Cardio Doc Stuff
Cardio Doc Stuff
For what's it's worth, my experience was that I visited with my cardio doc's nurse practicioner much more often post-op than I saw the doctor. Whether or not everyone else had a similar experience I don't know. I suspect it varies depending on your cardio doc's case load.
My NP monitored my progress and provided support from the moment my decision was made to have AVR surgery. I worked with her often post-op with regards to the meds I was taking. We actually dialogued several times a week during the first few months following surgery. I've mostly dealt directly with my cardio doc every few months for checkups and for me that's okay.
One of the issues you guys must traverse is your comfort level as you deal with your NP. I had a high level of confidence in my NP following surgery. She really helped me through some bumps. Unfortunately, she quit my cardio doc to take a job running the ER at a large hospital. I have a lesser degree of confidence with my new NP.
During my first conversation with the replacement, we were discussing my INR data for the past six weeks and she asked me if I found that I needed to take more coumadin when I was engaged in my exercise program. When I replied with an affirmative answer she asked me why that was the case. She then explained that she had not ever worked much with AVR patients and this coumadin thing was new territiory. Needless to say the new NP will not be receiving a bottle of wine for Xmas this year.
I encourage you guys to ask lots of questions and make sure both your NP and cardio doc are responsive to your needs. Address your BP questions with them.
I found that as my level of cardio fitness improved post-op, my blood pressure improved. I still do BP meds to protect the overhaul work my surgeon did. As noted in my previous post, the stuff involved with recovery and rehab is a process. The process takes time and is a very individual thing.
It's perfectly normal to want to be back to normal as quickly as you can.
My last conversation with my original NP just before she changed jobs was wonderful. We reviewed my BP and INR data. She commented that it was obvious that I was cured and was going to be okay. I'll probably be delivering a bottle of wine to her office at the ER around March 28 to celebrate my first anniversery.
-Philip