6 weeks post partum...started atrial flutter heart rate of 100...no symptoms. Tried atenolol...went up to 50mg...then started in and out of it. Right now in ...Read more
6 weeks post partum...started atrial flutter heart rate of 100...no symptoms. Tried atenolol...went up to 50mg...then started in and out of it. Right now in emergency room. Anybody had cardioversion?
Phyllis Petersen Oh no Roseline! I hope they get this straightened out quickly.
Catie B My heart goes out to you big time, Roseline. I couldn't have cardioversion because I hadn't been sta ... Read more
Catie B My heart goes out to you big time, Roseline. I couldn't have cardioversion because I hadn't been stable on warfarin long enough (3 months). But I sure know what those ER trips are like. I had several. I do hope things get ironed out for you and your rhythm stabilizes soon.
Ellen Leng I had medical cardioversion just 2 days ago. No electrical as not fully anti-coagulated. I too feel y ... Read more
Ellen Leng I had medical cardioversion just 2 days ago. No electrical as not fully anti-coagulated. I too feel your pain!! I hope someone gets this under control for you
Hi Ladies...I'm feeling well. Spent theafternoon at the National Aquarium in Baltimore. To which we got to via bus as we have no transportation. I used my ...Read more
Hi Ladies...I'm feeling well. Spent theafternoon at the National Aquarium in Baltimore. To which we got to via bus as we have no transportation. I used my a capella thru out the afternoon. Got home tired but not exhausted Was so happy I didso well. Today in for blood work,INR, chest xray and EKG. I also spoke to NP because Amiodorone gives me the most horrid nightmares. I have decided to take 1/2....she said to try it. Anybody have nightmares?. How did you feel when you stopped taking it?
Ellen Leng No nightmares for me on the amiodarone, just poor appetite and nausea. Still on it, so don't know wha ... Read more
Ellen Leng No nightmares for me on the amiodarone, just poor appetite and nausea. Still on it, so don't know what happens when you stop. Glad you're feeling better!
Roseline Rosario I consulted a NP. She told me to stop after an EKG:. some QT RATIO was off...too high. I see my Surge ... Read more
Roseline Rosario I consulted a NP. She told me to stop after an EKG:. some QT RATIO was off...too high. I see my Surgeon tomorrow and then hopefully I can go home. But elated...those nightmares were horrid!
Roseline Rosario Ellen I'm still on coumadin for if I get afib. 6 weeks. I can live with that!
Diane Zeigler Amiodarone causes so many problems. I recommend anyone taking it to read the literature on it and ha ... Read more
Diane Zeigler Amiodarone causes so many problems. I recommend anyone taking it to read the literature on it and have a discussion with the doctor.
Roseline Rosario Yes I refuted with the Dr but he printed studies for me and told me it would be for a few weeks. I se ... Read more
Roseline Rosario Yes I refuted with the Dr but he printed studies for me and told me it would be for a few weeks. I see my own cardiologist on friday.
Having a hard time moving the spirometer to the next number. Any tips? I'm 11 days post op. Stuck in 1500...worried. No cough, fever or pain...would say ..stiff ...Read more
Having a hard time moving the spirometer to the next number. Any tips? I'm 11 days post op. Stuck in 1500...worried. No cough, fever or pain...would say ..stiff ribcage.
Jean Raber Hi, Roseline. My mom had one of these after AVR, and the important thing for her was to keep using it ... Read more
Jean Raber Hi, Roseline. My mom had one of these after AVR, and the important thing for her was to keep using it; the numbers will move eventually. But you are helping your airways just by using it, even if the numbers don't move. It wouldn't hurt to call the doc's office about this if you are concerned, just to put your mind at ease. Goes without saying that if the numbers are worsening, if you are having worsening shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or tightness in your chest, do call your doc.
Steven A Husted i would just breath slow and easy and try to improve each day the numbers should move a little each d ... Read more
Steven A Husted i would just breath slow and easy and try to improve each day the numbers should move a little each day i myself tried my own breathing exercise with out the speedometer and it worked
Ellen Leng 1500 isn't bad, it will improve, sometimes you just hit a plateau for awhile
Phyllis Petersen Mine is very different than the ones I've had in the past. It seems more simple. I just keep it at a ... Read more
Phyllis Petersen Mine is very different than the ones I've had in the past. It seems more simple. I just keep it at a certain level. There's a dial that goes 1-6, which is set at 6. No other adjustments.
Carmen P Just keep using "the magic Pipe", it will get better. Some days it was very hard to use and that lit ... Read more
Carmen P Just keep using "the magic Pipe", it will get better. Some days it was very hard to use and that little stitch in my side did not help. Slow and easy, don't worry about the numbers, it is the little blue thing on the right between the arrows that count. Try to keep the little blue thing between the arrows. Good Luck, it will get easier.
Meredith Bray I hated that thing, I called it the torture device. Don't stop using it!
Lilly Black I agree...don't stop using it. 11 days is still very soon post surgery. Use it while sitting straigh ... Read more
Lilly Black I agree...don't stop using it. 11 days is still very soon post surgery. Use it while sitting straight, empty your lungs first, use it several times a day, and keep going.....you're doing great!
Nap Garcia Be patient, you're only 11 days post-op. Just do what you body allows you to do. I just finished re-h ... Read more
Nap Garcia Be patient, you're only 11 days post-op. Just do what you body allows you to do. I just finished re-hab and four months post-op, now I'm blowing past 2200-2500. But keep at it.
After 8 days....due to an ear issue no one ever figured out and afib that started on my 4 th day post op. STILL Grateful I was here all those days cause I am ...Read more
After 8 days....due to an ear issue no one ever figured out and afib that started on my 4 th day post op. STILL Grateful I was here all those days cause I am leaving...trusting that things are more than ok. Thank you all for your support. The spirit here is unique. Still have to stay a few days in Baltimore but also ok with that.
Ellen Leng Congrats, Roseline! Getting out of the hospital is a big forward step. Hope your ear feels better and ... Read more
Ellen Leng Congrats, Roseline! Getting out of the hospital is a big forward step. Hope your ear feels better and your afib stays under control.
Roseline Rosario Thanks Ellen...my ear resolved it self.and I couldn't take the metropolol (my chest ...couldn't catch ... Read more
Roseline Rosario Thanks Ellen...my ear resolved it self.and I couldn't take the metropolol (my chest ...couldn't catch my breath) so only amiodorone and anticoagulents.
Catie B I know you're happy to be released, Roseline and that it feels good to no longer be confined. Hope th ... Read more
Catie B I know you're happy to be released, Roseline and that it feels good to no longer be confined. Hope things to very smoothly from this point forward.
Roseline Rosario Thanks Catie...I so miss my house...but I don't need to explain that to you!
Phyllis Petersen I'm sorry to hear that you've been having issues. Happy to hear you're finally released. Hopefully, t ... Read more
Phyllis Petersen I'm sorry to hear that you've been having issues. Happy to hear you're finally released. Hopefully, the worst is past and you'll be able to go home soon.
Roseline Rosario I'm actually feeling pretty good and now about to hit treadmill. Start my walking
Ellen Leng Get your walking in! Mine has been S L O W, but I'm getting the minutes in!
I turned out to cause the meeting of the minds today. I don't have a block...I have Atrial FLUTTER...ASYMPTOMATIC. Cardioversion and meds...one of the meds ...Read more
I turned out to cause the meeting of the minds today. I don't have a block...I have Atrial FLUTTER...ASYMPTOMATIC. Cardioversion and meds...one of the meds would be anticoagulant for 60 days. Or no cardioversion and meds. At 60 days both groups 97% has gone to normal sinus Rythm. Which would you pick!?
Ellen Leng Medical or electrical cardioversion? I've chosen to try and stay in sinus rhythm as the AFib (in my ... Read more
Ellen Leng Medical or electrical cardioversion? I've chosen to try and stay in sinus rhythm as the AFib (in my case) is uncomfortable for me. However, it's taken some time (nearly 3 weeks!) to get to a point where there is enough amiodarone in my system to keep me in sinus. My Cardiologist tells me about my "angry atria". I'll tell you that the amiodarone decreased my appetite and has made me a little nauseous which isn't fun either. Ask the doctors about long term risk for afib with either strategy...that may help you decide.
Roseline Rosario Ellen...thank you...I've decided the same...are you taking Coumadin and metoprolol too! Did they say ... Read more
Roseline Rosario Ellen...thank you...I've decided the same...are you taking Coumadin and metoprolol too! Did they say it's for 6 weeks..? Seems I'm getting the CC treatment.How often do you see your Dr? Ellen...Your Dr is funny and smart....the atrium is angry. THEY AREN'T DOING CARDit version
Mary Wagner Hi Rosaline - did you already have the surgery. I had aneurysm surgery on March 3 (had a valve 27 ye ... Read more
Mary Wagner Hi Rosaline - did you already have the surgery. I had aneurysm surgery on March 3 (had a valve 27 years ago). About a month after the surgery I had flutter and it was not improving with sotalol I had a cardioversion 3 weeks later and have stayed in rhythm since then. The cardioversion was very easy.
Roseline Rosario I am scared of cardioversion and I actually don't notice it much. So no meds for you or still on anti ... Read more
Roseline Rosario I am scared of cardioversion and I actually don't notice it much. So no meds for you or still on anticoagulation?
Roseline Rosario Yes Marie had surgery on the 11th, 6 days out...feel good actually...not that I felt bad before.
Diane Zeigler I had cardioversion two days after surgery. They put me to sleep and I never knew a thing. It did t ... Read more
Diane Zeigler I had cardioversion two days after surgery. They put me to sleep and I never knew a thing. It did the trick. I would opt for anything over amiodarone. I am scared of that drug.
Ellen Leng Yes, Roseline, I'm also on metoprolol and coumadin. My understanding is 6 wks on amiodarone, see what ... Read more
Ellen Leng Yes, Roseline, I'm also on metoprolol and coumadin. My understanding is 6 wks on amiodarone, see what happens in terms of afib when that stops with continuation of coumadin until certain no more afib. And yes my Cardiologist is a hoot :)
Roseline Rosario Yup I'm getting the CC protocol here at John Hopkins. There is a chance I'll still shall have to card ... Read more
Roseline Rosario Yup I'm getting the CC protocol here at John Hopkins. There is a chance I'll still shall have to cardio verte but then the TX is also meds after that anyway. So thought I wait with hitting the reset button! What is your cardiologist name?
Anybody? Could be from Amioderone med? Which was given for aAFIB. So that medication is suspended to see what happens. So sad ....was feeling so good today, ...Read more
Anybody? Could be from Amioderone med? Which was given for aAFIB. So that medication is suspended to see what happens. So sad ....was feeling so good today, ate well, walked well. So keep me in your prayers as I have all of you. You guys raise me up!
Ellen Leng Could be from amiodarone, are you on anything else that is slowing your heart? We're you having sympt ... Read more
Ellen Leng Could be from amiodarone, are you on anything else that is slowing your heart? We're you having symptoms? So sorry, my post-op AFib is no fun either!
Catie B I'm not familiar with the block, but I'm on Amiodarone also. Praying for you, Roseline.
Phyllis Petersen Wow! Sorry to hear you're having issues. I pray they get it resolved quickly.
Amy Steele I'm not familiar with this, but am praying that it will resolve.
Unable to quit pain meds yet. Too much sternal pain. At the end of inspiration is where I feel it. Anybody had this...what did you do...I'm on day 5.Still taking ...Read more
Unable to quit pain meds yet. Too much sternal pain. At the end of inspiration is where I feel it. Anybody had this...what did you do...I'm on day 5.Still taking dilaudid and tylenol.
Ron Broadhead Hi Roseline took the prescription pain meds for about 10 days after I left the hospital. At first I t ... Read more
Ron Broadhead Hi Roseline took the prescription pain meds for about 10 days after I left the hospital. At first I took 2 a day, and then cut down to 1 a day about 2 hours before bedtime so that I could sleep better. It did take awhile but the pain finally started to go away. I had a hospital check up 2 weeks after I was discharged from the hospital and at that point there was very little pain and I had stopped taking the pain meds.
Phyllis Petersen You're barely out of surgery! Keeping the pain at bay is important. I was lectured during the night w ... Read more
Phyllis Petersen You're barely out of surgery! Keeping the pain at bay is important. I was lectured during the night when I woke with bad pain. They've told me it's better to take pain meds on a regular schedule so it doesn't get that bad and you can do what you need to heal. Your body's been through a lot, so it'll take time.
Joshua Trimberger I took norco for 2 months after surgery. Give it a few weeks and then see if you can start tolerating ... Read more
Joshua Trimberger I took norco for 2 months after surgery. Give it a few weeks and then see if you can start tolerating less and less. 5 days on pain pills is nothing just make sure you're taking a fiber supplement stuff with it so you don't lock up your intestines. you'll know when the pain starts going away when you don't need a pill as soon as your eligible.
Ron Broadhead We're all different when it comes to the pain involved, but we all do have it after surgery (well, al ... Read more
Ron Broadhead We're all different when it comes to the pain involved, but we all do have it after surgery (well, almost all of us anyway). As Phyllis and Joshua said, give it some time. At some point the pain will lessen and that will be a great period - memories of the pain will soon fade. Just try to keep in mind that the healing period is a path to a better life.
Denise Kirchner Hi Rosaline. It will be 5 weeks For me on Tuesday and I am still taking Norco at bedtime and 2 regul ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Hi Rosaline. It will be 5 weeks For me on Tuesday and I am still taking Norco at bedtime and 2 regular strength tylenol every 5-6 hours during the day. Everyone is different. If you are in pain take what you need to control it. I did not start tapering off on the Norco until 3 weeks after surgery. Hang in there - it does get better! 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻❤️
Shannon Sullivan I am now 2 1/2 weeks out....and last week i had a marked increase in pain from an infection. Hope yo ... Read more
Shannon Sullivan I am now 2 1/2 weeks out....and last week i had a marked increase in pain from an infection. Hope you can find some relief.
Juergen Li I was put on Tylenol (maximum daily dose) the day after surgery and it worked. I see that you are on ... Read more
Juergen Li I was put on Tylenol (maximum daily dose) the day after surgery and it worked. I see that you are on Tylenol plus another medication. Have you tried Tylenol only? BTW I was more worried about the Norco than the pain and had a little fight with the nurse the first night. That was also my last dose of prescription drugs that I had to take and I was put on Tylenol only.
On Tuesday morning.walked did well. Wednesday was not a good day wires and tubes had me in pain...it was good if I didn't move much.Today I took a turn when ...Read more
On Tuesday morning.walked did well. Wednesday was not a good day wires and tubes had me in pain...it was good if I didn't move much.Today I took a turn when they took everything out! Walking and talking...I'm hoarse and my right ear can't hear as well.Anybody had this before? ENT consult scheduled.
Diane Zeigler So you are doing okay? It is pretty tough until they get all of those tubes out. Hope you are not i ... Read more
Diane Zeigler So you are doing okay? It is pretty tough until they get all of those tubes out. Hope you are not in too much pain. Take your meds!
Phyllis Petersen It's a rough road, but glad to hear your progressing. I'm glad they've taken or your tubes. That give ... Read more
Phyllis Petersen It's a rough road, but glad to hear your progressing. I'm glad they've taken or your tubes. That gives some relief. Isn't it nice to be on the other side of surgery? I'll be walking today.
Is the coughing after surgery because you have to or because of production of phlegm. Anybody get medicine for it? Mucinex...breathing therapy ? I have asthma ...Read more
Is the coughing after surgery because you have to or because of production of phlegm. Anybody get medicine for it? Mucinex...breathing therapy ? I have asthma and always sort of cough!
Amy Steele Coughing after surgery helps keep your lungs clear. I didn't get medicine for it, but my mucus produc ... Read more
Amy Steele Coughing after surgery helps keep your lungs clear. I didn't get medicine for it, but my mucus production was 'normal'. My nurses in ICU would have me cough a couple of times (yes I would have something to cough up) and then use the incentive spirometer 5 times. Sometimes I'd cough a few more times after. I did this at least 3 or 4 times an hour. The best things you can be doing right after surgery are coughing and breathing exercises. I'm still doing them at home.
Ellen Leng Coughing helps to keep you alveoli (little air exchange sacs in your lungs) open. After surgery and t ... Read more
Ellen Leng Coughing helps to keep you alveoli (little air exchange sacs in your lungs) open. After surgery and the ventilator, these sacs can close down, decrease air exchange, and that can cause pneumonia. You'll get to cough and use at least a spirometer to help with this. It can be uncomfortable, actually, coughing is downright painful at times, but is a HUGE part of recovery. As you have asthma, you will likely get those meds. No need for mucinex as the phlegm is normal mucus that your respiratory system makes. It's just a little harder to deal with post-op.
Amy Steele Thanks for your more detailed explanation, Ellen. I didn't want to say it, but coughing hurts so be s ... Read more
Amy Steele Thanks for your more detailed explanation, Ellen. I didn't want to say it, but coughing hurts so be sure to keep your heart pillow close. I would sleep with my arms around it so it was right there if I had to cough. My nose would drain a lot with the antibiotic ointment they put in my nose to prevent MERSA. So like it or not, coughing is a necessary part of your recovery. I'm sure the docs will give you other meds if necessary to help with a productive cough.
Roseline Rosario Did it hurt much?...you probably start with a "fake"cough...meaning not too much strength to it. Rig ... Read more
Roseline Rosario Did it hurt much?...you probably start with a "fake"cough...meaning not too much strength to it. Right?
Roseline Rosario Can always count on my heartsiisters! My turn tomorrow.
Valve sparring aortic root replacement. (VSA ... Read more
Roseline Rosario Can always count on my heartsiisters! My turn tomorrow.
Valve sparring aortic root replacement. (VSARR)
Ellen Leng Coughing hurts. And they want you to cough to get your lungs working properly. I'm nearly 2 weekso po ... Read more
Ellen Leng Coughing hurts. And they want you to cough to get your lungs working properly. I'm nearly 2 weekso post-op and it still hurts, though not quite as m7ch as several days ago. Amy is right on about the pillow :), don't go anywhere without it!! I have totally bonded with the pillow!!
Well hurricane Matthew just as good as gone. But my Surgeon texted that my surgery could possibly be bumped again because he is behind in his surgeries due ...Read more
Well hurricane Matthew just as good as gone. But my Surgeon texted that my surgery could possibly be bumped again because he is behind in his surgeries due to a lung transplant. I understand that those are emergencies when there is an organ available but the wait has made my spirits heavy. I'm tearing up as I write this because my sons won't be able to support my husband while I'm in surgery. My faith is holding me up but I can't deny I have my weak moments. My prayers to all who are recovering...Healing vibes! And to the ones facing surgery chin up...we can do this!
Phyllis Petersen Oh no! I pray that you get to have it as planned. You have every right to cry and rail against these ... Read more
Phyllis Petersen Oh no! I pray that you get to have it as planned. You have every right to cry and rail against these delays. The stress can be unbearable.
Diane Zeigler Roseline, these delays are bound to have you in tears and leave you feeling depressed. We all feel f ... Read more
Diane Zeigler Roseline, these delays are bound to have you in tears and leave you feeling depressed. We all feel for you. Surely this will all end soon and you will get your surgery so you can get on with healing and living again. All of us care. Keep on posting and let us all support you.
Steven A Husted hi ROSELINE it is a hardship waiting for the time to come for the surgery but it will get here and wi ... Read more
Steven A Husted hi ROSELINE it is a hardship waiting for the time to come for the surgery but it will get here and with the help of the lord and the many friends you have here praying for you the lord will make a way and the waiting will pass and befour you know it you will be on the other side in recovery trust in him he will comfort you amen
Ellen Leng Oh Roseline, such difficult news...I really don't know what to write!! You and your family are in my ... Read more
Ellen Leng Oh Roseline, such difficult news...I really don't know what to write!! You and your family are in my thoughts.
Roseline Rosario Thanks everyone...you all lift me up feeling better little by little.
Roseline Rosario Thanks everyone...you all lift me up feeling better little by little.
Catie B Ohhh. I hope there won't be another delay, Roseline. Sending hugs and warm thoughts your way.
Marie Leighton Many prayers, warm wishes and hugs - these concerns are so stressful. Hang in there....
Roseline Rosario Thank you Ellen and Catie...your both in my prayers! You can do this!
Diane Zeigler Glad it is settled. You really want to be well when you have your surgery so it is in your best inte ... Read more
Diane Zeigler Glad it is settled. You really want to be well when you have your surgery so it is in your best interest to be sure that you are healthy..
Emily Rowley Aww sending my well wishes your way 💕 It's good you have a new day for your op allowing you time ... Read more
Emily Rowley Aww sending my well wishes your way 💕 It's good you have a new day for your op allowing you time to rest. Did he say is it a chest infection or something else?
Corey Sines Best of luck to kick that cold, and avoid other set backs Roseline!
Catie B I know the delays have been stressful. Now you can mend and aim for the tenth.
TY so much for your ... Read more
Catie B I know the delays have been stressful. Now you can mend and aim for the tenth.
TY so much for your prayers.
Roseline Rosario Yes the delays are withering but you guys give me encouragement and I feel there is a strength that ... Read more
Roseline Rosario Yes the delays are withering but you guys give me encouragement and I feel there is a strength that irradiated from the words of your stories. I'm gaining strength to prepare yet once again.
Craig Gay The 10th well be here before you know it. Get well soon so you can enjoy a little break before your s ... Read more
Craig Gay The 10th well be here before you know it. Get well soon so you can enjoy a little break before your surgery. Hugs! Yvonne
Dr sitting on fence because of some residual phlegm. X-ray is clear but because I am asthmatic he prefers to wait...sigh. Need mental encouragement.
Ellen Leng Roseline, your doctor is doing the best for YOU so that your recovery goes smoothly. Have faith and t ... Read more
Ellen Leng Roseline, your doctor is doing the best for YOU so that your recovery goes smoothly. Have faith and take care of yourself :). Handwashing often to a verse of "Row, row, row your boat" is the best way to avoid catching the ever present germs. I'm sure your surgeon will get you in the OR as quickly as possible. C'mon, you can DO this!
Phyllis Petersen Hang in there! It will happen when it should for the best outcome.
Catie B So sorry for the latest delay. but your safety is so important. Your outcome will be insured with the ... Read more
Catie B So sorry for the latest delay. but your safety is so important. Your outcome will be insured with them being careful.
Roseline Rosario Thanks ladies. Need the encouragement! New date Oct 10.
God has a plan!
Phyllis Petersen Thankfully, it's not a long wait. The weather should be more comfortable for your recovery. Prayers t ... Read more
Phyllis Petersen Thankfully, it's not a long wait. The weather should be more comfortable for your recovery. Prayers that there aren't any more snags.
Have a cough...No other symptom...flegym is white....what to do...anyone gone ahead?OR if postponed for how long?
Phyllis Petersen I was instructed to call if I had a cough or cold symptoms within 2 days of surgery. Hopefully, it's ... Read more
Phyllis Petersen I was instructed to call if I had a cough or cold symptoms within 2 days of surgery. Hopefully, it's just allergies.
Nancy Lewis I confess, I had a cough a couple of days before. I was lucky, it cleared on it's own. After 4 day ... Read more
Nancy Lewis I confess, I had a cough a couple of days before. I was lucky, it cleared on it's own. After 4 days in the hospital, I would say you do not want to start with a cold or being run down. It will make you tired for a day or two.
Roseline Rosario So Nancy was your cough productive? Did your Dr know.. aren't you just post op?
Diane Zeigler I remember that I had a little cough after surgery and it was not productive so they started giving m ... Read more
Diane Zeigler I remember that I had a little cough after surgery and it was not productive so they started giving me Mucinex. (not sure that is spelled correctly). It did help as did cough drops.
Emily Rowley My Surgery was postponed multiple times but for other reasons. 😷 I too had sore throat, coughing u ... Read more
Emily Rowley My Surgery was postponed multiple times but for other reasons. 😷 I too had sore throat, coughing up flem day/s before my Surgery. 🤧 So my Surgeon came to check if I was okay for Surgery, she didn't think it was the flu so the Hospital lab tested a sample of my flem for any infection but came back alright. The Nurses gave me saline through oxygen mask which helped with me. My Operation went ahead. It's always good to check prior and to let them know of any changes. Well wishes and prayers sent your way 💕
Emily Rowley My Doctors inc Surgeon and Cardiologist checked my Lungs+Chest before hand including when I coughed. ... Read more
Emily Rowley My Doctors inc Surgeon and Cardiologist checked my Lungs+Chest before hand including when I coughed. Everything was clear. Do your glands feel swollen?