Hello Everyone,
Latley I've been experiencing some strange heart beats lately. I have wokr up from a stressful dream to find my heart beating very hard and ...Read more
Hello Everyone,
Latley I've been experiencing some strange heart beats lately. I have wokr up from a stressful dream to find my heart beating very hard and fast. I had this happen just sitting and watching tv, then go to stand up and my heart beats heavy and fast. I'm 10 months post aeortic valve replacement and am not due back to the Cardiologist until december. Is this happening to any of you? I just don't knoe if it is worth going back to the doctor early.
Mike Czaplewski I had my aortic valve replaced in January of 2017 and that did happen periodically but not on a regul ... Read more
Mike Czaplewski I had my aortic valve replaced in January of 2017 and that did happen periodically but not on a regular basis at all. Personally, I would at the very least contact your cardiologist's office and tell them what you are experiencing and let them decide if you should come in early or not. It's best to document these types of issues with date, time, what you are doing when it happens, etc. Helps them in their analysis.
Catie B Whenever there are fast, weird beats, they probably want to rule out afib. I agree with Mike, to call ... Read more
Catie B Whenever there are fast, weird beats, they probably want to rule out afib. I agree with Mike, to call your cardiologist and report what's going on, how often you're experiencing this, etc. They might want you to wear a monitor for a few days to see what it picks up. It could be very innocuous rhythm changes like PACs or PVCs.
Today I am 7 months out from my AVR surgery. I'm feeling okay, but not how I thought I would feel. All the doctors told me how much energy I would have post ...Read more
Today I am 7 months out from my AVR surgery. I'm feeling okay, but not how I thought I would feel. All the doctors told me how much energy I would have post surgery. I don't have any more energy now than I had 6 mo prior to surgery.
But the good news... Today I went to see a different cardiologist. He had a very bubbly personality and easy to talk to. I took a list of about 4 questions that I turned over to the nurse, along with a medical history when I arrived. He made a point to answer every single question, and then wrote his answers down on the paper and gave them back to me for when I got home! WOW.
We talked about my energy level, and he agreed to reduce my metoprolol dose, to help with the energy. He was also willing to discuss a reduction in aspirin therapy as well. (you see I also have ITP, so with platelets at 37k - my blood doesn't clot very well and I bruise very easily.) I was SO HAPPY that the cardiologist was willing to help me balance my Heart Valve Issues and my ITP.
I now hope that in another six months, as I get further and further from my surgery date, that I WILL have more energy, less bruising, better handle my stress, and feel more like 58 instead of 78.
Susan Lynn It feels so good when you find the right physician! Hope your energy returns soon! All the best t ... Read more
Susan Lynn It feels so good when you find the right physician! Hope your energy returns soon! All the best to you!
Rita Savelis It can take a LONG time to get yr energy back. It took me over a year. And yes, betablockers also sap ... Read more
Rita Savelis It can take a LONG time to get yr energy back. It took me over a year. And yes, betablockers also sap yr energy. So give yr body the time it needs. You've been through a lot. Take care.
Rose Madura I'm glad you like the new doctor. You have to feel comfortable with those taking care of you. It so ... Read more
Rose Madura I'm glad you like the new doctor. You have to feel comfortable with those taking care of you. It sounds like he is reasonable abd listens to you and your concerns - very important. Hope you start feeling better soon.
Today was my last day at Rehab. I'm happy and sad about it. I do feel much better and more confident that I can lift/tote/walk as much as I want. I also feel ...Read more
Today was my last day at Rehab. I'm happy and sad about it. I do feel much better and more confident that I can lift/tote/walk as much as I want. I also feel a real sense of accomplishment that I made it through rehab - but it did take 14 weeks to get in the 36 visits. Mostly I was there 3x a week, but had a few weeks where I was either exhausted in general or had something going on at work and felt I could not go to rehab.
I'd like to continue exercising, and rehab does have a maintenance program that is fairly cheap - but I worry whether I will make myself go 3x a week after having worked all day. (Many days are very stressful.) It was a lot easier to go to rehab when I was only working half days three times a week.
I also feel like I need to find something to get involved in socially. Surviving OHS is a second chance in life, and I don't want to waste it just sitting around my condo. Any suggestions? Anyone live here in cincinnati interested in getting together for a meal or a movie?
Anna Jones Hi Susan, I don't live in Cincinnati. Some thoughts I have are:
Anna Jones Hi Susan, I don't live in Cincinnati. Some thoughts I have are:
1. Join Meetup.com You will find a bunch of different special interest groups to join and something might stir your interest.
2. Check out Planet Fitness. It's membership is inexpensive, they are usually open and staffed 24-hours a day, and I don't think they require a contract.
3. Check out yoga or tai chi.
Hope this helps.
Rose Madura What about a local Y or recreation center? My husband and I joined our rec center for $34 each for t ... Read more
Rose Madura What about a local Y or recreation center? My husband and I joined our rec center for $34 each for the year (senior rate). It allows unlimited access to the walking track. We can do the gym with weights, elipticals, bikes etc for $2 each time. We've met "regulars" there including talking to the workers. They have other activities - swimming, volleyball, zumba etc for nominal fees.
Sonia M First of all Congratulations on completing your Rehab and recovering from your surgery.
Iām a moti ... Read more
Sonia M First of all Congratulations on completing your Rehab and recovering from your surgery.
Iām a motivational speaker volunteer at my hospitalās Cardiac Rehab for over 3 years.
As a Cardiac Rehab Mentor, my first suggestion is perhaps if you are interested and see it in yourself that you can be a volunteer at any hospital near you and help other Cardiac patients with their recovery, will be something great that you can do with your time.
And being active doesnāt stop at rehab graduation, plz make time to do any activity you can during the day, specially walking.
Wish you All the best!!
Hi Everyone,
I'm looking for some feedback on how they are doing with Cardiac Rehab. I am halfway thru the 36 classes and am having a lot of knee and back ...Read more
Hi Everyone,
I'm looking for some feedback on how they are doing with Cardiac Rehab. I am halfway thru the 36 classes and am having a lot of knee and back pain. I work hard - but am not doing anything that should aggravate these areas. The class is set up to use a different machine after every 5-6 minutes, but I do spend the last two periods on the treadmill, because I like it best. Would welcome your comments and suggestions.
Steve Farthing Isn't there a somebody at your program who can evaluate the knee and back pain?
Marie Myers Good advice from Steve- especially if the knee and back pain is new onset...
Susan Rush I'm afraid if I tell the nurses running the program, that they will just think I am being lazy.
Today was my first day back to work. I was only there 4 1/2 hrs, then left for rehab. It was a hectic morning, as since I had been gone for 8 weeks, the network ...Read more
Today was my first day back to work. I was only there 4 1/2 hrs, then left for rehab. It was a hectic morning, as since I had been gone for 8 weeks, the network didn't recognize my login anymore - so I spent most of the AM with the iT department, and the rest of the time sitting up my new desk. (My team moved while I was out. Any yet...no one bothered to email me and tell me!) I felt so guilty leaving at 12:45 for rehab, but I sure was tired after hiking around the office all AM, and then going to rehab. I came home, turned on the TV and fell asleep for almost 2 hrs.
Completely expected feeling this way, but worry about wearing myself out. How were your first days?
It sounds exhausting. I hope your energy level picks up. It's a big adjustment.
Gerald Poulton First days are always exhausting either physically, mentally or both. Give it time and all will wirk ... Read more
Gerald Poulton First days are always exhausting either physically, mentally or both. Give it time and all will wirk out.
Debra Langford Wow, that sounds like an exhausting day. I hope each day gets easier for you.
Sophia Ridley I was off for 3mths. The change of routine, hussle and bustle of commute and work (I have to go throu ... Read more
Sophia Ridley I was off for 3mths. The change of routine, hussle and bustle of commute and work (I have to go through Central London) and having to think wore me out, I did a staggered return over a few weeks. It was exhausting at first, but give it a few weeks. Do be watchful not to overdo it when you think youāve got this!!
Rita Savelis Exhausting! And I feel for you doing work AND rehab.
Not to mention your team moving and your login ... Read more
Rita Savelis Exhausting! And I feel for you doing work AND rehab.
Not to mention your team moving and your login changing. Geez....
You needed that nap in front of the TV.
Do NOT feel guilty for leaving early!
It will get easier, but take it slow. And NO guilt!!
Civita Fahey I went back to my desk job after 10 weeks, ( I had been working at home around 6 hours from week 6), ... Read more
Civita Fahey I went back to my desk job after 10 weeks, ( I had been working at home around 6 hours from week 6), but, being in the office, and as you said doing things like walking around and moving, is exhausting. I took a nap almost every day for the first couple of weeks after going back full time.. things will settle down, your body will get used it.. one step at a time.
Bonnie Stone-Hope Hi Susan,
Having to deal with IT on your first day back is enough to make you want to have a nap! An ... Read more
Bonnie Stone-Hope Hi Susan,
Having to deal with IT on your first day back is enough to make you want to have a nap! And then to realize that you have a new environment to adjust to, just sounds exhausting.
Time to be very nice to yourself, do some "self-talk" and just focus on you!
Best wishes, Bonnie
Hi everyone. I started Cardiac rehab last week and am enjoying it. The exercise feels good and when I find it hard, I just tell myself I'm making my heart ...Read more
Hi everyone. I started Cardiac rehab last week and am enjoying it. The exercise feels good and when I find it hard, I just tell myself I'm making my heart better.
There is one thing... I'm 57. Everyone else in the class is close to 70, several are in their 80's. I feel really out of place. I know it is silly - I just didn't expect to be the only one under 70. :-)
Lisa McLaughlin My surgery is scheduled for Jan. 22 with Dr. Answini. Glad you're enjoying rehab!
Gerald Poulton Good for you Susan and there is nothing wrong with being the youngest woman in the class š. Keep u ... Read more
Gerald Poulton Good for you Susan and there is nothing wrong with being the youngest woman in the class š. Keep up the good work, the best investment that a person can make is in themselves and that us what you are doingš
Melissa A Iām having surgery in 3 weeks. Iām 28 and my Dr warned me multiple times that I will be the young ... Read more
Melissa A Iām having surgery in 3 weeks. Iām 28 and my Dr warned me multiple times that I will be the youngest one in cardiac rehab. But Iām excited to go and make new friends :) I work with the public and the older ones are my favorite! They have great storyās
Dena Newberry Meyer I also just had my
First day of rehab and Iām 35, so I completely understand the feeling of being t ... Read more
Dena Newberry Meyer I also just had my
First day of rehab and Iām 35, so I completely understand the feeling of being the youngest one there, I feel completely out of place!
Danielle Smith I also started Cardio rehab this week. I'm 34 and am significantly younger than my classmate. I'm als ... Read more
Danielle Smith I also started Cardio rehab this week. I'm 34 and am significantly younger than my classmate. I'm also one of only two females in a class of about a dozen students. Interestingly all the males have had heart attacks and both myself and the other female student have had cardiac surgery. Not sure if that reinforces a recent finding on the differences between treatment of both sexes post heart attacks or not...
Rita Savelis I hear you Susan. It seemed like most in my rehab were older men (some of whom appeared to have never ... Read more
Rita Savelis I hear you Susan. It seemed like most in my rehab were older men (some of whom appeared to have never worked out in their long lives). There were a few young women (in their 20s) and I felt quite sorry for them because it was really a world of old folk.
(and I was 54!) The lives and worries of the younger women were SO different from those of the retired folk. Just because everyone had had OHS didn't mean they could relate to the others...
Civita Fahey I felt the same way, one of the people actually said to me " I thought you were with a parent" you're ... Read more
Civita Fahey I felt the same way, one of the people actually said to me " I thought you were with a parent" you're too young to be here.. they were sweet!
Marie Myers Ditto for me. I never really bonded with any of the other patients, and when I finished my 35 session ... Read more
Marie Myers Ditto for me. I never really bonded with any of the other patients, and when I finished my 35 sessions I was done with them. I have been keeping up on my own with bike riding and walking. I just turned 64 , but I was pretty much the youngest one there.
Hi everyone,
I am talking to my employer about returning to work. I wanted to return part time @ 20-24 hours a week, so I would have time to go to Cardiac ...Read more
Hi everyone,
I am talking to my employer about returning to work. I wanted to return part time @ 20-24 hours a week, so I would have time to go to Cardiac rehab 3 afternoons a week. Cardiac rehab does not have a slot open till Jan 9th 2018.
My employer will not let me return 20 hrs a week and keep my health benefits. They are wanting me to work 30 hours a week. This could make scheduling cardiac rehab more difficult. (I would in an office as a project manager. Stress level = medium.) Has any of you worked this much when you first returned to work?
I would appreciate any advice you have. My only other option is to remain fully on disability (unpaid) until I can return to work full time when Cardiac rehab is complete.
Toni Z Just curious but canāt you file for disability with the state?
Gerald Poulton Hi Susan, I think you have to answer that one, do you feel healthy enough to return those hours if wo ... Read more
Gerald Poulton Hi Susan, I think you have to answer that one, do you feel healthy enough to return those hours if work . Can you afford to take more time off work with no pay ? It does seem a tad early to return but it depends on how you are doing. I had full pay so I didnt rush it. You have to do what is best for you .
Take care if you š
Civita Fahey I worked full time after 10 weeks.. I did have a partial FMLA which allowed me to leave an hour early ... Read more
Civita Fahey I worked full time after 10 weeks.. I did have a partial FMLA which allowed me to leave an hour early on MWF when I had cardiac rehab.. IF you are still on FMLA which you doctor can extend due to rehab they have to allow you to go to your visits. maybe you even ask about that.
Marie Myers For me, 30 hrs would have been a lot. I guess you could try it and see how you do. Do you have short ... Read more
Marie Myers For me, 30 hrs would have been a lot. I guess you could try it and see how you do. Do you have short term disability benefits? That could tide you over till you are stronger..
Susan Rush Thanks everyone. I did not get disability or FMLA because I was not at the company for a year before ... Read more
Susan Rush Thanks everyone. I did not get disability or FMLA because I was not at the company for a year before I had to have surgery.
Civita Fahey FMLA is a government thing its unpaid if you dont have benefits but they have to give you the time
Lilly Black Susan, I took exactly 3 months leave with disability. When I went back to work, it was difficult beca ... Read more
Lilly Black Susan, I took exactly 3 months leave with disability. When I went back to work, it was difficult because as you said, not much time to work on cardio rehab. But I managed although it was super hard emotionally. I had to be on the ball at all times because I had 5 people reporting to me, and I had client meetings as well. I won't lie, it was difficult, but I made it and feeling pretty good now. I was not up for the challenge, but in hind site, glad it worked out :) good luck! too bad your Employer won't give you what you need.
I guess the first thing I have learned - is make sure your surgeons office does the inital set up of Cardiac Rehab for you on week 5. Mine didn't, and I have ...Read more
I guess the first thing I have learned - is make sure your surgeons office does the inital set up of Cardiac Rehab for you on week 5. Mine didn't, and I have lost almost 3 weeks waiting for a slot to open for me. Also - since it is the end of the year, of course my insurance changes on Jan 1st. So trying to get information about insurance you don't have yet is VERY DIFFICULT. Had two calls to the Ins. Co - and got two entirely different sets of information and pre-certification requirements for Cardiac Rehab. Seems like all I have done for two days is talk on the phone to the doctors, Rehab, and Insurance. I'm exhausted! And still worrying that the new insurance will deny/cause issues with getting rehab set up and paid for. Cross your fingers for me!
Wanda Mroz Prayers that all will go well. Rehab is a wonderful thing. ššš»
Barbara Wood I hear you on that insurance round & round...hope it all works out for you...fingers crossed!
This week has been a tough one. Being home alone is starting to take it's toll, and I have done a few things around the house I probably should have let wait, ...Read more
This week has been a tough one. Being home alone is starting to take it's toll, and I have done a few things around the house I probably should have let wait, but didn't.
My Physical Therapist says I am making good progress, but It doesn't feel like I am getting any better. Walking around the hospital on Wed and today trying to do some grocery shopping, both WORE ME OUT. It was just too much for me. I had someone with me to carry everything, but the walking was just too much.
I looked at the calendar today, and I have just 5 weeks left before I go back to work. I know 5 weeks is a while away but My office building is HUGE, and I am worried I won't be able to do all the hiking around that the corporate culture requires. I have so far to go in just 5 weeks and I am concerned.
Bonnie Stone-Hope Hi Susan, One of the best tips I have read on this site is to gauge your progress week by week, not d ... Read more
Bonnie Stone-Hope Hi Susan, One of the best tips I have read on this site is to gauge your progress week by week, not daily. Hopefully next week will be better for you.
Adam Brown Susan, sorry to hear itās a struggle, but sounds like you have to be patient with yourself. If your ... Read more
Adam Brown Susan, sorry to hear itās a struggle, but sounds like you have to be patient with yourself. If your PT says youāre doing the right things, you just keep doing them.
I just walked down the hallway and feels like I ran a 10-k. I bet I wonāt feel like that a week from today. I have confidence that you will keep getting in better shape between now and when you return to work.
God bless,
Adam
Rita Savelis I hear you. It is still so very very early for you. Post surgery is exhausting. You have to take it s ... Read more
Rita Savelis I hear you. It is still so very very early for you. Post surgery is exhausting. You have to take it slow and going back to work is daunting for everyone. It is hard to know where you will be in 5 more weeks but perhaps you can go back to work part time at first like many do. One's energy does come back, but slowly. OHS is NOT like other surgery. Your heart has been traumatised and it controls so much.
It took me a LONG time to feel I was making progress, but I was thankful that my doctors said it would be like that and I did not feel like I was outside of some impossible norm.
Often it feels like 2 steps forward, one step back.
Don't feel bad about doing all the resting you need to do now. I wish you the best.
Barbara Wood It is still so early for you Susan! The first 6 weeks can be really tough & exhausting. What you desc ... Read more
Barbara Wood It is still so early for you Susan! The first 6 weeks can be really tough & exhausting. What you describe sounds about where I was at that point. Will you be doing cardiac rehab? That really makes a big difference. I started back to work 1/2 days at about 12 weeks post - if you can swing it, that would be a good way to ease back into it. It sounds like you are doing great! Hang in there, it does get better:)
I had my surgical followup today with the NP at my surgeons office. She was very through and answered all my questions. She said the valve sounds great and ...Read more
I had my surgical followup today with the NP at my surgeons office. She was very through and answered all my questions. She said the valve sounds great and I appear to be doing well and released me from surgical service. I have two weeks yet to wait to go visit MY Cardiologist's NP to get me registered for Cardiac Rehab.
One confession - walking into and around the hospital for the followup appointment WORE ME OuT! It was a lot more walking than I had been doing, and I fell asleep in the car on the way home. So I have more work to do before rehab! :-)
Catie B Glad you are doing well, Susan. I think tiring very easily is part of the package.
Catie B Glad you are doing well, Susan. I think tiring very easily is part of the package.
Cardiac rehab will start you at a pace you can manage. They are very mindful and watchful over patients--supportive, too.
Bonnie Stone-Hope Takes time to build up your stamina.
Happy to see you doing so well!
Lisa McLaughlin Glad you're doing well! I liked Dr Answini and plan to schedule my surgery for mid January. I'm still ... Read more
Lisa McLaughlin Glad you're doing well! I liked Dr Answini and plan to schedule my surgery for mid January. I'm still deciding on mechanical or tissue valve. Did you have minimally Invasive surgery or the traditional sternotomy?
Susan Rush Lisa, Dr Answini did a minimally invasive procedure. My scar is only about 3" long and doesn't look ... Read more
Susan Rush Lisa, Dr Answini did a minimally invasive procedure. My scar is only about 3" long and doesn't look bad at all. The way Dr. A explained it, he goes in planning a minimally ivasive procedure - but depending on what happens or what he finds then he would move to a traditional sternotomy.
I feel like I am missing/forgetting something. House is stocked up with groceries, I'm packed for the hospital, and have the dogs packed for the kennel. And ...Read more
I feel like I am missing/forgetting something. House is stocked up with groceries, I'm packed for the hospital, and have the dogs packed for the kennel. And am just sitting around watching movies and doing laundry. Am I forgetting something??
Don't forget to take all the prayers and positive vibes from this site with you. I'm sure you will be ... Read more
Don't forget to take all the prayers and positive vibes from this site with you. I'm sure you will be made good as new and home before you know it. I will be praying for you and your heart team. I mean, what could wrong on my 60th birthday--nov21. You got this. Be strong.
Rose Madura Prayers for a successful surgery and uneventful recovery.
Rita Savelis Of course there is always something one forgets. But you have to give up control. Things will happen. ... Read more
Rita Savelis Of course there is always something one forgets. But you have to give up control. Things will happen. Some will be what you expected. Others will surprise you. Your situation is singular.
Enjoy the movies.
Wishing you the best. Take care.
Bonnie Stone-Hope Have you got your travel pillow?
Best wishes coming your way for your surgery.
Enjoy your movies:) ... Read more
Bonnie Stone-Hope Have you got your travel pillow?
Best wishes coming your way for your surgery.
Enjoy your movies:) Nice way to relax!
Lisa McLaughlin Hope everything is going ok with your recovery!
Hi everyone. Thank you so much for you help and comments on yesterdays post. I was so frustrated. It appears my visit to my surgeons office yesterday paid ...Read more
Hi everyone. Thank you so much for you help and comments on yesterdays post. I was so frustrated. It appears my visit to my surgeons office yesterday paid off. My surgeon called me this morning and first off assured me that Dr. Nasty Anesthesia guy would NOT be on my care team. He said he had a favorite person, and I would enjoy talking to him the morning of the surgery - in person. He then talked to me about my procedure and confirmed what we had talked about previously (the heart educator was wrong) and fully answered all my questions. He was very patient and apologized for what had happened at the pre-admin testing.
I felt so much better after talking to him, and now feel a little more confident in the surgery.
As for Dr. Nasty - Oh yeah...I'll be writing to the hospital - before surgery.
Thanks to all of you for your support!
Adam Pick Glad to hear you are doing better Susan. I can relate to much of what you have written. While you had ... Read more
Adam Pick Glad to hear you are doing better Susan. I can relate to much of what you have written. While you had Dr. Nasty Anesthesia. I had Dr. Bad Bedside Manner.
Catie B Really glad to hear things are on the upswing, Susan!
Civita Fahey its unfortunate that you had to have this experience. Of course we can all have bad days, and maybe D ... Read more
Civita Fahey its unfortunate that you had to have this experience. Of course we can all have bad days, and maybe Dr. Nasty was having a bad day, but, it shouldn't be brought over to his patients. Compassion and empathy should be #1 when it comes to healthcare and treating patients. I'm glad you got it cleared up.. best of luck on your surgery.
Rose Madura Susan, glad the surgeon took care of everything for you in a professional manner. When my cardiologi ... Read more
Rose Madura Susan, glad the surgeon took care of everything for you in a professional manner. When my cardiologist retired, they hooked me up with Dr. Bedside Manner. Within two minutes of meeting me (and without any kind of exam or test) told me I needed surgery and wanted to know what kind of insurance I had because "these things are expensive". We were in shock and then livid. We switched to a new cardiologist whom we love and were so glad we did. Some people just need "nice" lessons.
Lisa McLaughlin Hi Susan, I've been diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis and have appts with Dr O'Keefe at Bethesda ... Read more
Lisa McLaughlin Hi Susan, I've been diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis and have appts with Dr O'Keefe at Bethesda North and Dr Answini at Christ next week. Thank you for sharing your experience!
Susan Rush Lisa McLaughlin - I think you will like Dr Answini. He is a straight forward talker, and I liked tha ... Read more
Susan Rush Lisa McLaughlin - I think you will like Dr Answini. He is a straight forward talker, and I liked that.
Hi Everyone, went for pre-admin testing at the Christ Hospital in Cincinnati. OMG - it was horrible. I leftt here in tears because of the way the anesthesia ...Read more
Hi Everyone, went for pre-admin testing at the Christ Hospital in Cincinnati. OMG - it was horrible. I leftt here in tears because of the way the anesthesia Dr spoke to me. You just would not believe the arogance and lack of compassion this man expressed to me. He wasn't even in the room with me - it was by video call. Later Heart educator came in telling me about my procedure. It was NOT the procedure the surgeon discussed at my office appointment. When got all done - I left and went to the surgeons office and spoke to his nurse about both problems. Asked her again to have the surgeon call me or schedule another appointment with dr. (I've been waiting a week already for surgeon to call me to discuss test results, as he had not looked at them when I had my office visit.) Surgery is scheduled for next tuesday. I don't know what to do.
Gerald Poulton Hi Susan, it is a tough time for you, a combination of fear and panic as the days tick by and surgery ... Read more
Gerald Poulton Hi Susan, it is a tough time for you, a combination of fear and panic as the days tick by and surgery gets closer. . but you just have to try to understand that you are in good hands and whatever procedure your doctor ordered would have been necessary. It is quite common for surgeons to have poor bedside manner and they are under a lot of pressure and extremely busy. Hang in there š
Hi Susan, maybe call back the office and tell them you NEED to make an appointment with the surgeon b ... Read more
Hi Susan, maybe call back the office and tell them you NEED to make an appointment with the surgeon before surgery. Write down all your questions and make sure he answers them. Surgeons are busy, but you should have all your questions answered. Maybe he has a nurse practitioner or physician assistant you could see. Prayers your way.
Civita Fahey Hi Susan
working in healthcare myself (compliance side) you should report any treatment that you feel ... Read more
Civita Fahey Hi Susan
working in healthcare myself (compliance side) you should report any treatment that you feel is not compassionate.. its the hospital's staff job to treat you like a human being and not a number..You should feel comfortable with both the doctor and the OR staff when having such a major surgery.. I would call the CEO, COO or whomever is in charge of that hospital and let them know how you were treated. I'm sure they have a compliance office where you can contact the Compliance officer. You should not feel confused as to what surgery you are having.. it should be very clear to you.. If you are having surgery on Tuesday you should have your test results by now.. If the doctor is too busy to review labs he should have a competent staff to help him out.. I'm sorry you had to go through this..its stressful enough knowing you are going in for surgery without being treated like you are number in a system.. Best.. civita
Bonnie Stone-Hope Hello Susan, Sorry to hear that you are unhappy. Hope tomorrow is a better day!
Barbara Wood I'm glad Civita gave you such good, practical advice. We deserve to go into this major surgery feelin ... Read more
Barbara Wood I'm glad Civita gave you such good, practical advice. We deserve to go into this major surgery feeling assured & confident in our care team. I see your surgery is very soon, I hope you will be reassured by your team & feel better about the surgery. Sending positive vibes...hang in there Susan & keep us posted.
Hi everyone. I am 2 weeks out from an aortic valve replacement and am worried about the recovery more than the surgery. I live alone and am worried about ...Read more
Hi everyone. I am 2 weeks out from an aortic valve replacement and am worried about the recovery more than the surgery. I live alone and am worried about being able to take care of myself. I have a niece staying with me for the first week, but am on my own after that. ANy ideas? My surgery is Nov 21st at Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, OH.
Nancy James I was fortunate to have my oldest daughter come from out of town and stay with me for 3 weeks. I kno ... Read more
Nancy James I was fortunate to have my oldest daughter come from out of town and stay with me for 3 weeks. I know that when people who don't have someone to help them that the hospital can arrange for you to go to a place that you can stay until you get through the first couple of weeks. In my case I'm 68 and would have been able to go to a Retirement Home Community place that is set up for this very thing - you can talk to your hospital about that. I wouldn't suggest you try to do it alone. You will need help. Keeping track of the medications - fixing meals - even doing dishes would be a chore for a few weeks. I am at 6 weeks post surgery right now and I'm able to do most everything, but I am still very sore in my upper chest and arms areas. The doctors say it will get better - but it's easy to get impatient when you just don't feel like you are feeling great. This is a major thing so you need to make sure you have help....call your hospital and see what they would suggest...you will be glad you did.
Nancy
Susan Rush Thanks Nancy. I've talked to a nurse from my Insurance company. She is going to arrange for some ho ... Read more
Susan Rush Thanks Nancy. I've talked to a nurse from my Insurance company. She is going to arrange for some home health assistance for weeks 2 and 3 post surgery. I was glad I called her.
Nancy James That's great. Just have to be bold and stick up for yourself and find answers. I have Humana Gold C ... Read more
Nancy James That's great. Just have to be bold and stick up for yourself and find answers. I have Humana Gold Choice insurance and I cannot believe that they totally took care of all my home care - Nurse, Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist and I just finished up last week.....it was so great to have that to rely on - This is all new so it's hard to know what to do - but just ask questions - and you will find that everyone is so helpful....Good luck and God bless.
Catie B Once you're home from the hospital you could request Meals on Wheels, if that would be a help. I had ... Read more
Catie B Once you're home from the hospital you could request Meals on Wheels, if that would be a help. I had no friends/family to help and completely understand your concerns. It's good if you have neighbors you could call on in a pinch, for things like opening a tight jar. Wishing you a very successful surgery and recovery. Susan!
Margot Swann Susan, my open heart aortic valve replacement was Oct 2. The first few days in the hospital were to ... Read more
Margot Swann Susan, my open heart aortic valve replacement was Oct 2. The first few days in the hospital were tough but I found after that my recovery soared. Iām glad you have a companion that first week home. I felt weak and a little unsteady. The second week I was just extra tired. I would definitely line up friends and food after that. The Home Health will help you feel safe.
Keep posting!
John Dodson Hi Susan, I had AVR surgery on Oct 18. My son was here for the first and third weeks. To fill in th ... Read more
John Dodson Hi Susan, I had AVR surgery on Oct 18. My son was here for the first and third weeks. To fill in the 2nd week, he setup a website in which friends could volunteer to provide stays or meals or whatever other help I needed. It depends on your community of friends, but it worked very well for me. The free website is called: lotsahelpinghands.com