Pam's Journal

yesterday was 6 weeks since my surgery; how time flies! I'm feeling really good. Still have shortness of breath but it's getting better all the time. Still have some pain in my left collar bone area but again it's not too bad. Doctor says I'm doing great and in two weeks can safely resume all normal activity. Guess I can help with Thanksgiving dinner after all! I want to thank everyone on this site, it's very encouraging to read other stories and to know you are not alone in the recovery phase. Also being able to ask questions and have others respond is uplifting to the spirit! Thank you all and good luck to each of you in your phases of recovery!

I want to thank each of you who have posted to my pulse issue below! It was very reassuring to me to read that apparently what I'm experiencing is totally normal! I'm currently not on a beta-blocker but will ask my doctor at my next appointment. I think it really helps to hear from others who are going through the same feelings and concerns as I am! Thank you again!

I have a question for this group, my aortic valve replacement was on October 3 I’m doing great blood pressure is under control totally now but my pulse is still way too fast it always hovers between 90 and 100 I have an appointment to see my cardiologist week afternext but I’m wondering if anybody else has experienced this issue I’m still getting short of breath also when I am picking up things around the house especially if I’m bending over. Anyone else have a high pulse problem?

Surgery to replace my Aortic Valve was on October 3rd. On day 23 post op I had a really good day, no heart palpitations, no shortness of breath and not overly tired. Felt really good all day. That lasted for two days! I have found that with each new day my time of being up and moving and doing gets longer and longer each day and the resting periods between doing things around the house gets shorter. It's harder for me to sit still and rest, but I know I need to since I'm not even a month out from surgery. The things that have taken the longest to heal have been the pain in my collar bone and neck muscles. Also the bruising on both of my breasts and my neck where they removed the catheters. These areas were very sore and prevented me from sleeping very well and not being able to sleep in my bed at all, I slept in my recliner chair for the first 23 days home. Finally in my bed now but still have discomfort trying to sleep on my side. I also no longer feel the need to take my blood pressure several times a day as my heart feels more normal now and does not feel like it's racing and beating out of my chest. I still have some aches and pains but feel like myself again for the majority of the time which is very comforting to me. I do see the light at the end of the tunnel and can't wait to get back out into the world and drive to see my grandchildren. Hopefully I will be up to helping cook Thanksgiving dinner!