J
John Cochran
Wednesday will mark my 5 weeks post-op date, and I can't really believe how well I feel. Given that my surgery was 14 hours long, with 10 hrs. on the heart/lung machine, it kind of seems like a miracle.
I got the "official" OK from my doc to resume driving last Friday, which has definitely cheered me up a lot! He also told me that my scar will likely end up being nearly invisible. I had a very careful cosmetic close with a smaller than normal incision, and all I have right now is a pink line that is extremely thin. Up until this week, it was hard to tell because my chest had a lot of large superficial scabs from surgical tape, retractors, etc. (I was opened and closed more than once due to the first valve failing). Now that those are gone, I'm amazed to see what looks like a pink hairline, which should fade. I'm using the vitamin E oil topically, and it seems to be slowly working. So, the senior team of the Chippendales might still be an option
I was having PVC's in the hospital (premature ventricular contractions) which have continued, but are getting less frequent. I had the clinic check my electrolytes, and I should hear back tomorrow. In the meantime, I'm taking a magnesium supplement in addtion to a one-a-day vitamin. I can't really feel the PVC's, but during my monitored exercise class at the hospital, they can track them. Any one know if PVC's tend to subside after the left ventricle gets back to normal size?
I'm now taking just a short afternoon nap each day, and my energy level is improving steadily. I am thinking I'll resume working part time next week and see how that goes. I threw out my inspirational spirometer after reading Jennie's post.
My motorcycle still is sitting in the garage, and I don't think I'll feel comfortable riding it until my sternum is fully healed, so probably another 4 or 5 weeks to go. My neighbors will probably appreciate the peace and quiet!
As far as meds go, I'm only taking two pills a day--Toprol XL (a beta blocker) and Prinivil (helps keep the BP nice and low) plus a daily aspirin. All done with pain meds, with only occassional achiness now.
Life is looking pretty good, and even though I am watchful for depression which is so common post-op, so far I'm doing ok. I've decided it is permissible to feel a little blue now and then, and I try to stay focused on all the fun wonderful things life AFTER surgery has to offer.
So, for those of you who are just out of surgery, or about to have it, let me tell you that the "other side of the mountain" has lots of flowers planted on it, and before you know it, you'll start feeling a lot better too.
Cheers,
--John
I got the "official" OK from my doc to resume driving last Friday, which has definitely cheered me up a lot! He also told me that my scar will likely end up being nearly invisible. I had a very careful cosmetic close with a smaller than normal incision, and all I have right now is a pink line that is extremely thin. Up until this week, it was hard to tell because my chest had a lot of large superficial scabs from surgical tape, retractors, etc. (I was opened and closed more than once due to the first valve failing). Now that those are gone, I'm amazed to see what looks like a pink hairline, which should fade. I'm using the vitamin E oil topically, and it seems to be slowly working. So, the senior team of the Chippendales might still be an option
I was having PVC's in the hospital (premature ventricular contractions) which have continued, but are getting less frequent. I had the clinic check my electrolytes, and I should hear back tomorrow. In the meantime, I'm taking a magnesium supplement in addtion to a one-a-day vitamin. I can't really feel the PVC's, but during my monitored exercise class at the hospital, they can track them. Any one know if PVC's tend to subside after the left ventricle gets back to normal size?
I'm now taking just a short afternoon nap each day, and my energy level is improving steadily. I am thinking I'll resume working part time next week and see how that goes. I threw out my inspirational spirometer after reading Jennie's post.
My motorcycle still is sitting in the garage, and I don't think I'll feel comfortable riding it until my sternum is fully healed, so probably another 4 or 5 weeks to go. My neighbors will probably appreciate the peace and quiet!
As far as meds go, I'm only taking two pills a day--Toprol XL (a beta blocker) and Prinivil (helps keep the BP nice and low) plus a daily aspirin. All done with pain meds, with only occassional achiness now.
Life is looking pretty good, and even though I am watchful for depression which is so common post-op, so far I'm doing ok. I've decided it is permissible to feel a little blue now and then, and I try to stay focused on all the fun wonderful things life AFTER surgery has to offer.
So, for those of you who are just out of surgery, or about to have it, let me tell you that the "other side of the mountain" has lots of flowers planted on it, and before you know it, you'll start feeling a lot better too.
Cheers,
--John
