Lisa's Journal

Gerald Poulton  It seems a bit early to me but I guess it depends on your condition and the recommendation of your doctor. My Dr. did not even recommend it for me because of my good condition and past experience as a fitness instuctor. He said I could go if I wanted to but he thought I would be bored. If it concerns you maybe talk to your doctor. You should feel better with each day now 👍

John Dodson  It seems early to me too. The rehab folks and docs here were recommending starting at 4-6 weeks. I also skipped rehab as I was already doing more each week than rehab was offering

Bonnie Stone-Hope  I agree, seems early for you yet. Personally, have not heard from anyone about rehab yet. Actually, not really interested, unless they can offer something that might benefit me personally, like wearing a holter monitor, etc.
If it is only a "consult", could you reschedule the appointment for a later date?
So happy to hear from you and know that you are now on the "recovery" side.

Suzanne Finn  Yes, it does sound a bit early. However, after my cardiologist approved me at 4 weeks, it still took another 2 weeks for insurance approval and scheduling. I had my first session last Friday-6 weeks post op. Moving ok, but still tire easily and take an afternoon nap. Good luck on your recovery.

Barbara Wood  It sounds early to me. I started rehab at 6 weeks - 3 weeks would have been way too early for me. 6 weeks seems to be a turning point, you start to feel much better. I was in good shape going in, and it seemed easy to me, but I am so glad I did it - it really pushed me further & boosted my confidence.

Best wishes for a good recovery!

Phyllis Petersen  I have mitral valve repair, miminally-invasive, side-entry, robotically-assisted. I was clear after 3 weeks for cardiac rehab. Unfortunately, my insurance company stalled so I started at 6 weeks. You will be amazed at how fast you progress when you know you are being monitored and emergency assistance is available. It is so worth it. Good luck!

Rita Savelis  Being weak and tiring easily is the norm at 3 weeks. You won't be doing more than you can do at cardiac rehab. And then you will need to rest for a big part of the day afterwards.
I started at 4 weeks but was still so exhausted so I was at a live-in cardiac rehab hospital. I had to sleep every afternoon after having a light rehab in the morning.
Rehab for me was more important psychologically - especially seeing all the other patients who had gone through the same thing, and hearing some of their stories...
I never thought I would want to do live-in (here in France one has that option, available to everyone)....but I still was so exhausted after one month.... Take care.

Peggy Whitecotton  rehab was the best thing I ever did. I was still so weak that when I started I was still using a walker, but they started very slow with me. They had me on a heart monitor and taking my blood pressure every 15 minutes or so. In no time I had regained my strength and were telling me to slow down, would not let me over do.. It was very tiring in the beginning and needed to nap afterwards. I went 3 days a week and really enjoyed it and I got to meet a lot of others who had OHS as well,,,
Its been 27 months since surgery and I try to go to wellness center as often as I can. My cardiologist will ask me every time I visit: "how times a week are you exercising?"

Bonnie Stone-Hope  Thank goodness!!
So happy to hear this. Have been waiting for your post.

Take it easy. One day at a time.

God bless.

Anna Jones  Great news that there are no blockages and all is progressing smoothly.

I have my heart cath on Jan. 15, and hope to get good results too.

Linda Richards  I was diagnosed with severe MVR (no idea where it came from !) .... I was very lucky to have it repaired with minimal invasive surgery at the Cleveland Clinic in Florida (Dr. Edward Savage). I was cut under my right boob, thats it. I have never been on any medication my entire life and still not. I only take a low dose aspirin. I am now 54 ... surgery will be 2 years March 3. Im 5' 2" , 120 pounds, always active, vegetarian. If you have any questions, please ask.

Linda Richards  One thing I never knew ... you are given a paralyzing medication at surgery ... thats why walking is so important after surgery. I learned this from my general doctor after surgery (general dr, blood work, lady stuff) she was the one that told me I had a very loud heart murr murr.

Lisa Hunley  Linda Richards, I am so glad you are doing well. Gives the rest of us some great encouragement. I will be having the Open Heart (sternotomy) Unfortunately, there are no doctors here in my area that are trained to do the minimally invasive procedure. I will be getting a mechanical valve and will be put on Coumadin. Wow a paralyzing medication? And yes I have read where walking is one of the most important things to help recover.

Linda Richards  i had my surgery @ 52 and it was repaired. you should get a second opinion and maybe go to the cleveland clinic in in westin, FL or Cleveland. you are close to Atlanta and you can go to Emory or Piedmont.

Kathi Mancuso  I am 4 weeks out from surgery.
I seriously contemplated it.
When I went to the pre op I asked But it was determined from surgery I would most likely have a binder put on which I did. I wore this the first week.
In my case they recommended a surgical bra and the NP looked it up with me on the computer right then and there. Amazon and it is called ANITA Surgical Bra and it has some Velcro and buttons up front.
It has been a god send for me and is super comfy and looks like a sports bra.
I ordered one and then a second. I will be wearing this a long time I know !!
I am heavy set and large breasted.
Honestly I have had minimal sternum pain.

Gerald Poulton  Hi Lisa, I am not sure how different it is for a woman but like Kathi I have not experienced incision pain. I wore baggy shirts it tshirts for the first while but had no problems with irritation. Not sure how they would work with a bra either.

Barbara Wood  I had no incision pain but had a lot of tenderness on my upper chest, around the collarbone area. It was really irritated by clothing touching it, particularly heavy clothing. I wore deep v or u neck tees. I think the incision guard would have helped me- it looks like it holds clothing awAy from the body. You could wait until after surgery to decide whether you think it would work for you.

Wendy Evans  I bought the shield, but I have not needed it, yet. I had a mini incision and open necked shirts keep everything away from it. I agree with Kathi, a good support bra is is more important as my chest muscles and nerves hurt more than the incision and getting a good bra that fastens in the front was wonderful!