Another Veteran from pre to post

[Georgia]

Driving at 4 weeks

Driving at 4 weeks

My booklet from the hospital said one could drive starting at 4 to 6 weeks. I didn't ask - I started at 4 weeks on the dot. It was a huge relief and I felt like I might actually make it through all of this. I don't think anyone who's still on pain meds (other than tylenol or advil) should be driving at all; but I see no reason not to. I was not comfortable doing highway driving right away, but found bopping around in town to be fine.

I told my cardiologist that I'd started at 4 weeks, and she said that was fine.

 

[hensylee]

Hi H - I missed your first post above - was away. Sounds like you are doing so well - and when you get that driving wheel back, seems like you are home free. It's like you are sick til you can drive again. Congratulations on your good recovery. God bless

 

[Anne-Marie]

Hi there fellow Canadian

You're right, we newbies facing that mountainous terrain really do appreciate knowing how things progress for post-ops! Of course, you've been here, so you know this is the best forum to read when you're waiting. It sounds like you're doing well. Pain passes.

My surgery is Thursday and even though I'm still nervous, I'm glad it will be over soon. My brother has promised me a 1986 Jaguar XJS Coupe (V12!) that he's had in storage for years. He says it's not worth that much anymore, but at least I can say I have a Jag It's supposed to be waiting for me when I get home from the hospital and I know the no driving for 6 weeks rule is going to be real hard to follow! He says this will be my reward for coming through the surgery and working hard....so of course I now can't wait for surgery Weehaw! Bring it on!

A-M

P.S my mom is from Glace Bay.

 

[mike anthony]

Golf

Golf

Well, being the golf nut that I am. I will tell you after my first surgery I started playing with a full swing after 8 weeks. You can actually start putting whenever you feel up to it. I was putting my first week home after my 2nd surgery. I did just get back from Scottsdale and was only 5 weeks out this time and actually took some 1/2 swings(played in a scramble), but this was not a wise move. I was very sore for a week and hope I didn't do any damage. So, I would strongly suggest waiting for 8 weeks and getting your doctors approval. Most will tell you to wait for 12 weeks, but there are some doctors like yours and mine that will say 8 weeks, but to take it slow. Just remember you have not used these muscles in 8 weeks, so you will be sore the next day.

 

[sylviayasgur]

hi hsilvers! (harvey?)
i 've been away and haven't really had the chance to read your posts.
i was so happy to read that you are doing well and actually spinning!!!!! wow!!!
good for you!!!
joey didn't return to golf for about 12 weeks. but, then again, we both thought heis recovery was a slow one.
i think it's waht you feel comfortable with.
also, i think they don't want you to drive more as a precautionary measure for the airbags. (not that they wouldn't do any damage after the 6 week period!!!). that's what they told us.
wishing you a continued speedy and smooth recovery.
be well, sylvia

 

[John Cochran]

Just a reminder that it takes the sternum roughly 100 days to heal, barring complications. One of the reasons on the driving restriction is that you really do need to twist around when backing up and when turning sharply. Also, your reaction times and judgement are a little impaired until the drugs from surgery clear your system, which takes a few weeks.

 

[epstns]

Harvey, Thanks so much fo rthe update. I'm glad you're on the uneventful road to a sommth recovery. Each time one of the "new veterans" relates a story like yours, it helps those of us still waiting their turns to calm down and realize that in that vast majority of cases, things go real well!

Thanks for the uplift.

 

[hsilvers]

Hi Y'all,

Your comments, observations, and suggestions have been just great and most appreciated. In some ways it is now eaiser to converse with all of you than those around me who have heard enough about this heart business already.

I guess there is nothing like either going through this are being about ready to that creates a sympathetic and empathetic listener.

Good luck to Anne-Marie from Ottawa by the way who goes in for her new valve tomorrow.

It's only been a few days since my last post - but I feel even better and stronger. I walked about 5 km (2.5 miles) in our misty fog yesterday, spent the whole day at work and late into the evening at a business dinner, and didn't even collapse when I got home.

I'm at the point now where I can feel the soreness lessen day by day. However, after reading many posts from those of you who stretched just a little too much and then paid for it - I am trying to remain acutely conscious of not lifting or straining.

I especially appreciated your comments about driving and golf - and I will try to get my GP to give me dispensation to drive next week (5 weeks out from the surgery).

I find that trying to celebrate the little bit better that I feel every day is like a tonic, and I love the looks of amazement I get from people when I tell them as I run around that I just got out of open heart surgery.

This - by the way - is my daily bit of encouragement to those who have yet to go through the process.

Harvey

 

[bvdr]

Thanks Harvey!

It sure is good reading of your vigorous recovery! You are an inspiration to me. Keep up the good work. Betty

 

[Nancy]

Hi Harvey-

You're right about this website. We've found that no one out of the medical profession, (and only those doctors who understand about heart surgery), knows what the heck you're talking about, and are even sometimes scared to discuss it with you.

They start talking about their appendectomies, trying to get some common bond. That's true for relatives as well. Just no comprehension there.

We have two neighbors who we can discuss it with. One whose wife had been very, very sick and understands about serious health issues, and the other (and his son) who helped pick Joe up from the floor on two occasions when he passed out, just before the EMTs arrived, and who is not afraid of serious medical stuff. And our children know and understand everything. That's about it.

I think that's what keeps us all coming back here. We don't have to explain every little thing. Most everything is understood.

Take care and stay on that wonderful path of recovery.

 

[John Cochran]

Nancy just did a really fine job of explaining the magnetism of this forum. That made me ponder a little more, and I concluded the forum is simply the vehicle that enables widely distributed people to become a community that is uniquely joined in real ways:

We speak the same medical languange.
We share a common bond forged in surgical fire.
We understand how important support is during times of serious medical concerns.
We share the joy of overcoming adversity, of reaching "the other side of the mountain."
We share the joys of life, large and small, given to us by modern medical miracles and the faith of our friends.
We also sometimes disagree a little, but that's what families do.

Oh yeah, and we get to see the pictures of all the cute ladies here, too!


Waxing philosophic,
John

 

[Granbonny]

Hi Harvey

Hi Harvey

So glad to read about how good you feel after 4 weeks....don't want to burst your bubble but open-heart surgery is a slow and take it easy recovery. You may have walked 2 miles Monday..but don't be surprised, if you wake up tomorrow feeling lousy....Normal...Driving..wait..If you start turning and looking around..don't be surprised if you get a sharp pain in your shoulders.. I drove around neighborhood at 6 weeks. Not on the road. Didn't want to hurt someone else because I knew I wasn't ready ..body and mind was just not healed....It really takes a long time for the sternum to heal..Don't rush it..You will be back on that golf course soon Bonnie