Well, to make a long story short, I've not been feeling well at all. Had numerous symptoms - cough, low-grade fever, night sweats, severe abdominal discomfort (couldn't sleep or eat). . . you get the picture. Wednesday evening it was bad enough that I knew there was no way I would be able to sleep, so I called my cardio. After discussing symptoms with him, he said not to panic, but the symptoms "could" be endocarditis, and that I should get to the ER asap to have it evaluated.
Well, we drove the half-hour to the hospital where my surgery was done and went in through the ER. I was admitted and subjected to days of tests. Blood cultures for endocarditis, echo, abdominal CT-scan, TEE, dozens of blood tests, you name it. For most of the next few days, I felt miserable and was again stuck in the hospital.
The immediate conclusions:
1. NO evidence of endocarditis. Valve is fine, no vegetation, no issues noted.
2. No heart or valve issues noted.
3. Severe constipation. I was given "industrial strength" laxatives, which almost immediately freed up everything.
So, we believe that I was just very significantly affected by the meds from surgery, causing extreme constipation that ordinary diet, fiber and OTC laxatives could not resolve. With one dose of the heavy-duty stuff, I feel much better, although weaker because I wasn't eating much for several days.
I'm home now, and trying to get back on the track to recovery. I see my cardio next Wednesday and will discuss rehab and work with him. Crossing my fingers. . .
Well, we drove the half-hour to the hospital where my surgery was done and went in through the ER. I was admitted and subjected to days of tests. Blood cultures for endocarditis, echo, abdominal CT-scan, TEE, dozens of blood tests, you name it. For most of the next few days, I felt miserable and was again stuck in the hospital.
The immediate conclusions:
1. NO evidence of endocarditis. Valve is fine, no vegetation, no issues noted.
2. No heart or valve issues noted.
3. Severe constipation. I was given "industrial strength" laxatives, which almost immediately freed up everything.
So, we believe that I was just very significantly affected by the meds from surgery, causing extreme constipation that ordinary diet, fiber and OTC laxatives could not resolve. With one dose of the heavy-duty stuff, I feel much better, although weaker because I wasn't eating much for several days.
I'm home now, and trying to get back on the track to recovery. I see my cardio next Wednesday and will discuss rehab and work with him. Crossing my fingers. . .
Glad you are back home, and the problem was resolved. Be sure to drink plenty of water, and maintain a diet with high-fiber foods. Include beans, whole grains and bran cereals, fresh fruits (One cup of raspberries, at 60 calories will help get things moving with 8 grams of fiber. Papaya helps prevent constipation. Papayas contain papain, an enzyme that helps digest proteins. ) and vegetables such as asparagus, brussels sprouts, cabbage, and carrots. Dr Oz actually had an expert on GI issues ( constipation) suggest we elevated our feet while using the bathroom, on small box, for example, he suggests it makes us in a more of a natural squatting position , which allows for easier defecation. Yup, I put a box in my bathroom, as part of preparing my house for post- surgery.... as I know, constipation can be a very serious issue, as well as uncomfortable.
