Some recovery questions, and an update

[jax3172]

Thankx all, for the encouraging responses. I have a few questions for you "old pros". Is it normal to have little cardiac "twinges" 6 weeks post op? By that I mean little pains and dull aches on the left side? Sometimes they are accompanied by diarrhea. I must admit that they really scare me but all the doctors say to keep pushing on with my rehab. I was told I have the arteries of a 25 year old after my cath but do any of you have any insight into this? I am wearing an "event monitor" so maybe we can get some data. Then again, maybe I hope we don't! I just not real gung ho on my walking program just yet. I'd sure like to be pain free on the left side.

Does your pulse go down over time? I used to have a pulse in the sixties (even pre op) but now it's about 80 most of the time. I don't understand that because I now (supposedly) have a much better heart. Will that improve with my stamina?

Also, good news: after my barium swallow test, I am now allowed to slowly start eating. It is very difficult and I often need to swallow 3 times to get the food down but it's a start. I'm encouraged on this front. I really want to get rid of the feeding tube some day.

Stupid news: I tried to move a frozen pool valve and may have hurt my sternum. My sternum was about the only thing healing well and now I?ve set that back also - stupid, stupid, me. I did get it X-rayed so we'll see what's up with that Tuesday.

I hope you all have a very safe, fun, and healthy holiday!

 

[geebee]

Happy to hear about you being able to eat some regular food. Be sure and chew really well and don't rush things. I hope you enjoy this progress.

Is it possible you might be mistaking gas pains for heart pains? Gas pains can be very high up sometimes and the fact that you mention the diarrhea makes me think the pains might be gastric in nature. Especially since you have not had real food in awhile. Your system might be simply rebelling or getting back to normal.

Your heart rate will probably go back down some. Your heart is still recovering and hasn't had a chance to determine what is needed to recover.

Keep up the progress and let us know what happens.

 

[samiam]

I'm definitely not an "old pro", but here are my 2 cents worth. Remember: you get what you pay for.

Could the diarreah be related to your just starting to actually eat food? Maybe your digestive system needs to remember what to do.

I'm 8 weeks out of MVR. Just an evening or two ago, my heart went silly and the pulse went to 150. But it didn't feel like A-Fib. After a minute or two, my pulse started to slow down. Before surgery, my pulse was around 80. After surgery, it was in the 100's and for the last few weeks, it's been in the 90s. I still have an ocassional "skipped" beat, too. The only heart drug I'm on is Digoxin 25mg, once a day.

Good Luck!

 

[Nancy]

If your diarrhea worsens or continues on, you should call the doctor. You may need to get cultures done. It is possible to pick up diarrhea in the hospital and some of those strains are not too nice. Hopefully it will go away soon, but if it doesn't, call.

Torquing activities are something you should not be doing. But you already know that now. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that everything is OK.

 

[Cris N]

I agree that the diarrhea & pain is probably caused by reintroducing real food into your system... but that doesn't mean it is insignificant. If if doesn't disappear soon, see your dr about it. On the heartrate issue... I'm 3-1/2 months post op & my heartrate is slowly dropping to a more acceptable rate. Exercise builds strong heart muscle.

Hope you get everything under control soon.

Cris

 

[ALCapshaw2]

It's pretty common to have a somewhat elevated pulse (80's) for several weeks post-op. Doc's don't seem to get too excited unless it's up in the 100's (maybe 120).

Arrhythmias are also pretty common for several weeks. As long as you return to normal most of the time, Doc's don't get too worried. If it is persistent (several hours to a day continuous) be sure to get it checked out. Your 'event monitor' should tell your doc what type of arrhythmia(s) you are experiencing. There are several medications that can help in that area.

I don't know enough to comment on your pains. Be sure to keep your doc's appraised.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[tobagotwo]

I echo Al's statement, but would say several months, rather than several weeks. My opinion is not to rush to fixes for palpitations, and require some evidence that it is a continuing problem before adopting chemical fixes even for afib. Although afib can be serious, seeing it in a cardio's office on an electrocardiogram once is not enough to throw chemicals at it.

Are you on a beta blocker, such as atenolol? They are good for slowing heart rate, if exercise isn't doing it after a few months.

Best wishes,