Home and feeling better!!

[RickKiem]

I came home on Thursday and it was a little rough at first. I have had a hard time staying comfortable even though I have several differrent chairs(recliner, cushion chair, and a rocker) to use. My lungs are my biggest problem at this point can't wait until they get a little better. I am having a sort of spasm went lying still and worder if any of you experienced this. It hurts as it comes on suddenly and I don't have the benefit of clutching my pilllow to ease the pain. How long does this take to go away? I have been trying to walk and breathe but probalbly am not getting enough sleep. Thanks again for everyone support and keep the advice coming!

Rick

 

[Ross]

Welcome home Rick!

Didn't we tell you about the truck? Did you get it's plate number? We've all tried and have been unsuccessful thus far.

The spasm your speaking of, does it originate from the front or back? If you think it's muscle related, which it probably is, ask your Doc to prescribe you a mild muscle relaxer. Meanwhile, get someone to give you massages 3 times a day on your neck and back. It could take it quite a while to disappear. I think mine went for almost 8 weeks.

You probably won't sleep very well. Just sleep when you can and don't overdo. Sleeping and taste buds are always screwed up. Give it some time. Just keep walking as much as possible, breath as deep as you can and nap whenever you feel you can.

 

[Nancy]

Hi Rick-

A lot of people have experienced the things you are speaking about. My husband slept sitting up on the sofa for a month or more. I used to be so worried about him, it looked so uncomfortable, but he said that's where he felt the most comfortable. So do whatever works for you.

It all straightens out after a couple of weeks. Your body's been through a very rough surgery. Things take time.

Try to use your spirometer (I hope they sent you home with one) every hour. It will help your lungs to get re-expanded.

So welcome home, it really does get better, I promise.

 

[EVELYN]

Hi Rick

Welcome to the other side of the mountain. I remember when Tyce had his surgery, I went into ICU and said to him..."So do you feel like you've been hit by a Mack truck?" He looked at me and raised one finger....then looked again and very painfully raised 3 fingers.....3 Macks....I'm so sorry you feel that way, too.

It will get better, my friend. Nancy is absolutely right, make sure you use that Spirometer hourly if possible. Try never to be far from your pillow....you never know when a sneeze will sneak up on you.

I am so sorry you're so uncomfortable....but it WILL get better. Try to nap lots, because you're not going to get a good night's sleep for a bit. I wish you the best.

Evelyn

 

[hensylee]

Hate to tell you, Rick, but sleep will be intermittent for awhile. It gets better as the soreness and pain leave (the they do leave, I promise). Sleep when you can is the only advice we can give you. Just DON'T sneeze! You will forget every other pain you have. You are going to be just fine soon - after all, you have had MAJOR SURGERY and that is a biggie. Takes time to heal. I was surprised to find out that it would be awhile because I knew nothing of heart surgery prior to mine. But reading in here, we always try to warn our heart buddies ahead of time that we won't walk back in the house and be well. Thoughts are with you while you recuperate. Keep asking those questions. God bless

 

[medtronic of borg]

Back prob.

Back prob.

Yes I did once...it seemed to take forever to go away. All I know is the truck was over wt!

Med

 

[catwoman]

Rick:

Congratulations on being on this side of the mountain.

I had some nights that it seemed I just couldn't sleep. This was mostly in the first 3-4 weeks after surgery. Kept a book by the bed (didn't know about recliners then) and would read awhile, then go back to sleep. Or wander into the den with some pillows and make a "nest" for my back in the corner of a couch and go to sleep there.
I carried my heart pillow EVERYWHERE for the first 2 months or so -- to bed, shopping, to restaurants, to cat shows. Got a lot of TLC from strangers And, yes, I occasionally did have to use it. You might want to take your pillow in a canvas bag or something.
My dad -- bless his heart! -- really catered to me while I stayed at my parents' house. I'd be lying on the couch in the den, feeling pretty miserable, more mental than physical, and he'd ask, "Is there anything I can do for you?" "Take my place," I'd answer. He said he wished he could.
I mentally fast-forwarded myself to get over the first month or two -- kept thinking that I'd be feeling much better in another month, two months, etc.

 

[Heather Fisher]

Congratulations on being home. Rest, relax, and you will continue to slowly get better. I used to take at least 2 naps a day. Never had to sleep in a recliner at night though but I did spend a lot of time arranging and rearranging pillow at night in the bed. Soon the Mack truck(s) will evolve into pickup trucks, cars and bicycles. Don't worry if you have a few days where you feel like you have slid back a little. They are just telling you that you did too much the day before. Listen to your body and you will do fine! Take care!!!
Heather

 

[Bob]

Everyone is picking on Mack trucks. How about Frieghtliner, KW, Peat, Volvo, etc? I was run over by a Mercedes last January, so there. Anyway I had the same reaction you are having and still do have an occasional one at 10 months out. Its a little upsetting at first but now no big deal. You will get better my friend. Just go slow.

 

[medtronic of borg]

lol

lol

my friends all drive porches I must make amens...as much as we have paid it better have been a mercedes .
Med

 

[Granbonny]

Rick

Rick

Don't forget to take your pain meds..before if you feel pain coming on. Don't feel like you will get addicted to it..After a few weeks, you will not need them..but do now. I came home with Darvoset..1-2 every 4-6 hours. Take them. With no pain..you will feel like getting up and walking around the house more. Good for you...By the way, I had two teeth pulled and a filling done today..and my dentist gave me Darvocet and said be sure and take them before the numbness wears off. I did..and here I am typing with no pain and will take another before I go to bed. How are the boys doing? With your surgery? And the wife? Bonnie

 

[McCln]

Rick

Rick

Just never mind sleeping sitting up. I did for three weeks in a recliner. It was one of those that was also a lift chair. My brother helped me for two weeks and freaked him out when he would see me sleeping sitting up. I had to tell him it was easier that way then trying to lay back down. It does get better over time. Just take your time for a while, the soreness will leave in time. Take care and do not push yourself.

Caroline
09-13-01
Aortic valve replacement
St. Jude's Valve

 

[RickKiem]

Hey everyone,
Just a short note to update on my recovery. I'm am starting to feel a little better each day. My sternum is not hurting to much. My lungs are still giving me a little trouble and I am only able to do do just over 1500 when using my spirometer. Is this normal at 13 days post surgery? I am still having spasms that are really uncomfortable. We have had a lot of rain the last few days and have only been walking around the house but feel I should be doing more. I start cardiac rehab today and hope that this will help. We also will be seeing all my doctors over the next few days and hope that they all give good reports. My boys have been wonderful. They are so gentle when they are around me and love to give "soft" hugs. They wish daddy could play more but seem to understand that daddy is sick. My wife seems to be holding up well. I think she is getting a little bored staying around the house so I am trying to encourage her to get out of the house as much as she can. She may go into her office for half days next week to try and get back in the swing of things before she goes back full time after Thanksgiving. Thanks again for all caring and thoughtful replies to my posts. I quess as I get to feeling better maybe my experiences will allow me to help people who will follow in my footsteps.

Take care everyone.
Rick

 

[Georgia]

Cardiac rehab

Cardiac rehab

Hooray! Cardiac rehab is the best thing since sliced bread. Once you start there you'll feel like you're really making progress. You start very slow, so don't feel insulted if they think you can only walk like an old lady. Because you're monitored, they'll get your number within the first week and have you working so hard you'll wish you could slow down a bit.

Are you using your spirometer every hour? That's what's going to get your lungs back in shape. That and walking around and around the house (it's tough when the weather's so bad).

Glad you're doing well, Rick. It's a huge adventure, and getting through it is one of life's great accomplishments.

 

[KathyH]

Hi Rick,
Glad to hear you are progressing so well. Keep up the good work. Kathy H