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Try to take your time
Try to take your time
Ann: I agree with the posts regarding returning to work. My advice is to take your time. The best advice I received was to remember that I have had open heart surgery. I learned in a hurry that slow recovery is the key to complete recovery. My AVR took place on December 11th. I returned to my job (senior mgmt/high stress) on January 29th. I started working partial days (4-5 hours) and will continue with this plan until about 12 weeks post-op.
I've had plenty of good days (my recovery has been incredibly good), but I've also had days where I just didn't feel like myself. I'm aware that I just cannot complete a full day of work - yet. Fortunately, I have the support of our organization - and that has made a huge difference. The most difficulty I've experienced is restricting myself from taking on too much too soon. I've learned to "listen" to my body for feedback about over-exertion and over-doing it. Recognize, too, that everyone is different.
My cardiac rehabilitation program has been great therapy as well. Working with other heart patients helps keep things in perspective and keeps me on schedule for a healthy and complete recovery.
I'm a much more patient individual these days. All indications are that this is a good thing.
Try to take your time
Ann: I agree with the posts regarding returning to work. My advice is to take your time. The best advice I received was to remember that I have had open heart surgery. I learned in a hurry that slow recovery is the key to complete recovery. My AVR took place on December 11th. I returned to my job (senior mgmt/high stress) on January 29th. I started working partial days (4-5 hours) and will continue with this plan until about 12 weeks post-op.
I've had plenty of good days (my recovery has been incredibly good), but I've also had days where I just didn't feel like myself. I'm aware that I just cannot complete a full day of work - yet. Fortunately, I have the support of our organization - and that has made a huge difference. The most difficulty I've experienced is restricting myself from taking on too much too soon. I've learned to "listen" to my body for feedback about over-exertion and over-doing it. Recognize, too, that everyone is different.
My cardiac rehabilitation program has been great therapy as well. Working with other heart patients helps keep things in perspective and keeps me on schedule for a healthy and complete recovery.
I'm a much more patient individual these days. All indications are that this is a good thing.
