I am so happy to be shoveling snow again...

[MurmurSinceForever]

Wait did I just say I was happy to be shoveling again? Yup! It's been just over two months since my aortic valve replacement and I had thought I would be restricted for the whole winter. Even getting back to work and driving wasn't as satisfying as being outside in the glorious sunshine clearing the driveway and sidewalks after the light snowfall we had last night. No discomfort, no effort breathing, lots of stamina and my husband let me do it without hovering and saying to take it easy (he was watching from the house though).

It's not that I love shoveling, but the freedom to participate in a required chore and not be dependant anymore is so welcome.

And now that I have enjoyed my day of shoveling..bring on spring! I am excited to get back on my bike too.

I still feel like an in-betweener, but another big thanks to all of you who continue to share your experiences after surgery for the benefit of us just starting out! And to those facing surgery soon or down the road, I know how daunting it all seems, but it is doable and so worth it in the end.

 

[river-wear]

Two months and shoveling doesn't make your sternum sore? Wow.

Getting back to normal is a wonderful thing, even if that involves snow. ;-) Congratulations.

 

[dick0236]

Ain't life grand LOL. I remember diggin' a post hole for a mail box less than three months after surgery...in November...with my wife looking out the front door making sure I didn't keel over. To be honest, I wasn't sure I wouldn't keel over either but it was something I had to prove.

 

[MurmurSinceForever]

Two months and shoveling doesn't make your sternum sore? Wow.

Getting back to normal is a wonderful thing, even if that involves snow. ;-) Congratulations.

Thanks Michele, no I am being very careful. It was a very light and dry snow and my husband has kept it nice and clear after each snowfall, my shovel is also very light. But we live on a corner lot so I have a long stretch of sidewalk to work on my stamina. My sternum only bothers me now when I am rising from bed in the morning, just a little ache as I shift from horizontal to verticle and then it goes away.

 

[MurmurSinceForever]

Ain't life grand LOL. I remember diggin' a post hole for a mail box less than three months after surgery...in November...with my wife looking out the front door making sure I didn't keel over. To be honest, I wasn't sure I wouldn't keel over either but it was something I had to prove.

dick0236, wow you are a true pioneer, and an inspiration! But I'll leave any future post hole digging to someone else.

 

[cldlhd]

Well I have some snow around here if you feel the need...

 

[Lisa2]

It's an awesome feeling to be able to participate in the everyday/mundane! I remember how happy I was to mow the grass for the first time after my surgery. It was somewehere around 2 or 3 months post-op on a riding mower but I was so ridiculously happy to do it

 

[pellicle]

.. I remember diggin' a post hole for a mail box less than three months after surgery...in November...with my wife looking out the front door making sure I didn't keel over. To be honest, I wasn't sure I wouldn't keel over either but it was something I had to prove.

LOL ... nothing like keeling over in front of your wife ... you'll end up proving she was right! (well I assume you already know that she knows she's always right ... right?) You'll never live that down! Better do it back behind the shed where you can say a snake bit ya.

 

[neil]

Great news . Sounds as though you are doing really well