Tired and out of breath

[Kelly Luisi]

My kids started school yesterday, I was happy to see them go... but also began to realize yesterday what a distraction they have been for me. When they are home, I do not think of my impending surgery. We stay so busy, that my mind does not have time to "GO THERE". In the quiet yesterday, I began to realize how REAL this was. Then my 9 year old son comes home and flips the calendar over to September...Wheeeeeeee a new month, YIKES I say as it stares me in the face that I now have only 35 days unitll my surgery!

I realized too yesterday that I have been feeling fatigue and been out of breathe for alot longer than I have let on to my family. I think I have been in denial . I have not wanted to admit that I was not feeling so good, but now that surgery is planned and it is stareing me in the face - it is OK to confess!

I am really looking forward to feeling better! My nerves are calmed when I think of the prospect of feeling better . I think I will realize after the surgery just how "yucky" I feel now! I can't wait for this to be over! I was told that I should plan on 7 to 10 days in the hospital for a "redo" , I am shooting for 5! I can't handle being in a hospital with all the GERMS so I am out of there as soon as possible! Being at home for recovery will be sooooo much nicer than the hospital!

 

[bvdr]

Kelly, your description is so much how I felt before my surgery. I really feel for you. The wait is so hard but soon it will be over.

 

[Karlynn]

Kelly,
You'll also probably find that, after you have surgery and have some recovery under your belt, that you really felt worse than you are confessing to now. Our bodies have a ways of compensating and lulling us into a sense of ease with how we feel.

Rejoice! You are about to have your old sparkplugs changed!

 

[Jims]

Hi Kelly,

I am in the same boat as you. My surgery is scheduled for Sept 15th. I too am noticing how tired I am after work and how winded I get in walking up stairs, when it never used to bother me.

I am finally looking forward to my surgery, because when I finish recovery I will have a new life ahead of me. My valve is in such bad shape that if I don't have surgery it will probably kill me. this site has helped lower my fear level tremendously. I also asked my surgeon if he could give me the names of 2 people who went through a similar surgery in the last year. I called these people and they were very helpful. This also helped drop the fear level too.

I am dreaming of getting back on my mountain bike and hitting the trails.

I agree with you though, keeping busy is a key to keeping your mind off the surgery. I am going work up to the last day and try to keep myself happy and healthy.

Good luck,

Jim

 

[Granbonny]

Jim

Jim

I just posted your surgery on Sept. 15th on our VR calendar. We will post a few days before to keep you pumped up Bonnie

 

[doberman]

better soon

better soon

Today I am three weeks post-op and doing fine. One of the few things I remember about being in the ICU was that my anesthetist showed up to check on me and said something about how my life span had been increased, (I don't remember his words exactly) but that stuck with me, and that is why you are going in for your surgery. The surgery is no picnic but it is not so bad. You wil be O.K. make sure to check in here at VR.com to get some support when you need it. This site (and my wife and friends) got me through.
Best JD

 

[Carol]

Kelly, I am now 2 1/2 months post-op. I'm alittle sore at times in my chest, shoulders, and back, but nothing to complain about. Before my surgery I was always tired and short of breath. I am starting to see the results of having the surgery. I am able to go upstairs, and not be working for air by the time I get to the top. Also, I can walk now out in the heat and humidity, and it doesn't bother me at all. I'm almost up to 2 miles a day at a pretty good pace. Hopefully, I can start to jog pretty soon. The waiting was by far the hardest part. I had 3 months to think about it before my surgery date. Try to dwell on the positive of how much better you will feel. This site helped me so much before and after my surgery. One other thing, I went to cardiac-rehab. after my surgery. I really didn't want to go, but my daughter persuaded me to do it. It was the best thing for me.

 

[Kyla]

I felt the same way before my surgery which was 3 1/2 weeks ago! But after the surgery and a little bit of recovery time, I started to feel good again. Like REAL good! And I wasn't out of breath anymore. Right now I have a little bit of a cold, but I'll get better soon and so will you. When I was at the hospital I got like thousands of cards and balloons, and even presents. Plus they let me have popsicles We'll be praying for you so that your nerves wont get to you. You can always do what my mom did...paint the living room red Love your TOF'r friend, Kyla