Update on Peter - 4 weeks post-op.

[corrineinwa]

I posted on the post-op forum so won't X post here: http://www.valvereplacement.com/forums/showthread.php?p=390578#post390578

I'm really pleased with how he's doing - it's quite remarkable after just 4 weeks.

I worry that he might be overdoing it - he's walking a good 1/2 mile + every day (in 2-3 goes). But I figure that he's not in pain so I pretty much let him set the pace now. And he's lost 15.5lb since surgery so he's feeling better for that too.

The increased exercise has seen his INR drop this past 3 weeks.

The lowest was last week (1.53 - he was on a total of 20mg for the week) but they tweaked him a little and he was up to 1.81 today so they upped him a little more (to 25mg for the week).

I really have to take my hat off to him. He hasn't taken 1 pain medication since being home. He says that he's felt a little uncomfortable sometimes but that's usually because he's moved akwardly. The walking has made him tired but he's noticed that he feels better for doing it.

I can now see a sparkle in the old guys eyes - it's his 74th birthday next month - this will be a very special birthday for him.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Corrine -

Somehow I sensed from your first post that you are the epitomy of the saying "Behind every Good Man, there is a Good Woman". I *Knew* you could do it!

You obviously know how to "read" your man and guide him to stay on the right track.

The two of you must be a GREAT Couple!

Keep up the Good Work.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[Ross]

Sounds good. So does raising his dose to 25! Be sure to get a picture on his birthday and let us see you both smiling.

 

[Jkm7]

Peter's walking is one of the best things he can do to aid his recovery. My doctors all stressed, walk, walk, walk after both my surgeries.

It sounds like you are both doing great and good to hear Peter is having a smooth, uneventful recovery. Hope it keeps up just like this.

 

[corrineinwa]

Corrine -

Somehow I sensed from your first post that you are the epitomy of the saying "Behind every Good Man, there is a Good Woman". I *Knew* you could do it!

You obviously know how to "read" your man and guide him to stay on the right track.

The two of you must be a GREAT Couple!

Keep up the Good Work.

'AL Capshaw'

That obvious eh? lol

Peter is retired, career military (USAF) - one of the important things they taught him was to how to take orders.

In seriousness though, all this has made me wonder just how those without support at home manage to do it on their own. I'm a natural born organiser but even removing the emotional side, I can honestly say that this has been the most exhausting thing I've been through.

Sounds good. So does raising his dose to 25! Be sure to get a picture on his birthday and let us see you both smiling.

I promise you, you'll have a birthday picture - he's already picked out shirt from the dozens he's been saving since cause he's convinced he's slim down enough to wear them and that flares, kipper ties and big collars will come back into fashion.

 

[corrineinwa]

Bumping this up with another report

Bumping this up with another report

I posted an update over on the post-op forum - I'll copy it here:

Saw the surgeon again today (5 weeks post-op tomorrow). Also had another EKG and that again, showed the old guy in normal sinus rhythm.

So! Got an echocardiogram next month and another EKG and if both are fine then Peter can come off the Coumadin at the end of the 3 months.

He's followed his diet faithfully and has lost 17lb since surgery - everyone was pleased with that (20lb to go). He's also increased his exercise although the PNW weather has not been kind (on target for the 5th wettest May in history).

Thankfully, he can now start driving again so I won't have to put up with constant commentary about the differences between my "British" driving and the American way! (ungrateful little toad! lol).

Everyone is delighted at well he's done.

His INR has been 1.53, 1.81 and now 2.10. They've gradually increased the Coumadin from 24mg/week to 25mg and now 26mg.

Fingers crossed that he can come off it at the end of the 3 months.

 

[Ross]

I posted an update over on the post-op forum - I'll copy it here:



His INR has been 1.53, 1.81 and now 2.10. They've gradually increased the Coumadin from 24mg/week to 25mg and now 26mg.

Fingers crossed that he can come off it at the end of the 3 months.

So long as he's over 2.0, I wouldn't worry. Below that, I would.