BlindFaith
Well-known member
My update - 8 weeks post OHS 9/23 -
Started back to work (full time) on Nov 10th and that first week was tough to get through later in the day... really could have used a nap just about 2pm each day. The second week was easier to get through and today it actually feels back to normal.
Still walking 30 minutes, but not everyday... maybe 4-5 times a week. I can tell a difference now as before the surgery. Used to get very winded and sometimes dizzy just walking briskly from parking lot into work. That no longer is an issue. After Thanksgiving I plat to start weights, running, etc... Maybe I will even play hockey again !!!
About 4 weeks after OHS, I did have a major problem with constipation... the Atenolol and the iron pill together were stonger than the stool softener that was prescribed. One really bad night (almost had to go to ER)... but all is under control now. Stopped the iron pill and went to a different drug to help along with daily prune juice and more attention to diet. And had I been more attentive, could have avoided it. Out of the surgery, ICU, hospital stay, recovery, etc.. that was the worst. (although I did sneeze once about 2 weeks ago... WOW !! was not prepared for that and laughed about it 10 minutes later. Note to all: avoid sneezing during the first 6-8 weeks !!)
I do still have pain in the chest area, some days worse than others. But nothing that restricts me (for 8 weeks out). I was driving after 2 weeks and I believe that extended my recovery. I take advil at least once a day to help. The pain point seems to get smaller and isolated to the incision and bone mending... right in the middle. I can especially feel it getting in and out of bed. Sometimes trying to take a very deep breath hurts, not always. But, really nothing to complain about. and it is getting better every day.
Overall, I am very happy. I am grateful to the Doctors, Nurses, family and especially my wife for the help and understanding she has given me. And, our common resource right here at VR... awesome site and very comforting to read "real" everyday stuff about our heart problems.
Thank You all for being here.
Dan
Started back to work (full time) on Nov 10th and that first week was tough to get through later in the day... really could have used a nap just about 2pm each day. The second week was easier to get through and today it actually feels back to normal.
Still walking 30 minutes, but not everyday... maybe 4-5 times a week. I can tell a difference now as before the surgery. Used to get very winded and sometimes dizzy just walking briskly from parking lot into work. That no longer is an issue. After Thanksgiving I plat to start weights, running, etc... Maybe I will even play hockey again !!!
About 4 weeks after OHS, I did have a major problem with constipation... the Atenolol and the iron pill together were stonger than the stool softener that was prescribed. One really bad night (almost had to go to ER)... but all is under control now. Stopped the iron pill and went to a different drug to help along with daily prune juice and more attention to diet. And had I been more attentive, could have avoided it. Out of the surgery, ICU, hospital stay, recovery, etc.. that was the worst. (although I did sneeze once about 2 weeks ago... WOW !! was not prepared for that and laughed about it 10 minutes later. Note to all: avoid sneezing during the first 6-8 weeks !!)
I do still have pain in the chest area, some days worse than others. But nothing that restricts me (for 8 weeks out). I was driving after 2 weeks and I believe that extended my recovery. I take advil at least once a day to help. The pain point seems to get smaller and isolated to the incision and bone mending... right in the middle. I can especially feel it getting in and out of bed. Sometimes trying to take a very deep breath hurts, not always. But, really nothing to complain about. and it is getting better every day.
Overall, I am very happy. I am grateful to the Doctors, Nurses, family and especially my wife for the help and understanding she has given me. And, our common resource right here at VR... awesome site and very comforting to read "real" everyday stuff about our heart problems.
Thank You all for being here.
Dan
