Back home at last!

[BrettN.]

Thanks for all the well wishes and prayers while I had my AVR on 1-16-04. Surgery went well. I got the #29 St. Jude valve.
In the hospital it was one hurdle after another. I made it out last Friday.
I am still on oxygen part time but doing well. I am having a hard time finding a comfortable position to sleep in that I can last all night with out having to bug my wife to help me up and get repositioned.
Just taking it easy and trying to get a little better each day. It sounds like it takes a while. Right?
One funny that I must share. The other day I was in my kitchen. My daughter kept looking at her wrist. I asked her what was wrong and she said she was hearing a ticking noise but couldn't find her watch. We just laughted.
Thanks again to everyone. I don't think I could have made it without all the prayers and support from you folks.

 

[Georgia]

Way to go, Brett

Way to go, Brett

Yeah, the sleeping thing is a problem for many.

Suggestions:

1. Have your wife massage your back, neck, shoulders 3 times per day. Alleviates cramping.

2. Try sleeping in recliner.

3. Use body pillow for slight propping - kindof substitutes for sleeping on your side.

Breathe, walk, nap. That's our mantra. Those are the most important things you can do right now.

The ticking thing is really cute; I had a phlebotomist who could hear mechanical valves.

Good luck, keep the faith, don't overdo, get into cardiac rehab as soon as they'll take you.

 

[fisher6476]

Brett,
Welcome back. I think you would be ahead of the game to plan on sleeping problems for a while. I have slept in an easy chair recliner for a great deal of the time since my Dec surgery. I can't tell from your post if you are sleeping in bed or in a chair. Each day now you will fell stronger and stronger, so rest alot and do you breathing exercises. Hope as you fell stronger you will fill us in on some of the details,
Steve

 

[Nancy]

Hi Brett-
So glad to hear you're home. When you have a chance and if you feel like it, fill us in on what's been happening to you, and why you're still on oxygen.

The important thing is that you're well enough now to be at home, and that's the very best place to be.

It does take a while to get all better, just take it one day at a time, it will happen.

Congratulations on being"sprung".

 

[EVELYN]

Hi Brett

WELCOME HOME!!! Georgia gave you our mantra, I'll keep you in my prayers!!! Rest as much as you can, naps are the best.

Remember, One day at a time!!!!

Ev

 

[ALCapshaw2]

LAUGHTER is GOOD Medicine Brett. Glad to see you have a Positive Mental Attitude. That goes a long way towards enabling a successful recovery. Keep on Keepin on.


'AL'

 

[Enudely]

Hi Brett, I had my AVR on the 15th and am also having horrible problems with back pain while I sleep. I find that getting up from bed and taking a hot shower sometime in the night and then switching to the recliner seems to work. It's a pain though.
Also, while laughter is good medicine, I find that it hurts my sternum!! Careful for that.
-elena

 

[Heather Fisher]

Glad to hear you are home and doing well! Just rest and relax now! Each day you will feel a little better.

Heather

 

[JAMES W]

Hoo-Ray Brett

Hoo-Ray Brett

Brett....

Glad to hear you are out of the hospital and at home resting & healing. Your strength will return slowly and pain will soon lessen, just don't hurry the process. You've been through a "major" surgery, give the body time to repair itself....Again..Congrats...

 

[SJJ]

Brett-
Thanks for letting us know you made it through and are now back at home and on the mend. Take care of yourself, let your family and friends spoil you a bit and continue to let us know how you progress. Love Wyoming, by the way. Went skiing at Jackson Hole last year and have a good friend who lives in West Yellowstone-you're smack dab in the middle of some of the best of the west!


Sue