Hi everyone. I just passed the fifth anniversary of my mitral valve repair. My regurgitation was trivial after the repair and is now mild, so it's holding up ...Read more
Hi everyone. I just passed the fifth anniversary of my mitral valve repair. My regurgitation was trivial after the repair and is now mild, so it's holding up pretty well. I just want to say how much I appreciate this community and all that Adam does to produce the video interviews with the best heart valve surgeons in the country. I hope I never need a re-operation, but I've learned a lot about those procedures thanks to Adam. And a special thank you to Dr. McCarthy at Northwestern, who operated on me five years ago. So far, so good!
Hello all. I just had my fourth annual visit to my cardiologist following my mitral valve repair in 2018. Unfortunately the regurgitation seems to be returning, ...Read more
Hello all. I just had my fourth annual visit to my cardiologist following my mitral valve repair in 2018. Unfortunately the regurgitation seems to be returning, increasing from trivial last year to mild-to-moderate now. The murmur has returned, but I don't have any symptoms. My cardiologist didn't want to speculate on whether or how fast it could worsen or the treatment options available. He said we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. He said I should come back in a year, not six months. Is anyone else in this situation? What does your doctor say? I feel discouraged.
Howard Powders Remember that people with mild to moderate regurgitation may never develop symptoms So you could sti... Read more
Howard Powders Remember that people with mild to moderate regurgitation may never develop symptoms So you could still be in the clear. Many MD's are alarmists as is my cardiologist too!
How about a second opinion? Don’t be discouraged, it doesn’t serve you well to feel that way. Hop ... Read more
How about a second opinion? Don’t be discouraged, it doesn’t serve you well to feel that way. Hope you find the answers you need. God bless you
Richard Munson I can understand the frustration. You get something fixed you expect another 100,000. Miles. This scr ... Read more
Richard Munson I can understand the frustration. You get something fixed you expect another 100,000. Miles. This screams second opinion, i agree, but not just any opinion. An opinion from a hospital and doctor that does mitral valve surgeries in his sleep.
Marie Myers I am sorry you are having to deal with this. I would say, though, if the cardiologist is letting you ... Read more
Marie Myers I am sorry you are having to deal with this. I would say, though, if the cardiologist is letting you go a year before another echo, then he/she is not super concerned. Hopefully it may not change at all. Praying for peace for you.
Deena Z Hi Robert, how unexpected and I understand disappointing. - though not urgent. I would get a sec ... Read more
Deena Z Hi Robert, how unexpected and I understand disappointing. - though not urgent. I would get a second opinion, because it would make me feel better that the regurg. diagnosis is accurate, particularly since you went through a fairly recent repair performed by a renowned surgeon and hospital. This begs for root cause analysis, which may end up unknown, but there is no down side to being thorough.
Rose Madura Robert, I'm sorry you are experiencing this. If hou are seeing the good doctorsat Northwestern, I' ... Read more
Rose Madura Robert, I'm sorry you are experiencing this. If hou are seeing the good doctorsat Northwestern, I'd say not having to come back for a year sounds encouraging. If your on the fence, I'd get a second opinion if it would make you feel better. Please keep us updated because we care. Godspeed.
Good evening heart warriors,
I passed my six-month "valversary" last week. I feel good -- better than before surgery. I didn't think I had any symptoms, ...Read more
Good evening heart warriors,
I passed my six-month "valversary" last week. I feel good -- better than before surgery. I didn't think I had any symptoms, but looking back, my heart was thumping harder than normal and I took naps every day. I told myself I was just getting older (I'm 67) because I didn’t want to think something was wrong. Now I have more energy and don't need naps -- nothing against naps! I felt "normal" around three months after surgery. I finished cardiac rehab after about four months and still go to the gym daily. Northwestern's cardiac rehab program is located inside my regular gym, so I see those wonderful nurses, physical therapists and cardiologists whenever I work out. They are angels!
With surgery behind me, I'm back to being an ordinary retiree. I want to visit Saskatoon, Canada. Anyone from Saskatchewan? I like to visit places that aren't big tourist meccas. The low tomorrow night in Saskatoon will be minus 43 degrees Fahrenheit. How do people live there? I intend to find out -- but not until summer, lol!
Louanna Miller Great to hear you are doing so very well.
I’m right behind you on recovery as Dr McCarthy perf ... Read more
Louanna Miller Great to hear you are doing so very well.
I’m right behind you on recovery as Dr McCarthy performed the same surgery on me on August 20.
Noreen Kitchen I live about 2 1/2 hours from Saskatoon. It’s a great city but I agree wait until summer. We are to ... Read more
Noreen Kitchen I live about 2 1/2 hours from Saskatoon. It’s a great city but I agree wait until summer. We are tough prairie people who can handle the cold. Although we do complain about it.
Dan Vechiola Great report Robert. I am a month behind you on Team McCarthy as well. Its great to hear you are d ... Read more
Dan Vechiola Great report Robert. I am a month behind you on Team McCarthy as well. Its great to hear you are doing well. Keep up the great work!
Adam Pick Robert... This is a fantastic update. Thanks so much for sharing your insights about the symptoms of ... Read more
Adam Pick Robert... This is a fantastic update. Thanks so much for sharing your insights about the symptoms of heart valve disease - before and after surgery. I've heard the disease referred to as an "insidious" disorder. I think you just did a great job showing how this disease can downgrade your life without being overly aware to a decreased quality of life. Thank you. I was also thrilled to hear that Dr. McCarthy and his team took great care of you! https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/surgeons/dr-Patrick-McCarthy-Chicago-Illinois.php
See patient reviews, physician biography and videos of Dr. Patrick McCarthy, heart surgeon, with phone number and address in Chicago, Illinois.
Thomas Brusstar Solid work. I did my rehab in that same place. The nurses made it really pleasant to show up there ... Read more
Thomas Brusstar Solid work. I did my rehab in that same place. The nurses made it really pleasant to show up there. It's a big factor in seeing the rehab through. I'm a few weeks ahead of you, and I'm feeling so confident in my abilities I've booked 2 ski trips out west in March and then we go on a Galapagos kayak adventure in April (postponed from last July, when I all of a sudden "had other plans" made for me...).
Dan Marcantel YEA I still love my afternoon naps on the weekends. I did not think I had symptoms either it ended u ... Read more
Dan Marcantel YEA I still love my afternoon naps on the weekends. I did not think I had symptoms either it ended up I did. Vertigo was one and coughing at night.
Rob Sparling Great to hear from you, Robert! Congrats on the half year mark! Keep pushing ahead!
leslie terjesen Thank you for sharing. I am going in for AVR on the 19th at Columbia NY Presbyterian with Dr. Craig S ... Read more
leslie terjesen Thank you for sharing. I am going in for AVR on the 19th at Columbia NY Presbyterian with Dr. Craig Smith as my surgeon. I have NO symptoms either but both my cardiologist at home (Toms River, NJ) and Dr. Smith both said I'll feel better afterwards. Asked my doctor down here last week am I rushing this and he assured me that since I am in excellent health otherwise (I'm 68) that I am way ahead of the curve. I am so glad you are doing well and looking forward to sharing my experience afterwards.
leslie terjesen Thank you for sharing. I am going in for AVR on the 19th at Columbia NY Presbyterian with Dr. Craig S ... Read more
leslie terjesen Thank you for sharing. I am going in for AVR on the 19th at Columbia NY Presbyterian with Dr. Craig Smith as my surgeon. I have NO symptoms either but both my cardiologist at home (Toms River, NJ) and Dr. Smith both said I'll feel better afterwards. Asked my doctor down here last week am I rushing this and he assured me that since I am in excellent health otherwise (I'm 68) that I am way ahead of the curve. I am so glad you are doing well and looking forward to sharing my experience afterwards.
leslie terjesen Thank you for sharing. I am going in for AVR on the 19th at Columbia NY Presbyterian with Dr. Craig S ... Read more
leslie terjesen Thank you for sharing. I am going in for AVR on the 19th at Columbia NY Presbyterian with Dr. Craig Smith as my surgeon. I have NO symptoms either but both my cardiologist at home (Toms River, NJ) and Dr. Smith both said I'll feel better afterwards. Asked my doctor down here last week am I rushing this and he assured me that since I am in excellent health otherwise (I'm 68) that I am way ahead of the curve. I am so glad you are doing well and looking forward to sharing my experience afterwards.
Amy Goines I need another AVR. The first OP ER Surgery left me with 2 small of a pig valve. Its been a lil over ... Read more
Amy Goines I need another AVR. The first OP ER Surgery left me with 2 small of a pig valve. Its been a lil over 6 years! I am very blessed to be alive thanks to my hero, Dr. Abdul Attum! It was a scary time for both of us, as I had completely diasected (ascending/descending aorta to my Illiacs, and up to my sub-clavin arteries). U of L would not attempt to fix me when I first tore. 6 months later my aorta tore by my heart. I am waiting on CC to schedule me for more testing to decide if they can fix me. Im praying that they can get a correct size valve in me, and wrap my complete aorta artery! I do not produce enough oxygen and have been very, very weak since my OH. I want and need to go back to work, and I don't want to live the rest of my life afraid for when I will tear again.
Your all's stories are giving me hope. I know I am a huge mess, and I must be asking alot since I have been unable to find a doctor that is willing to help me. I have some sort of flap of skin on or in my heart from my first surgery. I am so looking forward to when I can post pics and my survival story here.
Hello heart warriors. I just got home from my three-month (3-1/2 months, to be exact) checkup with my cardiologist following mitral valve repair in July. To ...Read more
Hello heart warriors. I just got home from my three-month (3-1/2 months, to be exact) checkup with my cardiologist following mitral valve repair in July. To my surprise, he took me off all restrictions including the heart meds. No more Warfarin as of today, and I will ween myself off Metoprolol over the next two weeks. I can lift heavy objects again, though my sternum still feels a little delicate, maybe from lack of use. Cardiac rehab helped me turn the corner. I've been preoccupied with my health for the past year leading up to and through the surgery. And now, suddenly, I've been given a clean bill of health. My next appointment won't be until my one-year valversary next July. I am so, so grateful.
Dan Vechiola Great news Robert! Enjoy your new restriction-free life. You are a great example for those of us wh ... Read more
Dan Vechiola Great news Robert! Enjoy your new restriction-free life. You are a great example for those of us who had surgery and those who are in the waiting room. Thanks for the update!
Louanna Miller Awesome report!! My OHS was August 20 and my sternum. Is still sore and tender. My cardiologist to ... Read more
Louanna Miller Awesome report!! My OHS was August 20 and my sternum. Is still sore and tender. My cardiologist told me at my 8 week check up that for some of us, the sternum can be sore and recovering for up to a year. I have experienced a gradual lessoning of the pain.
Cardiac Rehabilitation is sure helpful. I just completed my 3rd week. I’m thankful for your excellent report today. Thanks for sharing.
Rob Sparling So great, Robert! Congrats! Louanna, sorry to hear you and others have sternum pain. Does it pop u ... Read more
Rob Sparling So great, Robert! Congrats! Louanna, sorry to hear you and others have sternum pain. Does it pop up later? It puzzles me....
James A. Corbett Hello Robert, so happy to read your news. I have my MV surgery in about a month and enjoyed reading y ... Read more
James A. Corbett Hello Robert, so happy to read your news. I have my MV surgery in about a month and enjoyed reading your progress. Keep up the good work.
Happy Halloween, heart warriors. Today marks three months since my mitral valve repair open heart surgery. I'm feeling stronger thanks to cardiac rehab (I can't ...Read more
Happy Halloween, heart warriors. Today marks three months since my mitral valve repair open heart surgery. I'm feeling stronger thanks to cardiac rehab (I can't say enough good things about it) and the healing of my sternal incision. The tightness in my chest has eased. I'm walking more around the city and using a StairMaster in rehab, gradually increasing the intensity and working up a sweat. They have me lifting some light weights to regain my muscle tone. As for the sternal healing, I'm finally sleeping on my side again. I'm almost over a bad cold, and -- as strange as this sounds -- it felt good to cough, sneeze and blow my nose with abandon. I'm so glad the cold held off until my incision healed. On the negative side, the Amoxicillin I'm taking to combat a related sinus infection has messed with my INR levels. I'm hoping I'll be able to discontinue the Coumadin when I see my cardiologists in a couple of weeks.
One thing I've noticed is that I've gained five-seven pounds over my pre-surgery weight. I read where Metoprolol does that. At first I didn't pay any attention because I figured I needed to give my heart the nutrition it needs to rebuild itself. Now that I'm feeling better, I'm more conscious of it. Mom always said I should carry a few extra pounds in case I got sick.
I wish everyone reading this a warm wind at your back as you pursue your individual heart journeys. In Adam's recent Facebook interview with three leading heart surgeons, Dr. Steve Bolling at Michigan Medicine said the patient has three responsibilities after surgery: walk, walk and walk. Remember that everyone's recovery journey is different. I feel encouraged with my progress so far, but I still have a ways to go. I'm beginning to feel like I've been given a second chance to do what I can in life to help others. That's what it's all about.
Rob Sparling Robert, awesome post. Thanks for setting an example to follow. Keep kicking it’s butt! ❤️ ... Read more
Rob Sparling Robert, awesome post. Thanks for setting an example to follow. Keep kicking it’s butt! ❤️💪
Dan Baltazor Great Post! Thanks! Love the "Mom always said...."
Dan Vechiola Great report Rob. You are about a month ahead of me so I have stayed in tune with your progress. So ... Read more
Dan Vechiola Great report Rob. You are about a month ahead of me so I have stayed in tune with your progress. Sounds like things are going very well for you which is great news. Keep up the great work and keep grinding everyday!
Good evening, heart warriors. Here's an update on my progress nine weeks after mitral valve repair surgery -- mostly positive but some lingering issues. I'm ...Read more
Good evening, heart warriors. Here's an update on my progress nine weeks after mitral valve repair surgery -- mostly positive but some lingering issues. I'm in my fourth week of cardiac rehab and am loving it. I use a StairMaster for 40 minutes three times a week and am slowly adding intensity. I figure this is my chance to challenge myself safely while being monitored. I can't wait to start lifting some light weights and trying to get back some muscle tone in my upper body. That should start in another three weeks when the sternal precautions are lifted. I'm still sleeping sitting up in bed, propping myself up with pillows. I've been driving some, mostly to the grocery store a few blocks away. But I've been getting out a lot, walking and riding on Chicago's excellent transit system. I surprised myself the other day by hustling up three flights of stairs to catch an el train. I get short of breath if I try to talk and climb stairs at the same time. I've seen three plays recently. Go see Tootsie when it comes to your town -- very funny.
So that's the positive. On the negative side, my chest still feels somewhat constricted and tight, as if it's making my breathing more shallow. It doesn't seem to affect my ability to walk, use the StairMaster, etc., but it feels tender and unpleasant at times. Is anyone else experiencing this? I'd like to know how others felt/are feeling two months into their recoveries. Sometimes I get a little discouraged because I don't feel "normal." I think that could take a while.
Onward and upward!
Michael Carbone Robert I have been thru 2 ross procedures 17 years apart. My last surgery was 14 hrs. Each time recov ... Read more
Michael Carbone Robert I have been thru 2 ross procedures 17 years apart. My last surgery was 14 hrs. Each time recovery was different actually the second time a bit easier. But u are doing it all right and i must say i think the key to recovery is exercise as much as u can. I go to the gym every day and have for years. Its the key ido believe. Chest will get better and soon ull be back to yourself. Keep up the great work. Michael
Rita Savelis My chest felt tight off and on for maybe a year at least. Now less. I don't know if anyone ever feels ... Read more
Rita Savelis My chest felt tight off and on for maybe a year at least. Now less. I don't know if anyone ever feels "normal" again because yr normal has changed and you are hyper aware of your body. You will eventually settle into a new normal. But it all takes time. 9 weeks is very very early. You are expecting a lot from your body and heart. They need time to heal. They've been through a lot.
Rob Sparling Robert, you sound good! Keep working hard and set waypoints for those of us who follow! Thanks!
Dan Vechiola Glad to hear things are going well Rob. I know how those El stairs can be rough so know what you are ... Read more
Dan Vechiola Glad to hear things are going well Rob. I know how those El stairs can be rough so know what you are talking about. Keep up the great work and keep us posted on your progress.
Hi all, I'll have seven weeks since my mitral valve repair on Monday, and I completed my first week of cardiac rehab last week. It's 40 minutes of monitored ...Read more
Hi all, I'll have seven weeks since my mitral valve repair on Monday, and I completed my first week of cardiac rehab last week. It's 40 minutes of monitored aerobic exercise on the machine of your choice, three days a week. I did 20 minutes on a treadmill and 20 on a StairMaster, though most of my fellow heart rehabbers were on stationary bikes. I like it. I feel better physically and mentally. In the second six weeks, they add in some light weight training. it'll be nice to get some muscle tone back. I walk a mile to and from the rehab facility, which also helps. I have more confidence in myself after seven weeks. My breastbone is feeling more stable though my chest still feels tight. I have a ways to go yet before I feel like myself again, and I know the journey is different for everyone. But I feel good about my progress so far. What I really crave is a full-body massage -- maybe after six months. I think I'll have six more weeks on Warfarin, but they're letting me eat broccoli and other greens again in moderation. I had a nice salad yesterday. I'm not really a salad guy, but I didn't know a salad could taste so good. Onward!
Louanna Miller Great to hear about your recovery and rehab. Your doing great.
Dan Vechiola Sounds like you are doing very well which is great to hear. Keep grinding one day at a time! Robert ... Read more
Dan Vechiola Sounds like you are doing very well which is great to hear. Keep grinding one day at a time! Robert and your hard work will pay off! Thanks for the update!
Thomas Brusstar Thanks for the update. I have my intake appointment there a week from Monday.
Muhammad Riyaz Hi Robert. May God bless you always!
I had my open heart on May 05th/ 2018. I had 4 arteries blocke; ... Read more
Muhammad Riyaz Hi Robert. May God bless you always!
I had my open heart on May 05th/ 2018. I had 4 arteries blocke; 95%, 90%, 70%, And 40%. Moreover I had bicuspid Aorta Valve, and 4.9 Aneurysm. All taken care of. It is going to be my 3rd week for cardiac rehab. Like you I also walk at home.
Good to see your progress, and am sure and praying for your full recovery in shortest possible time. Hope, you will keep us all up about your recovery process.
Richard Buckley Robert, great to hear of your progress with rehab. Seems like a necessary step to regaining good heal ... Read more
Richard Buckley Robert, great to hear of your progress with rehab. Seems like a necessary step to regaining good health.
Kathy Sansone I'm wondering about the cardiac rehab... I'm not at that stage yet. Is this something insurance cover ... Read more
Kathy Sansone I'm wondering about the cardiac rehab... I'm not at that stage yet. Is this something insurance covers?
Thomas Brusstar Yes, I was told to check to be sure. The rehab place should know how to submit everything, but you ca ... Read more
Thomas Brusstar Yes, I was told to check to be sure. The rehab place should know how to submit everything, but you can also call in advance to be sure. I just got a letter from the insurer (Blue Cross) that I’m approved for rehab.
Robert Bach Kathy, Medicare covers 36 weeks, though you don't look like you're ready for Medicare yet. I highly r ... Read more
Robert Bach Kathy, Medicare covers 36 weeks, though you don't look like you're ready for Medicare yet. I highly recommend cardiac rehab. I feel like I have more confidence in what my newly remodeled heart can do.
Robert Bach Sorry, that's not right. Medicare covers 36 sessions, not 36 weeks of cardiac rehab.
Good morning all! I had my intake appointment for cardiac rehab at Northwestern, which, ironically, is inside my health club. I got up early and walked a mile ...Read more
Good morning all! I had my intake appointment for cardiac rehab at Northwestern, which, ironically, is inside my health club. I got up early and walked a mile to the club and walked home afterwards. It was so good to be back there -- felt like home! I already knew the cardiologist on duty, Dr. Casino, who saw me several times in the hospital. I've heard so many great things about cardiac rehab, how valuable it is. I got on my regular StairMaster for 10 minutes as they measured my heart. My chest is still tight, and I have some numbness on the right side where the drain was up against my lung, but Dr. Casino said that will resolve itself. Also, my back feels stiff and achy since I haven't been able to stretch much. I feel like I'll get a lot out of this. Have a great weekend, my fellow heart warriors.
Michael Meyer Robert:
Can't say enough good about rehab gets you back in shape, provides confidence in a safe envir ... Read more
Michael Meyer Robert:
Can't say enough good about rehab gets you back in shape, provides confidence in a safe environment. I recommend everyone go through the process no matter how fit you were before your surgery, there was just no negatives to the program.
Thomas Brusstar Robert, that’s interesting n cause I have my intake appt there on Sept 24. On Clark. Glad you lik ... Read more
Thomas Brusstar Robert, that’s interesting n cause I have my intake appt there on Sept 24. On Clark. Glad you liked it. I’ll be optimistic.
Robert Bach Tom, I read your story, and I had mitral valve repair with McCarthy two weeks after you did. The FFC ... Read more
Robert Bach Tom, I read your story, and I had mitral valve repair with McCarthy two weeks after you did. The FFC club on Clark is large and uncrowded. There's a cardiologist there, plus nurses and physical therapists. They know what they're doing. Today the cardiologist was Dr. Casino, whom I met in the hospital. They have slots available from 6:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. I'm going at 9:15 a.m. The first six weeks they focus on cardio machines, and the second six weeks they include weights to get muscles toned up. I think this will help a lot.
Rob Sparling ^^^^^^^^. This is exactly what is cool about this site! (Support network)^2
Hi all. Five weeks since surgery today, and I drove -- on the expressway, no less. I had brunch with a friend who had heart valve surgery two months before ...Read more
Hi all. Five weeks since surgery today, and I drove -- on the expressway, no less. I had brunch with a friend who had heart valve surgery two months before I did, and we compared notes. My surgeon told me I could drive after a month, while her surgeon said three months. I didn't feel real comfortable driving today. Sharp turns are somewhat uncomfortable to negotiate, having to cross my arms one over the other and pull the wheel laterally. I picked today because Labor Day traffic is light. I'll probably limit trips to my local grocery store for a couple more months. Driving in Chicago is no picnic to begin with. I rode on the L last week with no problem, so that's another way to get around.
Dan Vechiola Way to go Robert! Each time will get easier. Did you bring a pillow to put between your chest and t ... Read more
Dan Vechiola Way to go Robert! Each time will get easier. Did you bring a pillow to put between your chest and the seat belt?
Robert Bach Dan, I didn't, and the belt was irritating -- good point.
Rob Sparling Robert, congrats! Thanks for posting progress reports for those of us who are trying to understand th ... Read more
Rob Sparling Robert, congrats! Thanks for posting progress reports for those of us who are trying to understand the timeline for recovery!
Robert Bach Hi Rob. The timing of recovery varies for everyone. Even the surgeons give different timelines, which ... Read more
Robert Bach Hi Rob. The timing of recovery varies for everyone. Even the surgeons give different timelines, which makes it all a little confusing. The one consistency I've heard, as a rule of thumb, is that most of us will be back to "normal" (or close) in six months. But I've heard some people say they continue to improve even 12 months or more after surgery. Best of luck with your upcoming procedure.
Good morning. I hope everyone is looking forward to the long weekend. My post-op chest x-ray indicated hyperexpanded lungs, which I never had before. It also ...Read more
Good morning. I hope everyone is looking forward to the long weekend. My post-op chest x-ray indicated hyperexpanded lungs, which I never had before. It also said my lungs are functioning well with no excess fluids. It has been almost five weeks since my mitral valve surgery, and it's still hard to fully exhale and take a full deep breath. Has anyone else experienced this? Does this resolve itself with time and cardiac rehab?
Catie B An X-ray a few weeks after my surgery showed hyperinflation, a completely new issue. During the hospi ... Read more
Catie B An X-ray a few weeks after my surgery showed hyperinflation, a completely new issue. During the hospitalization they identified and treated pulmonary effusion, which lasted awhile. The pulmonologist that I later saw about the hyperinflation gave me a pulmonary function test and thought I had borderline COPD. I had no known lung issues before the heart surgery. I plan to follow up with additional testing this fall.
Barbara Wood Yes, I remember that. I think cardiac rehab really helped...I had a pulmonary effusion too. Congrats ... Read more
Barbara Wood Yes, I remember that. I think cardiac rehab really helped...I had a pulmonary effusion too. Congrats on 5 weeks!
Good morning all. Today marks four weeks since my mitral valve repair surgery. I met with my surgeons last week, and they say I'm doing great. I start cardiac ...Read more
Good morning all. Today marks four weeks since my mitral valve repair surgery. I met with my surgeons last week, and they say I'm doing great. I start cardiac rehab a week from Friday. My question is this: How long after surgery will I feel back to "normal"? I've heard people say anywhere from four to six months. What should I expect? Also, how many of you eventually feel better than you did before the surgery? I feel pretty good, and I've been walking one-two miles a day. But my lungs are hyperinflated, and my chest feels tight, which I assume is part of the sternum healing process. I'd love to hear your experiences.
Rita Savelis Congrats on 4 weeks Robert. It depends on how you define "normal". My chest felt tight for a long tim ... Read more
Rita Savelis Congrats on 4 weeks Robert. It depends on how you define "normal". My chest felt tight for a long time, and still does (3 yrs later) when I exert myself. When you reach your normal, it will be normal for you. There is no norm. No real time frame. I don't feel better than I did before surgery, just different. But again, everyone has a different state before OHS. If you feel good now, that's all that matters. It took me months after OHS to realise that I would always feel a tightness in my chest, that my sternum was forever transformed. None of this was or is pain, it's just a different feeling. I was also told that I would be tired for a long time. I appreciated the use of long rather than a specific amount of weeks/months. When I was then tired for a long time, I realised it was okay, nothing to worry about. Best of luck. Take care.
Kirk Bepler Robert sounds like you are healing great, I'm going to be coming up to 5 months soon. I still have ti ... Read more
Kirk Bepler Robert sounds like you are healing great, I'm going to be coming up to 5 months soon. I still have tightening of the chest and sometimes stabbing pain right on the top, they say it's the mussels and nerves still healing. I have asked the same question on here as well, the answer I got back about feeling totally yourself again and better. Everyone is differn't can be 6 months, a year etc. Just take it easy and listen to what your body is telling you (I do take peoples advice on here 😃, and I'm impatience), your not alone and why does this seem to be taking so long..
Marie Myers Physically, I felt normal after approx 6 months. But I would have to say, that emotionally, I felt be ... Read more
Marie Myers Physically, I felt normal after approx 6 months. But I would have to say, that emotionally, I felt better, less stressed and worried after 1 year. Everyone is different, though. I did go back to work at 8 weeks on a part time basis, and that was a good distraction for me.
Jennifer John Robert, as with most things, everyone’s different. My docs use six months as a benchmark, which giv ... Read more
Jennifer John Robert, as with most things, everyone’s different. My docs use six months as a benchmark, which gives the heart time to remodel and heal. I’m at the three-month mark and feel better than I did two months ago, but not completely normal. Yet. Cardiac rehab helps a lot.💪🏼❤️
Civita Fahey six months was my time also, physically, but I still got pretty tired at times. .I think after a year ... Read more
Civita Fahey six months was my time also, physically, but I still got pretty tired at times. .I think after a year things got so much better. Now, I feel like I have energy I never knew I had.. I'm up and down the stairs over and over again with no issue.. it actually surprises me.. I don't want to jinx myself.. I'm 16 months out by the way.. give yourself time, the energy will come.. one day you will say" wow..I couldn't do that before".. best.
joan chianese After 4 weeks I felt 85% ok. Now its 8 weeks and I a 100% ok. Next week
is Valentine Day send my Dr ... Read more
joan chianese After 4 weeks I felt 85% ok. Now its 8 weeks and I a 100% ok. Next week
is Valentine Day send my Dr. a card thanking him for fixing my broken heart
Jennifer John Eight months tomorrow — and I feel great!❤️