Made it through! An update.

[DebbiB28]

Good morning everyone. Well you may remember me posting a couple of weeks ago before my surgery and just thought I would post an update. It's certainly been quite a journey but all looks successful. What I thought I would share is what I don't think I really gave much thought to. The pain and discomfort after open heart surgery is not to be underestimated. The nursing staff are great and do all they can, but it came as quite a shock. I also managed to contract hospital acquired pneumonia but they were onto it straight away. I managed to escape just over a week later and of course feel better at home. Its so difficult to find a comfortable position and sleeping is a nightmare. My brain is foggy and often come out with random words like saying paraffin instead of toothpaste! After 2 weeks my husband drove me to our local park where I managed to walk a couple of hundred yards. That's it for me for now, but will try to do this daily. My advice? Don't underestimate how rubbish you might feel, but try to move around if you can. Eat what you want (appetite is low), when you want. Accept help. Oh and a funny one - I'm completely off some foods I used to really enjoy?! Not chocolate obviously!.

[Mirador19]

Hi Debbie, glad all went well and you are home now. The Pneumonia is an annoying complication but as you say they were on to it immediately. I haven't been through what you have but I wish you all the best in your recovery, keep those spirits high, I read most things on here and that seems to be the most important thing to everyone.

Joan x

[DebbiB28 in reply to Mirador19]

I agree, there's a lot to be said for mental health and overall recovery. Thank you.x

[Wodney1966]

Gd luck in your recovery all the best n chin up 😄😄😄😄😍

[DebbiB28 in reply to Wodney1966]

Thank you.

[Jasppip]

Mental health is so important during recovery I haven't been through anywhere near what you have but I still find fresh air and a bit of a walk help you feel better mentally

[RoyM]

Keep going Debs.....keep strong and you will get back to full fitness. Slowly slowly and each day you will be a day nearer. Good luck. Regards Roy

[Lilyrosy]

Hi Debbie

Pleased to hear you are doing well. I am 8 weeks past my quadruple bypass and I was told I would see a change every day.

Of course that is correct but there are a few blips along the way. I was in hospital 13 days because I had to have a further operation to stop bleeding. I am now 4 weeks into rehab which is so helpful and apart from the (blips) stitches trying to break out of my chest on their own and a very large fat right leg where the vein was taken and the odd teary day I feel thankful for the chance of more years to me life.

I am fortunate that the excellent Essex Cardiothoracic Centre is only half a mile from my house so help and advice is never far away.

Yesterday I attended an afternoon tea there for ex patients as they wanted feedback as to any improvements they could make.

Be patient because every pamphlet and professional told me that this surgery was routine but major and of course it’s not routine for us and it certainly is major which I only remember when there are certain things I’m not allowed to do:

lift a kettle, iron, hoover, lift your arms to use a hair dryer, all frustrating but the sheer joy I felt when 6 weeks were up and I could drive, freedom!

Can’t say I’m missing the houseworky things though.

Stay well.

Lily rose

[Evans123 in reply to Lilyrosy]

Hi Lilyrosy

I just wanted to say I think it is brilliant that the cardiothoracic centre where you were treated invited you to a feedback session and you attended. More centres should do this what a positive step.

Jacqui

[DebbiB28 in reply to Lilyrosy]

Thanks Lily Rose. It really is the simple things like trying to do your hair etc., that suddenly become impossible! I would love a centre like yours where you can meet with others, but at least we have this forum. How long did your breast bones take to heal? That seems to be the thing that is holding me back - do too much and the pain stops you, do too little and you seize up! Thanks for your reply.x

[Kristin1812 Heart Star]

Ah! Not lost the healing power of chocolate, then? Excellent!

Do you think it helped you to have an accurate idea of the pain and discomfort, beforehand? For me, not being told honestly doesn’t help me prepare myself.

[DebbiB28 in reply to Kristin1812]

I would have liked a little more information on what to expect post-surgery (there really wasn't any info). All the various 'symptoms' etc., that occur can be frightening and actually a bit depressing, and you then spend time wondering if they are normal or not, but I guess if they were to list everything it would mean writing a book! I do feel you are out on your own a bit after being cared for in hospital.

x

[Nanny72]

So pleased you are through. You will feel better day by day.

It is the beginning of your new life

[DebbiB28 in reply to Nanny72]

Yep, that's a great way to look at it.x

[LauraUK]

Well done Debbi, I almost 5 weeks post surgery for double valve replacement, it has had it's ups & down. The sleeping was big issue for me - I currently have 7 pillows around me at night! I have definitely learnt you cannot push recovery .. slowly slowly and absolutely nothing wrong with my appetite .. unfortunately. Good luck & keep going xx

[DebbiB28 in reply to LauraUK]

Oh trying to find a comfortable position! Nightmare. I am sleeping 'propped up' also with several pillows but just cannot get comfortable. Tried one of the 'v' pillows but not useful right now. I know it will get better but it really seems like a steep climb doesn't it? Hope you are soon on the right road.x

[LauraUK in reply to DebbiB28]

I'm having to fall asleep with earphones in and an audiobook on the double ticking of my valves are so loud .. but at least they ticking

[DebbiB28 in reply to LauraUK]

Sounds like my clicking breast bones when I move! Others in the room can hear it!

[BusaMags]

Hi. So glad to read you are on the road to recovery. It give hope to everyone suffering with any kind of heart problems. I wish you a speedy recovery. Take it easy

[DebbiB28 in reply to BusaMags]

Thank you. Other peoples messages have certainly been of help to me so I hope all of these will be too.

[Evans123]

Hi Debbi828

Good to hear you are on the road to recovery and I agree mental health and positivity certainly play a big part. I’m 4 months post bypass and have had a couple of complications which have slowed down my recovery. Lilyrosy and LauraUK summed it up whrn they said everyone is different and therefore recovery times are too. As mentioned the operation is routine to the surgeons but major surgery for patients. However, each day there will be an improvement some days are more noticeable than others.

I found cardio rehab gave me more confidence and I would advise anyone to take the opportunity when they are ready. I am 53 and was one of the youngest attending but I really enjoyed it. It allows opportunities to ask the cardio nurse(s) questions and to talk to other members who have been through a similar experience.

Take care and all the best. Keep posting.

Jacqui x

[DebbiB28]

I agree it must be different for everyone and every day is different really - some more positive than others. I wonder if cardio rehab is available in all areas and not just for heart attack patients. I will try to find out. It certainly helps just chatting to others in similar situations as I can imagine it can be very isolating. x

[wiltsgirl]

Fantastic that you're through the worse bits. It sounds like you are doing everything you should, at a pace to suit you. Take it easy. No didn't go off any foods, wish that could have been biscuits and crisps! Take care xx