10 weeks later

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DavidMac

Hi everyone

Having posted for ages so here is my update.

Am glad to report everything is going very well. My afib has practically diminished to nothing, although the doc wants me to stay on the Betaloc for another couple of months to make sure its completely 'ironed' out.

On the energy front, after about week 3-4 the wobbliness and general lack of stamina gradually disappeared, so much so that regular walking became very easy and enjoyable. Although there are occasions where my balance is not quite right, its hard to describe but am sure this will disappear too.

I am still trying to stabilise my INR but the doc said it can take up to six months to get it right. We are close though.

I saw the surgeon for my follow up a couple of weeks ago and he seemed impressed with my recovery rate, but erred on the side of caution not to over do it. His advice was to take the time and get it right, rather than have an 'episode' and put yourself back.

As a consequence I haven't returned to work yet. I am preparing myself to go back at the end of July. It will be 3 months then. Even though my employer has been very supportive and sympathetic, I am sure they think that I should come back sooner. Maybe its paranoia? Gotta be honest though, I am not that jazzed by going back to work, so I am worried that my motivation levels may not be where they should be.

Did anyone out there change jobs / careers post op?

I am thinking of making a 'sea change' to my lifestyle. All this time off gives you room to rethink your life and focus on what's important etc. Its true to say this is definietly a crossroads for me and my fiancee.

Enough already. Have gotta go and take my afternoon walk!

Later
David
 
Good News

Good News

Hi!

So glad to hear you are coming along so well. Keep up the good work. You are lucky that your Dr's aren't pushing you back to work take all the time you need. Mine released me to work part time(started @ 2 hrs a day) 1-1/2 wks ago.(at almost 7 wks post op) I hope you continue with a speedy recovery.

Keep us posted!
Take care,
 
Hi

I am myself 14 weeks post surgery. I started going to work after 8 weeks ( few hours to start with). I felt bored sitting at home( I am type A personality). As long as you donot push yourself or do lot of physical work ( I have a desk job), it is ok. I also had an intenational trip few weeks back. I didnot feel any major problem. I took precautions, didnot lift weight, took it easy and rested frequently. However I feel some pain in shoulders and strenum if I walk too fast or do some exertion ( I back out immediately, when that happens).

I find it very challenging to change my life style, I don't feel problem due to my heart but more due to chest ( incision). I need to tell myself again and again that I need to take it easy till at least six months. Some times it works , some time it doesn't.

I wish you a speedy recovery.

Rajeev
 
Hi, Dave & Rajeev

Hi, Dave & Rajeev

Sounds like you guys are doing well.

I started back to work 3 months after surgery. I think my employer would have been happier if I'd started back earlier, but I resisted the part-time thing because I know I'd have been doing a full day's work and getting part-time pay. It has a way of sneaking up on you. And yes, Dave, I also am strongly considering changing employers and work fairly soon - I'm trying to stay put until next May (earliest I can retire rather than quit). I think my attitude and personal philosophy changed rather drastically through this adventure.

Rajeev, glad to hear you're doing well after your travel. I was a bit concerned about such a long plane trip; although I suppose your coumadin helped protect against clots. I'll bet your were REALLY tired while traveling.

Both of you - make sure you do stretching exercises and keep your range of motion in your arms when you're working and sitting at computers (I'm being presumptious, I guess). I had problems with upper back, neck and shoulder pains when I went back to work. I now work on these every day and avoid any discomfort at all as long as I do the exercises.

Best of luck.
 
G'Day Mate

G'Day Mate

Hi David - Glad to hear that you are doing well and gaining strength each day. You have obviously been through quite an ordeal and it's not surprising that you are less than motivated to return to your former job. I'm retired, and still have noticed a big difference in how much I get done post surgery vs pre surgery. Thats not all bad. I take a little more time to watch the sunrises and sunsets, along with life's other small pleasures. Don't be in a hurry to change jobs, but on the other hand, don't be affraid to either. Recovery takes longer than we all expect, and various adjustments take time to figure out. You'll do ok.
 
Hey David,
It is Good to hear how well you are doing, keep up the Great Recovery. This is also my 10th week after surgery and it is amazing how much better we get each week.

Dave

Keep your fires small!
_______________________________
Surgery: 4/21/03
Aortic Aneurysm Repair
AVR, with a St. Jude Mechanical
Heart Center of the Rockies
 

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