I fully expected to go back to work at 4 weeks and
I fully expected to go back to work at 4 weeks and
as it was so near labor day, waited. I worked a few half days and went back to fulltime quickly. I have to say I was very tired at first. I attribute some to healing, but I was placed on toprol-xl after surgery and then switched to lisinopril for the BP. I have felt much better ever since. My exercising has steadily increased over the recent months. You maybe in better physical condition than I and may not incur any problems with your energy levels once you initially heal. I read about the Everest Study after my surgery and thought wow, just think what the future is going to bring! If you qualify you may want to try this!
I think that after 4 weeks you'll be good to go, especially to cart around cheerleaders and sit at competitions etc. As for moving your son, I wouldn't lift anything, let the guys do it! You have an excuse - mine was "after all, I did just have heart surgery!" There were restrictions on lifting and the incisions will be sore for several weeks. Arms were sore too, I think from the position one is placed in for the surgery. Arm soreness didnt' last too long. Sleeping on the right side is difficult at first too. I could sit up just fine, laying on either side was uncomfortable at first and trying to get to sleep. The pain meds gave me weird dreams. I love to read but the auras from the painless migranes prevented that. I don't recall exactly what I did, rested a lot - probably got up in the morning, had breakfast, talked to family or friends; walked very little as it was so hot in Atlanta at that time, took a nap had lunch etc., napped - friends visited, brought meals!! Very nice, but the 4th & 5th week I was going to lunch out, writing thankyou notes, being on computer etc...that part was like a vacation! However, I did tire more easily.
I now know I had some shortness of breath, didn't know really till after surgery. I also had irregular heartbeats etc - which totally disappeared. Rarely did I have chest pain. When symptoms develop slowly over the years it's hard to tell what symptoms are. I did not have any numbness until after surgery---I had a numb spot near the heel of my right foot. Never knew why and it went away. Dr. had never had a patient with this, of course! My heart was not enlarged, only the volume of blood in my left atrium had increased from the last ECHO and the amount of valve leakage had increased. This evidently cued the cardiologist to send me to the surgeon. I was so frightened at the time of surgery, and I know much of that was the not knowing the outcome and whether valve would be repaired or replaced. However, all turned out well. I hope it will for you too! Cindy
Hi, I'm new..my first question was in reference to numbness in extremeties. I went to my Cardiologist and he said I'm ready for surgery. (although he didn't think the numbness was due to my heart??). He is recommending the da Vinci method. The surgery is performed by a 'Robot' via the surgeon sitting at what looks like a video game and manipulating the Robot's 'hands'. The benefits are no open heart surgery, therefore, no huge scar, plus less bleeding, less time for recovery and more. I'm having a difficult time finding anything negative about the procedure. Has anyone heard of this and, if so, what are your thoughts?? I'm also looking for a Surgeon in Texas. Preferably in the Dallas area, for ease of my family. Thanks for your help. 
