after that.     So no....6 weeks is not the magic switch date....but keep working at it and it will keep coming back.  You got this!

Klara Čičić  Hi Laura, I am 5,5 weeks post surgery and also feeling better, but it's still not ideal. I have thoracic pains and can't walk and talk at the same time without breathlessness, which surprised me because when I walk alone I feel great and have no symptoms... I just wanna say that each recovery is different, it will gradually get better, we have to listen to our body and don't be disappointed if we need more time... Good luck! 

Rose Madura  Laura, I didn't feel like I turned. Corner for three or four months.  Try not to compare yourself to what you read online. Try to take it one step at a time....

Laura Johnston  Thank you all for your support.💕 I was pretty active before surgery and I can't help but compare before and after. I have been walking and going up and down my stairs outside the apartment. ( live on the second floor) I have started driving this week but somehow that wipes me out too! I will try to be more patient with myself. Thank you all again!

Rose Madura  Sounds like you are doing well. Yes, it's definitely not a picnic in the park but doable.  Be kind to your body. Take care.

Ana Brusso  Laura, thank you for your post, it is both encouraging and helpful. You got it right. We need to be patient with ourselves and continue to do what we can to heal inside and out. Thank you for your love and prayers of healing, we can all use them. God bless you 🙏❤️

Marie Myers  It can take easily a week to loose all the fluid in your body. The foot fluid will dissipate as you start walking more. Keeping those feet elevated while sitting will help. I had a “puddle” of fluid on my lower back for a few days. Gravity causes it to collect…

Susan Lynn  Laura - I was surprised by the additional fluid . My surgeon put be on Lasix for a week after surgery. You may want to call, if you don't have that Rx. As Marie said, it will dissipate over time. Best of luck.

Klara Čičić  Yes Laura, I can not recognize my feet, I am not worried because it really should go away with time and a little diuretic. Hopefully that will be the case with you..

Laura Johnston  Thank you all, my doctor did prescribe a diuretic but not Lasix. I took Lasix in the hospital but begged him to reduce that dosage. I start the new diuretic today and he stated it is not as aggressive as Lasix for which I am thankful.

Deena Z  Congrats, Laura.  It is such a good feeling to know that it is over and you are ready to go home and normalize.  I felt the same way.  My first evening and next day in the hospital were tough, but then it all got better.  And then stronger. And the same will happen with you.  You just got through a miracle surgery.  

Laura Johnston  Food could have been better, Greg but they tried. Deena your words make me think I can do this. Thank you for your reassurance. 

Marie Myers  Welcome to the recovery side!  I had the same surgery as you 5+ years ago,  and recovery takes time. It is both a mental and physical recovery, so be patient with yourself!

Greg Lewis  Of course you can do it!! I asked about the food, to help you think about something else, besides your surgery. Think about funny things, things your going to do, family...anything to get your focus on where your going, not how it feels getting there! I have been recovering for a long time, and your head can get stuck in the medical space, with your focus on pain, and circumstance. Some pretty funny stuff happened when i was in the hospital. That i will remember until the day God takes me away.  Dont wait until you feel good, to be happy! Move forward, always! You can do this, no doubt!! 

Laura Johnston  Thank you, Greg. Indeed my head has been stuck in that medical place. I have seen improvement but have not been able to keep comparing where I was before or how far along I think I should be. I have only been home 3 weeks but I really thought I would be blowing thru this since I was so active before surgery. Thanks again for the support!