Search results

The sternum is a bone and needs to knit properly. That takes time. If you can localize the muscles you are using and avoid stressing those that would separate your sternum, go for it. Machines are better for this than loose weights, I would guess. That is why it is advised not to drive. It...

I had congestive heart failure caused by aortic valve regurgitation. X-rays showed that my heart was enlarged. On March 4, 2010, surgery replaced my aortic valve with a bovine one. Since then I have exercised according to prescription and in May 2012, my cardiologist told me not to worry...

My sister stayed with me for 4 weeks and drove me everywhere. I sat in the backseat with a pillow between me and the seatbelt. After 5 weeks, I had to go to a meeting, so I drove. Two dangers: in an accident the seatbelt can undo the sternum healing and the airbag can do the same. However...

I just had an appointment with my cardiologist and got an OK to stress myself more in exercising. So I'm going to start running. He told me to not worry about achieving a target heart rate since I am on Beta-blockers and probably won't achieve the HR. The heart is still going to go strong...

I believe Kettleball is a way to improve strength, not cardio/vascular. Strength is important as it allows you more ease of movement. Cardio usually involves moving quickly and for an extended period of time. Using the big muscles of your body, legs and buttocks, creates more demand for blood...

I waiting to see women my age be comfortable and wear speedos. I would imagine that they can be made so they would fit women. It took 5 days but after a short survey I found that most of the women wear Speedos because they are stretchy and comfortable, but they are are one piece. I...

Chortlle. I know why. ((-: But it is not my dream. George

Oh! I see. It's not the speedoes that are a problem but the stuff out of place. George

I am 63 with a beer belly and take aqua-exercise. It is really uncomfortable in the knee length swim trunks. Today I put on a speedo. It was great; almost like skinny dipping. So I say to you ladies, " Tough, I'm going to be comfortable, it you don't like the look, don't look even if I...

My hospital provided us with a red, heart shaped pillow to press against the chest when coughing and to use between the chest and the seatbelt when riding in the back seat. That solves the seatbelt issue. George

I have a 17 year warranty on my Bovine Aortic Valve. However, my surgeon told me that there are instances of people who are still living after 30 years with a bovine aortic valve. Apparently being healthy is important. George

I was told to wait 6 weeks but my chauffeur and nurse (sister) went back home after 5 weeks, so I pushed it a bit because I had to go to a meeting in another town. The problem I experienced is the sudden and quick turning of the wheel which caused pain. I resorted to shuffle steering, instead...

While waiting surgery in the hospital I shared a room with a man who had an organic valve, but experienced a stroke. I got a bit freaked about this and when I got home, I not only took 81 mg of aspirin at bedtime but a glass of wine as well. You know, they say that a glass of red at bed, will...

Yes, isn't it great having another chance at life and the quality is so much better. In the old days we would all be dead. No, I did not go to South Africa but I did see a few game on TV. Be well, be happy, George

Good for you, Gill, about joining the gym and taking control of your own well-being. I spent 6 weeks riding in the back seat of my car before I was allowed to drive. Then 5 weeks in Cardio rehab. and was really disappointed with the low pulse rate that the crew insisted, after my stress test...

Thanks for your replies, all. This has been a big help for me. George

I agree Larry. However, I am having difficulty with the blanks in my memory and I'm trying to make sense of the time lapses. What I remember in ICU is not being able to move my tongue so I decided to sleep some more. This happened twice. The third time I woke, I got a sponge on a stick with...

Good for you, Debbie. I plan to use my bovine valve with the 17 year warranty like my old one and do whatever I can. I want to get on with my life. George

I am curious how long people have been in the Intensive Care Unit or Recovery room immediately after surgery. I have been told, since I have no memory of it, that I was in ICU for 48 hours after surgery. I don't even remember being moved to the ordinary ward. George

Every sunny day since my surgery on March 4, 2010 I have walked around without my shirt and nothing covering the scar. Therefore, I don't have a light coloured strip. My advice is to just skip the tape over the zipper and enjoy the sun. If you burn easily, use sunscreen. George