Thanks for info

[Cageman24]

Hi, I am two days out of hospital (41yM) after just having a bentall procedure and would just like to thank all other contributors that have helped me with the information that is provided in the forums as it has been a great source of information and assists in reassuring myself hat your are not alone or what your are experiencing is abnormal.

The biggest surprises for me after surgery is is my total lack of cardio fitness, it is like you have started at zero base again and how harder it is mentally as opposed to physically.

All the other stuff that I am experiencing, such as chills / sweats / problem sleeping and general fatigue seem to be somewhat normal and to be expected.

I realise that there is no one answer as we are all different in our recoveries, but when did you start to feel like a "normal" person again ? Because right now i don't really feel like my old self and would like to see light at the end.

Thanks once again to all, and if anyone has any questions I am happy to answer where I can.

 

[karla]

I noticed a big difference around week 5. Hang in there. You just got hit by a big, big bus and it takes awhile.

 

[Bina]

My progress was slow, stayed in pyjamas for 6 weeks and had a home nurse twice a week during that time.
We all progress at diff rates, do what feels good for you and rest often.

 

[Freddie]

At 3 weeks I was on my own, no more assistance from the spouse or anyone.

Just try to remember to eat, rest, walk, rest and drink in between and repeat. At this stage of the game walking (slow and steady) is the best thing you can do, it may even help you sleep. Sometimes you may feel that you have to force yourself to go for a walk, I know I did. Take note on your body posture when you do walk - head up and shoulders back and relaxed.

Think positive, it all takes time and you will get past this.

 

[Jkm7]

I was shocked how weak and exhausted I felt post op and was stunned when I took my first walk outside to realize I could barely make it down the block. I went into surgery walking miles each day. But it surprised me even more, how quickly I regained the ability to walk a mile again without strain. I went from first day home walking half a block to day ten walking more than a mile.

Listen to your body and don't push too hard. You pay a price for trying to rush your recovery. Everyone of us heals at our own rate and it is best to do exactly as your doctors have instructed.

Best wishes for a smooth, easy, fast recovery.
Let us know if we can help.

 

[Cageman24]

I was shocked how weak and exhausted I felt post op and was stunned when I took my first walk outside to realize I could barely make it down the block. I went into surgery walking miles each day. But it surprised me even more, how quickly I regained the ability to walk a mile again without strain. I went from first day home walking half a block to day ten walking more than a mile.

Thanks for your responses guys. I am just shocked at the difference between my cardio fitness before and after , like Jkm7 just walking down the street a few hundred feet is barely achievable. But I do realise that to give it time and to take it slowly and it will be ok. It's just a bit daunting and overwhelming at the start for everyone I guess.

 

[crazybass]

I was like that when I left the hospital, I tried walking to the shop but was really tired out after it, that was a week ago and after doing it for a few days I was ok. I find that your cardio is restricted more by the pain of your sternum as you feel you can only breath in so much.. Lots of breathing excercises helps.. I just underwent a similar procedure a few weeks ago I feel alot better in myself and my mental health is a lot better too.. time is a good healer

 

[epstns]

I hit some speed bumps in recovery, so I was very weak when I first came home. That said, by 5 weeks I was back at work (office job) full-time and driving. From there, I went into cardiac rehab at about 12 weeks, and it has been getting better since. Now, at 18 months post-op, I'm doing more than I did before. Life is good.

 

[coffeelover]

It does take time to bounce back. We can all relate to how you feel. It takes patience. I remember feeling very fatigued when I first came home--I had to stop twice to rest just walking to the mail box (100 yards!). I made sure to walk, walk,walk everyday during my recovery. It was my main focus. Participating in a Cardiac Rehab program is very beneficial in your recovery.
Six months post AVR I am back to running and loving every minute of it! As epstns stated in the previous reply, Life is good!

 

[Mom2izzy]

Mentally, my memory and cognitive skills were fine immediately after surgery. I did suffer from some anxiety for a few weeks...mostly because I was having major dizzy spells...They went away when I quit taking my diuretic a couple weeks after I got home. I did find that I had no ability to focus for about 6 weeks, but I didn't really notice until it came back. Lately, what I am noticing (6 months post surgery) is that I just don't get stressed like I used to...which is probably a good thing in most cases, but at work stress was a pretty good motivator...my sense of urgency seems to have left the building. I don't know if this is related to the beta blocker that I'm on (I've heard that it can have an anti-anxiety effect) or if it's just because after going through OHS, nothing else seems stressful in comparison.

Physically, my biggest issue was the dizziness. I couldn't walk far because I would get so light-headed. When the dizziness went away, I was able to increase my walking distance by a little bit every day. I started Rehab at about 5 weeks, went back to work full time after 2 months, and walked a 5K after about 2.5 months. That's about the most physically active thing I did before surgery, so I would say I was physically feeling back to 100% by then. My only lingering physical issue is that I have gained about 10 pounds since my surgery. I don't know if it is because of the beta blocker or because I have less willpower.

 

[Jimjam]

Thanks for this thread - I'm day 3 out of a full bethall - was extremely fit and active pre- op , no symptoms . It's good to see - what may lie ahead i like you can't believe how little cardio I have but in the same breath ( am improving!) - thanks! James