Ruthienc1's surgery

[kfay]

Ruth, I think that is completely normal. It was my 3rd day post op before I attempted a walk and I only made it to the nurses station (one room away) and back. The next day I walked the "short" circle around the nurses station once. I felt very weak and sob. It wasn't until day 7 that I was able to make the "long" circle around several times a day. I am also 20 + years younger than you so in my book you are doing well.

Hope you have an easy recovery.

Kim

 

[ruthienc1]

Much better day!

Much better day!

Last night my surgeon stopped by and gave me a real pep talk on the importance of walking and I took it to heart......no pun intended! We have lengthened our strolls and gone on more of them, using controlled breathing recommended by the rehab doc. That helped the shortness of breath to a degree. I may be released on Weds!.......after surgery the Thursday before. Should it play out like that I'd consider it a miracle.......and, if it takes longer, it still is!

Ruthie

 

[ctyguy]

sounds like your right on schedule ! Im 20 years your junior and I know my first excursions away from my bed when I was in the hospital were slow and steady. And after a short lap I was ready to put my butt back in the bed !

Sounds like your doing great !

 

[DebbyA]

Ruthie,
It sounds like you're doing very well, and have the right attitude to continue to do so.
It's good to get these positive reports of your progress towards going home.

 

[Jkm7]

I thank my lucky stars but my second OHS (11 weeks ago), I was up and walking, with four drainage tubes still in me, 24 hours after surgery. My nurse put all the drain containers on a wheelchair and I held onto the chair and walked behind it with my DH and nurse beside me. My first walk, I made it a full lap all around. It varies for all of us and we do the best we can. We all know how important it is to be as active as possible.

Keep up the good work. Sounds like you are doing very well. Wishing you a continued smooth recovery.

 

[deboz]

Well Done

Well Done

Hi Ruthie,
I have been hoping to see a post about your op, as you have breathing issues like my Dad does. Sound like it is all going well, and wont be long and you will be really walking laps. My Dad has had a bit of a setback but is well on the way to recovery again, so dont panic if things take a little longer than what you expected, just dont overdo it and you will be fine. But from what i have read in your posts it sounds like you a going great, keep it up. Good Luck

 

[Smiley2000]

Ruthi, you are doing amazingly well and should be proud of yourself! I only started mobilizing the day they moved me out of ICU (post-op day 3) and the small walks I took tired me out and even brushing my teeth was a tiring experience!

Don't be so hard on yourself. Take a break and give yourself some time to recover.

hugs,

 

[ruthienc1]

moment of truth at noon today!

moment of truth at noon today!

I was discharged from the hospital on Tuesday (5th post-op day). I thought that was a miracle since I had gone in with the breathing issues, etc. I think the fact that the pulmunologists were so careful and involved beforehand helped.... and the fact that Dr. Cohn could do a minimally invasive AVR cut down on lung involvement. Whatever it was, I'm grateful! I truly felt covered by your prayers. Walking is still not easy, but I can go farther, and the wretched cough remains- but is less each day. It has been wonderful to be back at the Holiday Inn and getting more sleep, uninterrupted by noise from the floor and vital signs checks, etc., even though I wake often throughout the night. I'm guessing my appetite will eventually return.
At noon today we go back to see Dr. Cohn and find out if he will release me from his care , in which case we'll be flying back to NC tomorrow!

 

[marie]

I was discharged from the hospital on Tuesday (5th post-op day). I thought that was a miracle since I had gone in with the breathing issues, etc. I think the fact that the pulmunologists were so careful and involved beforehand helped.... and the fact that Dr. Cohn could do a minimally invasive AVR cut down on lung involvement. Whatever it was, I'm grateful! I truly felt covered by your prayers. Walking is still not easy, but I can go farther, and the wretched cough remains- but is less each day. It has been wonderful to be back at the Holiday Inn and getting more sleep, uninterrupted by noise from the floor and vital signs checks, etc., even though I wake often throughout the night. I'm guessing my appetite will eventually return.
At noon today we go back to see Dr. Cohn and find out if he will release me from his care , in which case we'll be flying back to NC tomorrow!

Glad to hear you're doing so well. Yes your appetite will come back with a vengence if you're anything like me. Have a safe trip home.
Earline

 

[Phyllis]

That's wonderful news, Ruthie- give our regards to Dr. Cohn and have a safe flight and happy homecoming!

 

[ken36]

Yes, congrats.

 

[Jkm7]

Sounds like you are doing great. We'll look forward to hearing you are comfy at home.

Travel safely.

 

[Cooker]

Wonderful!!! I hope you have a smooth recovery...now eat, sleep and walk....and then do it again

 

[rocksoldier]

sounds wonderful,ruthie! keep up the good work! trish

 

[ruthienc1]

Flying back home tomorrow!

Flying back home tomorrow!

We got the official go-ahead today, with the instructions to keep walking! That's still quite an effort for me what with all the coughing!- but I WILL do it!
I feel so fortunate to have come to just the right hospital and surgeon for me- and to be headed home so soon. Thanks for all your support and prayers. Now I have to hurry home and wait for Baby Hannah (granddaughter #3) to put in an appearance in a few weeks time........what joy!
Ruthie.........David, too

 

[Freddie]

Good for you Ruthie......

Good for you Ruthie......

Ones gotta do what ones gotta do........and YOU can do it - walking that is.

Congrats on coming home...ahhhh Home Sweet Home.