Hi - a post holiday update

[Heather1957]

Hi all, hopefully everyone is doing okay if not healthy!

I came back on Monday after a 2 week holiday in Cyprus which went very well and just what the doctor (should have) ordered

I did take some dressings to cover my scar but didn't use them in the end, I used a factor 30 on my chest including the scar and as the weather wasn't unpleasantly hot it seemed okay, I didn't over do it and certainly didn't burn but have gone a slighter darker shade, I am fair skinned anyway and rarely go a nice shade of golden brown

I probably did carry too much I am very independent and tended to say 'I can do it' every time my friend offered to help.

I went to see my initial cardiologist this afternoon, as always he was lovely, he told me I had recovered remarkably well and all the notes from the hospital were very positive. Unfortunately he is not happy with my blood pressure and is going to recommend I go on a tablet to reduce it, he also told me to lose weight and exercise more, which I knew was coming and of course he is right.

I had another ECG and he has basically discharged me pending the result of a final heart scan, so the ball is firmly now in my court. He gave me a lovely firm hand shake and wished me well.

I appreciate that so many of you are still beginning this process and it is scary there is no doubt of that, but here I am 5 1/2 months after a bypass and apart from the scar I feel as good as new.

Now I know I am luckier than many and I went through a few ups and downs including being depressed but there is light at the end of the tunnel, an old cliche I know but it is so true.

For those in the early part of recovery, stick at it, you will sometimes feel you are taking 1 step forward and 2 steps back but eventually it will be the opposite.

I look back on my tri weekly (if that's the right word) walks with my niece during the Summer and feeding the ducks along the way and while it was sometimes a struggle, it was so worth it and very enjoyable when I look back.

So, on ward and upwards, now doing some work to pay for the holiday in Vegas in March and I will hopefully get to do the posh trip to Australia/NZ in 2019 that I had to cancel that was booked to celebrate my 60th this year.

2017 has not been especially good health wise after my stroke following the angiogram then the bypass surgery but I am still here to tell the tale.

I will be popping in and if I can help in anyway please ask, I can't promise to know the answer but will try my hardest.

I have my 3 Vegas companions coming for tea shortly, we are calling it a planning meeting but any excuse to get together take care all.

[skid112 Heart Star]

Welcome back Heather, sounds like you had a great time. Good news on the cardiologist front though shame about the blood pressure, mind you get back to your walks that should help

Take care

Mark

[Twobells]

Lovely, to see you had a lovely holiday. I'm glad you are feeling great. Las Vegas wow that's something to look forward too. X

[KazSumm]

So glad you had a lovely holiday Heather, you sound so happy and very upbeat. Hope you didn’t all eat to many cakes while planning the Vegas Trip.

Kaz❤️💕❣️

[Ethel13]

So,pleased that you had a wonderful holiday and are so positive Heather. Hopefully your blood pressure will soon be under control. Enjoy planning your next hols.

I am in hospital ready for my op tomorrow, it is good to hear how well you are doing; it gives me a boost.

All the best,

Dory xxx❤️💕❣️

[Sina-6491 in reply to Ethel13]

Best wishes for tomorrow lovely.

Let us all know how you feel in a couple of days. Hugs Jo xx

[Sina-6491]

Hiya Heather, so good to hear the holiday went well. I am sure your doctor did order the holiday, you just thought it was your idea.

So you and the girlys' had a get together today. I hope you made them a nice spread in your lovely new kitchen ☺

[Heather1957 in reply to Sina-6491]

We had a chicken BBQ casserole and veg, pretty boring but tasty.

Will be starting back to slimming world on Saturday, luckily we have a weekend group close by as I am working away for the next 3 weeks and need a kick up the backside.

I am not looking to lose loads quickly although I had lost 3 stone pre the stroke but my enthusiasm went after that, but it is time to get back at it, my Fitbit is charged and ready to go!

[Heather1957]

Thanks all for your best wishes, looking back I can't believe how far I have come (If you know what I mean.)

Ethel13, I know you are probably worried about the op tomorrow, I certainly was especially as mine was cancelled for 2 days. Our recovery can be very different but I went through a depressed time for a few weeks following the op which I gather is quite normal - that info came from others on here who have been there too. I also regretted having the op, silly I know as it was a life saver.

I had aches and pains and sometimes had to go back on the pain killers but as I said, less than 6 months later and I have been working since September and have had a 2 week holiday.

The very best for tomorrow, please if you have any worries before or after ask away, there are some very knowledgeable people on here (not me) but I have experienced it so can tell you from my experience.

[dagger1947]

What a wonderful inspirational post. Thank you Heather. I'm just over a week on from a triple bypass and its great to hear there is light at the end of the tunnel.

I wish you continued good health.

Love

Nick x

[Heather1957 in reply to dagger1947]

Nick good luck on your journey (yes I used the J word! )