Stephen's Journal

It has been a year since my AVR open heart surgery (9th August to be precise). I will see my cardio thoracic surgeon next week for a 1 year follow up, do some blood tests and see my cardiologist the week after. The good news is that I have not seen any doctor during the last six months! I would say I am 99% recovered and better than before the surgery. I still get sharp electrical pains and pulling in my chest, lasting a second or two - always around the same spot and it goes away if I move my arms. Opening heavy doors with one arm also causes mild discomfort. I think it is skeletal or scar tissue causing a problem. I will talk to the surgeon. I am back to work full time since early December and having normal daily routine. I have also did a lot of travel during last 6 to 9 months, including Thailand, Laos, two weeks in Sicily including a wine tour, Dublin to visit my parents (90 years old) and Singapore (for work). I need to watch my weight, as I like to eat more than before surgery. My biggest challenge now is my knee - but I am avoiding getting a MRI because I don't want surgery for a while more. In September I will be in Malaysia, Amsterdam and Orlando for work, and in London and Dublin visiting daughters and family. We only live once, keep enjoying what we have. I hope all patients who were nervous and scared, like me, will take some comfort from the fact that most of us will make a full recovery and go on to live life to the full.

About 10 weeks since my AVR surgery. Basically back to normal. Chest still occasionally sore. Able to do 10km in 30 minutes on a stationary bicycle at medium resistance. Also did 10 minute Opening Speech at a conference followed by 10 minute Opening Speech at the follow on dinner. Generally feeling much better than before. F/U with cardiologist next week, hopefully less medication. Then myself and my wife are off to Thailand for a week. When I get back I have chest x-ray and see surgeon to get the final all clear.

Thought I will share an update. 8 weeks since surgery, back to work close to full time this week and doing most of my normal activities. I am probably 90% recovered. Chest still a little sore with coughing, sudden movements or if I talk too much...I did grocery shopping and carried two sort of heavy bags back on the bus (I don't drive in Hong Kong) - that was a mistake, sore the next day...but slowly getting better. Still doing rehab twice a week (now doing 30 minutes on ergonometer level 5) plus lots of leg strengthening work. In 6 weeks buddy fat down 5% and muscle content ip 5%). Saw cardioligist this week too, reduced one drug to once a day (still on 6 drugs every morning), follow up in two months. Dry cough and bronchi irritation has mainly gone away, at least 90% better. I will see surgeon in two weeks time. Only annoying things is that heart rate is low because of the drugs, doctor says stick with it for two months to protect the heart. Overall, I feel much stronger and not out of breath or exhausted after a 10 minute walk - so a huge improvement compared to pre-surgery.

Tomorrow will be 3 weeks after surgery. Doing rehab twice a week. Follow up Echocardiogram today with cardiologist - all looking good. I used public transport for the first time today, got the MTR (subway) and green mini bus home from cardiologist visit in Central HK. That was a big milestone. I am walking 1km or twenty minutes twice a day most days - some days just too hot. Meeting colleague for lunch after rehab tmr, plan to have coffee with another on Friday morning, maybe back to work for a half day next week. Only downside is the drugs to slow heart rate generally make me feel lethargic. Doc says they are needed for at least two more weeks to protect the heart.