Illness post-surgery. Is this normal?

[Lucybird]

I had an aortic valve replacement back in March. Initially things seemed to be going well and I started back full time at work in August (I work in a nursery). I know I'm still not 100% recovered but day-to-day I find I'm coping well.

The only problem is since returning to work I've had 2 chest infections, and now have a very bad cough which I don't think is an infection but my doctor has put me on antibiotics just incase. I have bronchiectasis so chest infections aren't exactly uncommon for me, but I usually have about 4 a year. I know my body is probably finding it harder to fight things, but I wondered if this level is normal? And am doubting whether I should have gone back to work when I did.

Being on antibiotics so much has meant that I haven't been able to attend cardiac rehab either, which is probably not helping with my recovery, and when I asked about things I could do at home they said if I'm not in rehab then I shouldn't really be trying to exercise.

Oh and I've been getting more migraines, although I suspect that may be stress related rather than physical health

[skid112 Heart Star]

Hi lucybird, I too suffered when I returned to work, I put it down to increased mingling with people as post op you don't see so many and in larger groups so the germs spread easily. Also I think you're right eith the after effects your body is finding it harder to beat off infections.

Hope you feel better soon.

[Ethel13]

Hi Lucybird,

I have some young lovely but toxic grandchildren who seem to have one runny nose after the other. In an attempt to try not to pick up any bugs I take high dose soluble vitamin C daily, a good quality probiotic, I also use sterimar sea salt nasal spray every time I clean my teeth? Of course, you shouldn't take probiotics or vitamin supplements whilst on antibiotics as they reduce affectiveness of them. The antibiotics strip your body of all stored vitamins so as soon as you have finished the course start popping vitamins and probiotics.

I don't know whether this is of help; I might be teaching grandma to suck eggs! 🐣

I hope you gain strength and resistance to all the chest infections soon.

Dory ❤️❣️

[Fredders in reply to Ethel13]

My problem is that I am on permanent antibiotics as I had a splenectomy earlier this year. If I get an infection then there is the possibility of ending up in hospital on intravenous antibiotics, so have to be very careful what I take and coming into contact with germs/sick people - just an added complication for when I have my surgery!

[Ethel13 in reply to Fredders]

Oh dear Fredders, an added complication you could do without!

I really hope all goes well for you

Dory ❤️❣️

[Lucybird in reply to Fredders]

How frustrating! I had to go on antibiotics before my surgery as a cautionary measure. It was meant to be for 2 weeks but they gave me less than a weeks notice! Luckily I didn't get an infection until I was well on the way to recovery (unless you count one of the wounds where my pacer wire was getting infected)

[Lucybird in reply to Ethel13]

Thanks Dory. I did take vitamin C when I was first out of hospital, but must admit to getting a bit lax. I didn't know that it can effect antibiotics though- thanks for that

[Ethel13 in reply to Lucybird]

Hi Lucybird

The B vitamins are the worst for interfering with the affectiveness of antibiotics. I have always aired on the safe side and cut all vitamin supplements out. I recall this making the headlines when my family were young, warnings were given in the States but not in the UK.

Hope you feel better soon.

Dory ❤️💕