First trip back to cardiologist

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lilteach3234

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 4, 2009
Messages
236
Location
Houston, Texas (USA)
I had my first visit with cardiologist and pulmonologist post surgery and all of my news was perfect.

Echo was beautiful

Chest/Lungs Scans were perfect

Pacemaker was tested by Boston Scientific while in office and they were able to turn it down (voltage) and everything was firing perfectly (Of course he threw in that I must have had a really great doc)

Incisions perfect - and he is even allowing me to rub some Neosporin on them for itching and burning

Lost 15 pounds

Ready for cardio rehab

I walked from parking to his office and didn't have to go in a wheelchair

He gave me some meds to help me sleep - Took me off the aspirin - Changed my blood pressure meds

He sat and answered questions for about 30 minutes and told me I could travel to Austin this weekend to see my daughter at University of Texas as it would help me psychologically

Coumadin levels perfect

I feel so much better! I still have to be good and remember there is still a month to watch what I do and he said I need to be more patient!
 
Wow that is so encouraging. Hope my husband does as well when the time comes. Even the trip to Austin to visit our daughter. :O) Keep up the good work, but don't over due.
Sharon
 
Congrats on a successful checkup! Sounds like everythings starting to come together and looks like you have a great cardio. I hope we get to hear more encouraging news in the future from you!
 
Great check up! As you know we had surgery the same day, and our progress is about the same. The problem I am still having is Pericardial Effusion and still anemic, plus some arrhythmia's. I am also getting ready for cardiac rehab, starting next week. I am still pretty weak but getting stronger every day! I will keep praying for a quick recovery for you.
God bless,
 
I think the thing that really helped with this visit is I was a little teary eyed. I had been for several days.

I just got a little bold and demanded he sit and talk to me. I wanted to know what all they did to me, I wanted to know what my future entailed, discussed that I did not want to have to take pain pills just to get comfortable to sleep, discussed some meds, etc.

This basically forced him to slow down, show me my scans, talk to me and listen to fears/concerns.

I love my docs, but when they see you in the hospital, they either wake you up at the crack of dawn, talk to you when you are three sheets in the wind, and then discharge is like throwing you out to the dogs.

I really felt like I needed to get in charge of my health and I also realized that tears weren't going to make me look weak.

I can't describe the relief I feel today.

I'm still not hungry and food sounds nasty even at 4 weeks post op. I do get winded easily and tire out, have trouble sleeping, and the incisions are irritating, but I know it will get better.

I could not have done any of this without all of you.
 
Hi there....so pleasing reading your good reports and how you're coming along. Have fun in 'God's country' this weekend visiting your daughter. You should have perfect weather.

Be careful of the sternum and the seat belt....you might want to ride in the back seat and tell him how to drive..:D
 
lilteach3234 said:
I think the thing that really helped with this visit is I was a little teary eyed. I had been for several days.

I just got a little bold and demanded he sit and talk to me. I wanted to know what all they did to me, I wanted to know what my future entailed, discussed that I did not want to have to take pain pills just to get comfortable to sleep, discussed some meds, etc.

This basically forced him to slow down, show me my scans, talk to me and listen to fears/concerns.

I love my docs, but when they see you in the hospital, they either wake you up at the crack of dawn, talk to you when you are three sheets in the wind, and then discharge is like throwing you out to the dogs.

I really felt like I needed to get in charge of my health and I also realized that tears weren't going to make me look weak.

I can't describe the relief I feel today.

I'm still not hungry and food sounds nasty even at 4 weeks post op. I do get winded easily and tire out, have trouble sleeping, and the incisions are irritating, but I know it will get better.

I could not have done any of this without all of you.
Click to expand...

You'll get better and better, lilteach, don't you worry. The biggest lesson I've learned from this recovery experience is it's not about enduring the physical pain. If all this was about was dealing with knife-pains to your side, back and chest, anyone could handle it, at least with enough medication. But the helplessness and uncertainty you feel is a major test of your character and inner strength. Like the Nietzsche quote in my sig implies, remember, when this is all over you will be a MUCH stronger person and so much better able to deal with the little things life throws your way. The harder the challenge, the bigger the personal satisfaction you'll have later when you realized you wiped its butt!
 
ShezaGirlie said:
Hi there....so pleasing reading your good reports and how you're coming along. Have fun in 'God's country' this weekend visiting your daughter. You should have perfect weather.

Be careful of the sternum and the seat belt....you might want to ride in the back seat and tell him how to drive..:D
Click to expand...


ShezaGirlie,

You are so right....it is God's Country. I just love Austin. I can't wait to walk the campus one day. When I took her for orientation, I was so winded due to this valve I was always lagging.

My goal in 2012 (when she graduates) is to be able to walk the entire UT campus without getting tired.

I can't wait to get there and I will be careful with the sternum.

I am just so excited to get my hands on my baby girl I can't see straight.

I DO NOT LIKE MY BABIES GOING OFF TO COLLEGE.
 
TakeStock said:
You'll get better and better, lilteach, don't you worry. The biggest lesson I've learned from this recovery experience is it's not about enduring the physical pain. If all this was about was dealing with knife-pains to your side, back and chest, anyone could handle it, at least with enough medication. But the helplessness and uncertainty you feel is a major test of your character and inner strength. Like the Nietzsche quote in my sig implies, remember, when this is all over you will be a MUCH stronger person and so much better able to deal with the little things life throws your way. The harder the challenge, the bigger the personal satisfaction you'll have later when you realized you wiped its butt!
Click to expand...


Bill,
Thanks for the encouraging words! I am going to keep on keeping on. My goal is to encourage others. I've even thought about making heart pillows for people.
 
lilteach3234 said:
ShezaGirlie,

I DO NOT LIKE MY BABIES GOING OFF TO COLLEGE.
Click to expand...

Gee wait until those babies are in thier forties. They are older than I am now. :) Love Austin too. Did a segway tour and saw the bats the last time we were there.

Glad your doing so well.

Sharon
 
So glad to hear the great report!! I'm so glad he actually talked to you as well!!! Have fun visiting your daughter!!!! I'm thinking about ya!!
 
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