1st week back to work...

[Smiley2000]

I went back to work on Monday after a 2 month sick leave! It was high time and it feels great to be back. The first day was just hectic in so many ways.

When I started my career there in Aug 2008 only the HR personnel, my close friends and Manager knew that I had OHS. I managed to hide the scar with our Corporate uniform that shows no cleavage.

So on Monday, after my 2 month absence, I had to tell everyone the whole story and they all wanted to see the incision, or at least a part of it - male and female In a building with 40 people, I am the only one who have had OHS and they are shocked that I am so young... some people are not even aware of the fact that they HAVE 4 heart valves and I feel very chuffed with myself when I can impress them with my knowledge and terminology

By talking to them I was able to help one of them by referring one of the guys to my EP Specialist. He has been suffering with PSVT for a few years now and no one told him that Ablation could get him off the BB's and that there is a very good EP in our City!

So, it has been 8 weeks since my surgery and I feel great. No more aches and pains and the old kelloid scar has been replaced by a new, flatter one. Less noticeable. I'll post new pics in "toots", soon.

2010 is going to be a great year indeed

To everyone that still has to go for their surgeries: the mountain IS big and HARD to clime for a while, but life on the other side of the mountain is great and worth the risks... and you are not alone in your journey.

Hugs ( )

 

[Mileena46]

So glad you are feeling so great! I have been YELLING this since my surgery almost 6 months ago! I feel good! I am shocked how good I feel!

Anyway, I was also surprised at how very little knowledge some people (a lot of people) have about valve replacement. Most everyone who noticed my scar would ask me about my BYPASS surgery, and then look totally shocked when I would say "no, valve replacement". Then also get the "too young to have OHS" thing but I am in my mid 40s and I think thats a close age to when people need the valve replaced, esp for Rhuematic Fever valvers like me.

I know you will be happy once you are back in the swing of things at work. For me, being back in a normal way of life helped me so much!

Mileena

 

[Danny]

Sounds great Smiley...i show mine off at work too...lol.

 

[Mentu]

Smiley, a great report. I think most of us share the experience of discovering that most people are awfully ignorant of basic anatomy. I've had two people ask me how the blood gets from right side to the left side of the heart. Several others asked what foods one should avoid to keep one's valves clean. Several people wanted to see some of my scar and then were sort of disappointed that it was only a dark pink line with no suture holes. Who would have thought that we would provide so many educational moments.

 

[Adrienne]

Congratulations! I think at 2 months, it is a good time to start massaging the scar daily to make sure it doesn't become keloid again. It's good to get the blood flowing in that area. You could also massage in vitamin E oil.

 

[ottagal]

Great report, Smiley! Good for you on 'educating' your colleagues in the 'valve' department. Wishing you a continued good recovery.

 

[mac]

good going Smilie!!!

good going Smilie!!!

It's good to hear you are back to work, I have 4 weeks yet. Doc won't let me go until 12 weeks because of the type of work I do.
Ya, funny how everyone wants to see your scare, then cringe and back away when they see it. LOL, I guess the thought of getting split open scares them. I'm at 8 weeks tomorrow post op, and feel great accept for the numbness in my little finger. It is gradually getting better, but not fast enough for me.

ENJOY!!!

MAC
AVR, SINGLE BY-PASS 11/19/09
CARBOMEDICS MECHANICAL
DR. SURI
MAYO CLINIC.

 

[Kathy McCain]

Hi Smiley,

Great to hear you are finally feeling like yourself! Here's wishing you a fantastic year!