Lynne's Journal

Tammy Pilcher  Hi Lynne, I'm so happy you're feeling better and I pray you continue to improve each day. I am 10 months post op tomorrow and feel great. I'm also so thankful for this community and know it would have been so difficult without the support I've been given here. Prayers and best wishes, Tammy

Steven A Husted  you are doing great keep up the great recovery but dont rush it to fast you dont want a re play of any pain god bless and best wishes

Nancy D  Hello and welcome Lynne! I had a mitral valve replacement just under 1 year ago. Mine was not a traditional sternotomy approach, I had minimal invasive approach- along the outside line of my right breast. However, I remember clearly that at 4 weeks I was feeling much like you are now, rather discouraged at the slow pace. Considering the surgeon said some pts go back to work at 6 weeks. There was no way I could. I must say the key to my getting stronger and the start of my stamina returning was a great Cardiac Rehab program that I did 3x a week, starting around week 3 or 4. I started weak as a kitten, and could not see the end in sight, but each week we increased either time or intensity or added a new machine. Under the nurses watchful eyes, and the monitor always under her view, I became more confident. I did the entire 12 week program as my insurance covered it, and it was the start of my new normal returning! Until then, I was just walking a bit longer or farther each day, but progress was slow. On my non rehab days I continued my walks in the neighborhood and or my treadmill at home. I had issues with low blood pressure, and still do if I don't keep my fluid and sodium intake up, but it is much better. Do not be discouraged...you will turn the corner. Celebrate each small wee improvement as big ones are few and far between!!! Take good care and deep breathe!

Mary K  Hi Lynn. You are early in your recovery. Has your doctor said anything yet about Cardiac Rehab? Most people start rehab at the fifth or sixth week. My experience was that at the fourth week I really had to be patient. I did some walking several times a day for 10 minutes. my surgeon's office also gave me a pamphlet of chair calisthenics. I called them nursing home exercises. Al the best to you. It gets better .

Cheryl Batzing  Welcome Lynne! I had "minimally invasive" mitral valve repair surgery a bit after Nancy D, but agree with what she posted. Be patient with yourself. I was an avid exerciser with no symptoms before surgery, but had to be patient with myself during recovery. First few weeks walking around the block were very difficult and I felt I could barely make it home. I did do cardiac rehab, but was very expensive, so cut it short and they gave me exercises to do myself at the gym, which I did. I'm at almost 8 months post op and still feel moving forward recovering well, but also being patient with myself. Have good weeks and slow weeks.. This is a slow week! I will keep you in my prayers!

Jennifer Depner  Hi Lynne! I had Open Heart Surgery on March 24th 2015. I had a hereditary valve disorder called Bicuspid Aortic Valve and a 5cm aneurysm at the root of my Aorta; I now have a mechanical valve. At 4 weeks I was wanting to do more than I could and was still very easily winded, weak and scared of doing too much. I was able to drive at 6 weeks and started going to Cardiac Rehab which helped me tremendously both mentally and physically! I didnt go back to work until the 10th week after surgery. Everyone heals at different speeds. I was otherwise healthy and in good shape and this was condidered a very speedy recovery. You have been through a lot both mentally and physically so take your time healing and listen to your body. I think you will find in the next couple weeks you will make some great progress. Hang in there and definately do the Cardiac Rehab if you can! Sounds like you are on the right track to getting back to being yourself in no time!

Wiliam Height  You are allowed to feel tired and sore, but not discouraged. You just had heart surgery and on a road to recovery, like any journey. Keep moving, move slowly at this early stage and bask in the knowledge of what is to come around the next corner.

Lynne Ladd  Nancy, Mary, Cheryl and Jennifer - I cannot tell you how much your comments and sharing of your experiences has helped me. I have been on the verge of tears all day and needed to hear what each of you has said. No one can really understand this unless they have been thru it. Having your first hand experiences, frustrations and successes and encouragement is more than I could have hoped for. Thank you Sooo much.
I am scheduled to start Cardiac Rehab in another week. I was feeling that I was running behind and should have already started, but now I feel much better about the timing.
I am walking around the block twice a day.. About 20 minutes. The first time around I didn't think I would make it. I still stop frequently, and now I feel much better about that as well with what you have shared with me.
Thank you again for taking the time to share your experience and encourage me!! God bless you all!!!

Jean Raber  Lynne, I'm pre-op, so won't clutter up the responses, but all the post-op posts really help those of us doing the waiting game understand what's next. Thanks for your honesty.

Bob M  Cardiac rehab definitely helped me on my recovery. What is your Cardiologist telling you about cardiac rehab? Take it easy heart sister:

Jacqueline Cook  Hi Lynne! Welcome!! Thanks for the information you shared with me about your experience of the TEE. Sending positive thoughts your way for your recovery.

Jeanette Davidson   Hi Lynne~
I had a valve replacement and triple bypass seven weeks ago. I know it's hard to be patient because recovery can be a long process. Try to set some goals for yourself each week and do something a little different and maybe a little more challenging. I think walking is the greatest and really helps. Some ideas can include : when you are ready to drive take a small journey on your own. Or maybe setting up a lunch date with a friend. Walking a little further each week. Maybe doing a few more things around the house . You are improving and it is really normal to experience some negative emotions too! I started to get anxiety when I had to begin taking on life again. So just know that you're really Normal and doing well!💕