How much is too much?

[corky]

Good afternoon all,
Now I am 10 and 1/2 weeks post op. I am sleeping better, not taking too many naps. Feeling very good, just finished the first 5 weeks of cardiac rehab. 20 minutes treadmill and 20 minutes stationery bike. Increased speed this week. I was doing 60 minutes total preop.
What is considered taking it easy? and How long? I can wash dishes, clean the bathroom, walk the dog with the leash being held in spouses hands. How does one come back gradually when one feels so good? And doesn't want to ruin the feeling of feeling good!
It is a dilemma, I don't know my limits. Other than not lifting too much. Back to driving, no problems. some minor shopping, What am I not supposed to do? We live in area with snow, so probably no snow shoveling.
Help, don't know how to recover. Thanks, corky

 

[weekycat]

Hi Corky,

Hi Corky,

That is a really tough question. I used to wonder the same thing. I think you just have to use your best judgement. If it hurts, don't do it.

I remember deciding one day to wash the windshield of my mini-van at around 7 weeks post-op. I didn't even think about it... it was dirty, I was at the gas station... so I started to clean it.

I could really feel it in my sternum, but figured I had to finish, now that I'd started, so that I could see on my way home. I was all alone, so didn't have anyone else I could ask to finish it. The next day, I was in a lot of pain so I called the surgeon's asst, and she said, "It's waaayy too early for you to be doing that sort of thing!" How was I supposed to know?

All I was told too, was not to lift anything more than 5-10 lbs. Even with that, sometimes you don't know how heavy something is until you lift it. I had my daughter pick up a half-loaded laundry basket, and weigh it on the bathroom scale. It weighed around 7 lbs. so I figured I could safely carry a laundry basket half full.
I would continuously pick things up, not even thinking about it, and my husband would say, uhh...dear, that probably weighs more than 10 lbs. It is sooooo hard to live that way, so as I said, if it hurts, stop doing it, and try to remember next time not to.

Good luck! Jean

 

[MelissaM]

I agree with Jean - let your body be your guide. I am just coming up on week 10 and continue to feel better every day - I would dare say I am "almost" back to my normal routine, just making sure I get enough sleep at night. Lack of sleep = trouble the next day. Other than that, I keep pushing the limit and keep finding stuff to be within my ability. So. . .listen to your body and it will tell you when you have gone too far. Tentatively test the waters, when possible, and take it from there. If you are feeling good, you might be ready to take some stuff to the next level.

All the best,

Melissa

 

[fyrfytr]

Hey Corky,

Let your body be your guide.

I am 6 months out and I still find myself overdoing it at times and when I do I slow down.
I walk every day about 2 miles and have been doing yard work which is almost done with the cold weather setting in. Helping out around the house.
It is going to take time for your body to recover from this major surgery.
Take Care

Dave
_________________________
Surgery; 4/21/03
Aortic Aneurysm Repair
AVR, with a St. Jude Mechanical

 

[medtronic of borg]

to far?

to far?

pay very close att. to just how you feel during and after something. Your body will warn you.