Smiley: update post op day 12

[Smiley2000]

Hi there! I feel sooooooooo much better today. Ever since my stitches were removed I have so much less pain. I do have infection however. Not in wound but all my bloodtests (CRP, full blood count) is elevated and I was prescribed antibiotics. When Surgeon phoned to tell me this I just couldn't help myself, so I said to him: "so, I am not just a cry baby. There is something physical wrong too!". Still can't get over the cold-hearted ^*&%%. anyways. On day 12, I am feeling so much better.

I don't have this wonderful "support" structure that I planned on having. My hubby is a big help with helping me getting dressed, bathed, etc. but during the day I am all alone, but don't worry, I had a friend who came over to help with the kids at night. So much to be thankful for.

I read the Surgeon's report yesterday and was very shocked: I already had congestive heart failure (have lost 8kg's in just 5 days of drinking a Duiretic). Left Atrium enlarged (that's why I just couldn't get rid of the PAC's PVC's of the past 6 months) and Pulmonary hypertention.

So, that was a bit of a shock. Surgeon's opinion that if we waited another 6 months it might have been to late...

I am just so glad that it is all over and that I have a repaired heart and my scar is actually looking very good and I am very proud of myself for being a survivor and want to thank each and every one of you for being there for me. You made the road so much easier

Smiley is still smiling

 

[Cooker]

Smiley....so good to hear you smiling again ....there may still be a few up and down days but for the most part I am sure you will feel better and stronger a little each day!!!.....I was amazed how each day I felt a little better, I was also amazed how fast my body would remind me I was still very early in recovery when I over did it .....Rest well, eat well, walk well and SMILE, you have a beautiful one

 

[ALCapshaw2]

WONDERFUL NEWS Smiley !

AND, a good testimony on why "SOONER is BETTER"...

There's no substitute for 'getting in there' to see exactly what the problems are.

Maybe Ross should make your post a "Sticky" for the Pre-Surgery Forum for folks who are reluctant to take that "leap of faith" to "Get Fixed" when they know they have a problem but are still afraid of the surgery. SEVERAL of our members have reported how their surgeons were 'surprised' by how much WORSE their Hearts / Valves were than was indicated by preliminary testing.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[ctyguy]

glad to hear your feeling better ! Just make sure to take it easy still. I tried to do more than I should have and paid the price for it a few times.

 

[WayneGM]

Glad to hear you're smiling again and on the road of recovery. Best wishes and good luck.

 

[Susan BAV]

I'm glad to read that "Smiley is still smiling," and I hope your infection clears up quickly. Take care .

 

[Susan BAV]

Wow, I just read your other thread about the doctor calling you a "cry baby." What a bozo!

 

[Freddie]

Hip-Hip-Hooray for Smiley​

Be good to yourself and remember as the days go by you will get stronger and more active..........but don't over do it. It all takes time.

 

[Adrienne]

Hi Smiley2000. Just to encourage you, my left atrium was 57 mm before surgery, down to 47 mm 11 months after, then a year after that was actually down to 42 mm!!!! I know there is a margin of error for the echo, but even at that, the measurement really went down. I am sure yours will too.

 

[Curtsmum]

Glad you are feeling better, wishing you a continude good recovery, take care.

 

[HeartPart2]

Yaaaaaayyyy Smiley

Yaaaaaayyyy Smiley

Just wanted to extend another hand and ear to you, like so many other great people in this house I wish you all the best and the most comfort you can find. I must say that having a significant other or close friend to help does make the world of difference ....I am not sure how far I would've made it without my wife to carry the weight that I couldn't during the darkest hours. Namaste!

 

[hensylee]

""so, I am not just a cry baby. There is something physical wrong too!". Still can't get over the cold-hearted ^*&%%. anyways. "

a pox on him. we don't allow our family members to be called anything but good names. good for you answering him back. He might think twice next time, tho probly not.

you keep on smilin every day and thank God you have a whole life ahead of you. We're behind you holding you up - all the way. Blessins..............

 

[Bina]

My cardio told my husband to "stop babying me" post op.
I would have jumped off a bridge if my husband had not been there to "baby" me.
Smiley, enjoy your repaired heart, take it easy!

 

[Guest]

Good news, Smiley!

Thoughts/prayers coming your way for a continued SUCCESSFUL recovery .



Cort:34swm."Mr Monte Carlo.Mr Road Trip".pig valve&pacemaker
WRMNshowcase.legos.HO.models.MCs.RTs.CHD = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"You really don't remember" ... Laura Branigan ... 'Gloria'

 

[Dina]

Hi Smiley! Glad you feel better.
My surgery should have been done years ago , so I had alot of damage that I
feared might be permanent.
But at 9 weeks post op my breathing is better when walking and on steps and
the fluid is less-its happening very slowly, but there IS a change for th better.
'Just want you to have hope and know that the heart can heal, Dina

 

[aussigal]

Great news Smiley....take it easy during the day and dont worry about the housework. Rest and enjoy the fact you made it through the bad bit and are now home.

How old are your kids?...mine were 10,13,15 and were pretty good at sorting themselves out after school.

 

[Smiley2000]

You asked how old are my kids:

I have a little girl, she'll be 3 in June 2008 and my son is 5 years old. They have been wonderful and understanding.