4 Weeks After Surgery/Aortic Valve Replacement

[Carolyn Russo]

Today I had my first Echo Cardio to check on my St. Jude Mechanical valve which was installed on 7/12. The Tech said everything looked good. I had a little fluid down near the drainage tubes and they'll keep an eye on that.
I'm still not sleeping thru the night - last night was only twice to visit the bathroom. I still have many aches and pains and little twinges here and there. I go to the surgeon next week on the 16th. I hope at that time he'll allow me to drive. I'm a little concerned - I still have dizzy spells and don't want to drive if I still have them. I have to start Cardio Rehad on the 21st - I hope my surgeon extends my time out of work - they seem to think I'll return on the 23rd. I just don't see how that will happen. I still have a pinched nerve in my right arm - somewhere. It's getting better by me taking tylenol twice a day.
I have felt like I have a low grade fever for a number of days - but no fever. Don't understand this feeling.
Strength is another problem - I don't have the staimina or strength to do a lot of stuff I use to do. Of course, I'm still now allowed to pick up anything over 5 lbs. This really limits what you can and can't do.
Only one good thing our of all of this recovery stuff - I am now allowed to have a glass of wine with my dinner......Oh it wondeful. I make sure all my medication is taken before I even think about having a small glass of red!
The temps in Philly have been very hot and humid. I hope it breaks tomorrow so I can go out and walk - I really hate the treadmill - but, I may have to begin to use it.......OGH!
Tired now - must go in and curl up to watch a bit of TV - alone - oh the cabin fever. I hate this being alone. When I get to drive again I will be out and about doing things I enjoy!! None of this sitting at home day in and day out!
My best to all - I'm so happy to be alive!

Carolyn

 

[Phyllis]

Sounds like a pretty normal recovery, Carolyn. Make sure they keep an eye on that fluid and check your temp regularly if you feel feverish. Life is good after AVR and you will out and about before you know it!

 

[67walkon]

Carolyn, you're 6 days behind me! You won't believe how great you will be doing in another week.

I got to spend most of my 2d week in the local hospital because of some arrythmia and fluid issues, so you might be ahead of me in some ways.

They let me start driving after 4 weeks and I went back to work this week. I have to say that driving does make me aware of some twinges in my rib cage, but not in the sternum.

As far as walking goes, get up early and get out there! I've lived in Florida most of my 57 years and the heat and humidity here is always an issue. At 7:00 AM or so, it is about 80 degrees and 90% humidity, but that's when I walk. Any later and it will kill you!

Keep working on it and keep your spirits up. You will be absolutely fine!

John

 

[Bina]

Hi Carolyn,
Sounds like good progress....my doc said no driving until 6 weeks, it seems so funny because I was still in my pajamas at 6 weeks.
you will feel a bit better in 2 weeks, but don't rush the back to work thing.

 

[Philip B]

Feeling Better

Feeling Better

Hi Carolyn,

Congrats, it sounds like you are making progress. Recovery and rehab are processes. Just follow the directions your surgeon and cardiologist give you and you be okay.

The exercise stuff is important. It has positive effects on one's physical and mental condition. Keep yourself going.

-Philip

 

[WayneGM]

Thanks for the update. Good to hear things are progressing well. What you've described sounds pretty typical. I didn't drive for 6 weeks. My Card originally estimated 10 - 12 weeks before returning to work and I took full advantage and didn't return to work for 12 weeks, and even then I only went in every other day for a couple of weeks. However, I have a 3 hour commute round trip so those days were very long. I was lucky enough to have short term disability insurance at work so I could afford to be off 12 weeks. Don't rush going back to work if you don't have to. I didn't have the physical stamina and strength to do what I used to do until pretty much now (18 months out) and even then I still have the occasional "bad day". Mentally I was ready to go once I got the fluid issue straightened out but not physically. I think that was the toughest, and most frustrating, part of recovery. However, I learned to except the limitations and pace myself, as I found overdoing just kept setting me back. Best wishes with your recovery.

 

[BDMc]

Sounds Normal

Sounds Normal

Carolyn, I found weeks 3 to 7 the hardest, because I wanted to do so much more than I could. I guess I was lucky to have my OHS so long ago! They made me take 3 months off, and by that time I was in really good shape. Be patient, but vent your frustrations with us! All the best, Brian

 

[Carolyn Russo]

Thank you all

Thank you all

Thank You All For All Your Kind Help - Without This Group I Would Go Nutty!
Carolyn

 

[Mary]

I'm glad to read your update, Carolyn.
I believe that you will feel better each and every week that passes.