A month post op today!

[palmaceae]

Well it's been a month today since I had my aortic valve replaced with a bovine tissue valve and I will tell you it's been an experience! It is great to have a forum such as this to talk to people that have had the same surgery and to share experiences. It is amazing how some people go through this with very few problems, and some with a lot of complications.
Even after a month I am still weak but getting stronger everyday. I still have Pericardial Effusion and anemia and arrhythmia's. My incision is healing very well but the sternum is still sore. After I eat I usually have pressure behind my heart, which is due to the Pericardial Effusion (still taking prednisone) and my acid reflux. I have a hiatal hernia that is not helping. My blood pressure is doing good since I am taking lopressor and my pulse stays in the 50's and 60's.
I am walking as much as possible, walking around the block which takes about 12 minutes. Doing the cardiac exercises and next week I start cardiac rehab.
I did not expect the surgery to take as much out of me as it did, but it did! I just thank the Lord He got me through this and He is showing me a lot of things.
I am still on the road to recovery and I am so looking forward to feeling better then I did before the surgery!
Now if the weather would finally act like April (we had snow a couple days ago), that would help recovery a lot! I am so looking forward to getting on my motorcycle! I usually have my '68 mustang out by now for the first cruise of the year but still have a couple weeks before I can drive (thank God it has power steering ).
God bless,

 

[escargome]

Hang in there. All with good time and God's pace. I also felt like someone completely took the wind out of my sails. Even the smallest task would leave me completely out of gas. I'm 10 months post op and actually finally feel good. Take Care

 

[Bina]

You and your new valve are getting along just fine.....MOO.

 

[TakeStock]

Sounds like you're getting past a few challenges and onto the road of recovery. Great to hear that, and I hope things keep getting better for you. I know what you mean about the midwest weather lately. I'm looking forward to doing some walking outside soon, but not when it's in the 30's and 40's.

 

[WayneGM]

A month is still pretty early on so be patient. It's gets better, and improvement will ultimately accelerate, as time passes. Best wishes continue....

 

[CThrock]

Sounds like you doing great! Keep the walking up as much as you can, each day should get easier. I read Jeremiah 29:11 many times through my journey of OHS it helped me to see that I was'nt in control and He knows what the future holds. Keep up the good work and keep us posted. May God continue to bless you like I know He has.
Crystal

 

[neil]

mustang man your doing great.wont be long before your hitting the highway.............neil

 

[runninn]

Around 2 months I really began feeling better. At 9 weeks post-op I am now trying to get upper body strength back...and get rid of the remaining sternum pain. Its just a slow process...take it easy...and keep up your daily walks...they really helped me.

 

[Freddie]

Slow and steady does win the race, honest and it sounds like your in the winning lane.
As for the power steering, it may help but you may have a little discomfort while driving. Them little pot-holes can feel like major craters.

Take Care and continue to be good to yourself.
Cheers!

 

[ccummins]

Take it easy and you will be back on that motorcycle! I'm in Chicago so I feel for you with the weather. Without a treadmill in my building I would get no walking done!