Energy and Stamina

[Kim54]

Hi Everyone,

I am a newbie and had AVR replacement Oct 16 My valve size was .56 per heart cath. I now have a 2nd generation mechanical valve ( Sorin R5-019) since I am in my eary 50's. The valve is silent, don't hear it all ! I had the minimal invasive procedure through the ribs on my right side. I had a A-fib event 3 days post-op and was put on Amiodorone 800mg per day and coumadin 5mg per day. I was sent home Oct 21. I saw my Cardiologist 3 days ago and he lowered the Amiodorone to 200mg per day. I am trying to walk a mile a day,and do few regular daily activities like wash my hair, dry it and fix it straighten up the house a little and do laundry. My question is, when do you get your energy and stamina back? I understand the Amiodorone can zap your energy. But after I wash and dry my hair ( had it cut short for this event) I am worn out.

Also at night I feel a rubbing, popping sensation in the area of the incision. I thought this might be air but it hasn't got any better, What is it?

I am sorry to say that this was very traumatic event. My family was told 2.5 hrs after the surgery that it went well and they could see me in 30 min. They could not stabilize me for another 2.5 hrs. This worried my family a great deal. I was awake in ICU fighting the respirator and in a great deal of pain. I have bad memories of the first 12 hrs.

I am so glad I found this site and hope that someone can answer my question. Thank you all in advance !!!

Thanks,
Kim

 

[Fundy]

I would say that if your able to walk a mile a day at two weeks out, your stamina coming back is on track.

Having a doctor look at your incision may be a good idea if it looks like air or fluid building up below the skin. It happened with me and then a day or so later started getting red, then another day or two it was definitely looking infected. ER basically just cut me to drain and gave me a 10 day prescription of some type of antibiotic. My cardio later mentioned a blood test probably should have been done then.

Its probably worth having a doctor check it out though.

 

[Luana]

I am trying to walk a mile a day,and do few regular daily activities like wash my hair, dry it and fix it straighten up the house a little and do laundry. My question is, when do you get your energy and stamina back? I understand the Amiodorone can zap your energy. But after I wash and dry my hair ( had it cut short for this event) I am worn out.

At less than 3 weeks post surgery, trying to walk an hour a mile a day is too much, especially in light of being worn out just washing your hair. A walk of a couple blocks or so sounds much more in order. There's no need to push yourself now.

 

[Freddie]

Being two weeks after surgery, your doing just fine.
Give your doctor a call in regards to the popping sound your hearing.

It's surprising how this kind of surgery wipes you out when doing small tasks/chores. Remember your still healing so don't push yourself.

Everyone heals differently, but give yourself a good six weeks (now four weeks) to notice a difference in your energy and stamina. Heck, you could probably look back to last week and think, 'washing my hair today isn't that bad anymore'.

But it sounds like your doing just fine, just don't over do it. It all takes time.

Take Care

 

[Kim54]

Thank you all for your advice. I have an appt with my surgeon Nov 6, 2012 and will ask about the rubbing and popping sensation. I will heed the advice to not push myself, when I walk the 30 minutes/1mile straight I am tired afterwards, but I was told by the discharging MD that I will heal faster if I am up moving around and the cardiac rehab I had in the hospital told me the goal is 30 minutes a day now. I am not going to go to cardiac rehab now that I am home because I would have to travel to do it, I have a treadmill and stationary bicycle and will do it at home. Thanks again !!

 

[Freddie]

Thank you all for your advice. I have an appt with my surgeon Nov 6, 2012 and will ask about the rubbing and popping sensation. I will heed the advice to not push myself, when I walk the 30 minutes/1mile straight I am tired afterwards, but I was told by the discharging MD that I will heal faster if I am up moving around and the cardiac rehab I had in the hospital told me the goal is 30 minutes a day now. I am not going to go to cardiac rehab now that I am home because I would have to travel to do it, I have a treadmill and stationary bicycle and will do it at home. Thanks again !!

30 minutes a day huh? Are you doing the 30 minute walk on the treadmill (outdoors) all at one time? In order not to exert yourself, which you just very well be doing if your feeling tired after wards; if this is the case, try only walking 10 minutes 3 times a day. As for the stationary bike.......same thing 10 minutes but slow and steady.

Yes it true, you may heal faster if you move. But don't forget that if your doing laundry and puttering around the house, that counts as being active. The physical therapist while in hospital told me that doing the stairs (which I have to do just to get to the bathroom) counts as a 5 minute walk. See what I'm saying?

Oh yes, your still allowed to rest during the day. :thumbup:

 

[Jkm7]

At less than 3 weeks post surgery, trying to walk an hour a mile a day is too much, especially in light of being worn out just washing your hair. A walk of a couple blocks or so sounds much more in order. There's no need to push yourself now.

Everyone is different and even the same person can be different on subsequent surgeries.

I was able to walk a mile 2 weeks post op my second surgery and it aided in my healing immensely, IMO.
My first surgery, four years prior, it took about 4 weeks before I could walk a mile.

About stairs,,,,,,, Mass General Hospital in Boston does not release any heart surgery patients until they walk a full flight of stairs. Both times, a nurse took me to a full flight and had me walk. I walked them in my house from first day home with full approval from my cardio, surgeon and PCP.

There is no hard, set rule but we definitely should be listening to our bodies.

 

[Kim54]

30 minutes a day huh? Are you doing the 30 minute walk on the treadmill (outdoors) all at one time? In order not to exert yourself, which you just very well be doing if your feeling tired after wards; if this is the case, try only walking 10 minutes 3 times a day. As for the stationary bike.......same thing 10 minutes but slow and steady.

Yes it true, you may heal faster if you move. But don't forget that if your doing laundry and puttering around the house, that counts as being active. The physical therapist while in hospital told me that doing the stairs (which I have to do just to get to the bathroom) counts as a 5 minute walk. See what I'm saying?

Oh yes, your still allowed to rest during the day. :thumbup:

I am doing the 30 min outside and the cardiac rehab info sheet that I was given, state to walk without stopping. I haven't tried the bicycle or stairs yet. I do rest in the afternoon and after the walk in the evening

 

[carolinemc]

Kim, its been a week, where are you. You are walking too fast and too far ahead of me, must mean you are doing better. Keep us posted on your progress. Hugs for today. You are blessed and never rush recovery. Take you time and let you body do the talking.

 

[Kim54]

Kim, its been a week, where are you. You are walking too fast and too far ahead of me, must mean you are doing better. Keep us posted on your progress. Hugs for today. You are blessed and never rush recovery. Take you time and let you body do the talking.

My cardiologist lowered my Amiodorone from 800mg a day to 200mg a day. Wow what a difference. I have more energy, am feeling more like my old self. I am now stopping the Amodorone.

I am walking 1.5 miles a day now and yes I am so blessed. I thank the Lord everyday for my new heart. Caroline, thanks for the hug!!

Thanks

Kim