DAY 44............THE JOURNEY STARTS ... - British Heart Fou...

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DAY 44............THE JOURNEY STARTS HERE

Ticktock61 profile image
67 Replies

Well it’s been an interesting few days after having a fair bit of pain last weekend in my chest shoulders and neck I was left with just the pain from the back of my left ear down my neck whi hope felt like it was following a vein .......... so on Monday I phoned my local hospitals Acute Medical Unit who said because of my blood clot any symptons that concerned me I was to phone them immediately and they would bring me in and I was worried that the clot had moved and they said come straight in. They did blood tests, a chest X Ray because of my cough examined my legs and did a doplar scan on my left leg and examined my neck . The conclusion after I was there for 5 hours was that it was muscular ...........all my bloods were all normal my chest X Ray was clear, my doplar showed the clot was fading away but was still there so all was good . I wonder if us hearties sometimes add 2 + 2 and get 5 and I wonder if we become paranoid that everything that happens with our bodies is heart related. I apologised to the nursing staff and the doctor for wasting their time obviously they said it’s good that you got the all clear and better to be safe than sorry I just felt that I’d been paranoid and over reacted.

I woke up on Tuesday went to have my daily injection for the blood clot then decided to get on with my life again so I went shopping treated myself to some new jeans and a jacket had lunch then went home got changed and went walking in the sunshine and managed to do 5 miles at a brisk pace and it felt great !! I have been walking everyday this week and have managed to do the walk in a quicker time each day I have had sweat on my brow but havent felt scared or worried about my new valve which up and till Tuesday i have been and I’ve realised I’ve been over protective of my body, I suppose I’ve lacked confidence. The last four days have been fantastic I’m sleeping better I’m mentally stronger more relaxed and I’m laughing and joking with friends more as not everything in my mind every second of the day is about my valve which for the last 5 weeks it has been. I really feel like I’ve turned a corner and have come to terms with what has happened and found a way in my head of compartmentalising the different aspects of my life going forward so not everything is about my AVR as it can become all consuming and isolating ................. so people don’t let it .............. accept it don’t do anything stupid to undo the great work your surgeons done but ............. get on with your life don’t stagnate ................. otherwise you’ll become one of those people who lived and planned there life to do everything in retirement but then when retirement arrives they realise they’ve not lived and now it’s too late to do the things they should have done years ago.

Nothing is perfect and I may wake up tomorrow with other issues but for now I’m enjoying being me again and I haven’t felt like that in weeks

Have a great weekend everybody

Pete ❤️❤️

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Ticktock61
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67 Replies
Nic25 profile image
Nic25

Wow Pete. That's great. Made my weekend. Long may it continue mate!

Nic x

Ticktock61 profile image
Ticktock61 in reply toNic25

Awwwh thanks Nic ....... too right !!!!

Pete ❤️

Nic25 profile image
Nic25 in reply toTicktock61

I was dreading getting to the end and for there to be a sudden setback. So pleased there wasn't😀

Ticktock61 profile image
Ticktock61 in reply toNic25

Not for now Nic fingers crossed

Pete x

Smikra profile image
Smikra

I'm so glad you're feeling better. Carol

Ticktock61 profile image
Ticktock61 in reply toSmikra

Hi Carol

Thanks I am

Pete ❤️

ITSINTHEBAG9 profile image
ITSINTHEBAG9

And same to you Pete... I remain battling two large Rams 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😳😳

Ticktock61 profile image
Ticktock61 in reply toITSINTHEBAG9

Lol !! 😂😂😂 don’t let them pull the wool over your eyes !!

Pete ❤️

ITSINTHEBAG9 profile image
ITSINTHEBAG9 in reply toTicktock61

🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑

Ticktock61 profile image
Ticktock61 in reply toITSINTHEBAG9

Lol 😂😂😂😂

invictaAlec profile image
invictaAlec

Your walking sounds like its doing you a power of good Pete.

For my part I'll be having my last cardiac rehab class this coming Tuesday. I really must find something to replace my twice weekly exercise classes.

We had our final talk and a couple of people mentioned neck/shoulder pain even though it was at least three months since their surgery. Others here on the forum have mentioned it too. The explanation is often that your body does get shoved around into very unusual positions during the surgery apparently.

I did suggest to the group that we can't entirely wrap ourselves in cotton wool in an effort to over protect our mending bodies. Actually I think I was trying to justify the fact that I treated myself to a Kentucky Fried Chicken takeaway last week.

Alec.

Ticktock61 profile image
Ticktock61 in reply toinvictaAlec

Good for you Alec

Life is for living otherwise whats the point !!!

Have you thought about Yoga or Palates apparently it’s really good it’s on my agenda after I’ve done my rehab sessions

Pete ❤️

invictaAlec profile image
invictaAlec in reply toTicktock61

I'm thinking about the "Walking football" sessions at a sports centre in Folkestone Pete.

I used to be good at the running version but that was decades ago.

Alec.

Ticktock61 profile image
Ticktock61 in reply toinvictaAlec

Me too I miss my football I played while I was 50 absolutely loved it

clarehealsworldwide profile image
clarehealsworldwide in reply toinvictaAlec

In my area there are follow-up cardiac rehab classes organised by the local Heart Support Group. You can ask where your nearest classes are.

Ticktock61 profile image
Ticktock61 in reply toclarehealsworldwide

Thanks Claire

Pete ❤️

Jinky07 profile image
Jinky07

That’s fab Pete your not wasting anyone’s time getting checked after everything you’ve been through better to be safe than sorry. It seems to have given you a new positive outlook so was well worth the visit. Enjoy your walks in the fresh air and don’t forget to take time to smell the roses and smile life is too short.

Ticktock61 profile image
Ticktock61 in reply toJinky07

It sure is and I’m smelling the roses I’ve got a smile on my face and I’m moving on !!!

Pete ❤️

Routemaster profile image
Routemaster

So pleased that always was well with you. Onwards and upwards now! Ann

Ticktock61 profile image
Ticktock61 in reply toRoutemaster

Hi Ann

Thanks definitely

Pete ❤️

RoyM profile image
RoyM

Well done TickTock. Showing great strength. I too overcame permenant AF mentally and have stopped chasing the holy grail of NSR and am enjoying living again. AF doesn't define me. Well done again great post thank you. Regards Roy

Ticktock61 profile image
Ticktock61 in reply toRoyM

Cheers Roy

Good to here you’ve got yours sorted mentally I’m sure some people don’t and that’s what ends up being the barrier

Have a great weekend

Pete ❤️

Kristin1812 profile image
Kristin1812Heart Star

What a great story. Brilliant .....and a great encouragement for us worriers!

As I read it, my daughter words were in my ears

‘Don’t be defined by your illness’.

My angina does rather restrict me, so, for me, it’s not back to normal, but on to a new normal!

Wherever our physical journey takes us, we must lead as full a life as possible. That was the message I got from you. It was v helpful. Thank you.

Ticktock61 profile image
Ticktock61 in reply toKristin1812

Awwwh thank you Kristin we do all have different issues to deal with but the main thing is we keep our identity and live the best life we can

Pete ❤️

Ronniesue profile image
Ronniesue

That’s great to hear. Long may your mind set continue. I haven’t quite got there yet, but I’m working on it. X

Ticktock61 profile image
Ticktock61 in reply toRonniesue

Hi

There’s no right and wrong way you’ll get there when you get there take your time but try to enjoy life

Pete ❤️

ntiday profile image
ntiday

I really enjoy reading your updates keep up the good work

Ticktock61 profile image
Ticktock61 in reply tontiday

Thank you so much glad you enjoy them

Have a good weekend

Pete ❤️

Well done and best of luck for the future. Clare

Ticktock61 profile image
Ticktock61 in reply toclarehealsworldwide

Thanks Claire

Pete ❤️

Mirador19 profile image
Mirador19

Hi Pete, great to hear you so positive, it must be great to get out and about walking again.

Joan

Ticktock61 profile image
Ticktock61 in reply toMirador19

Hi Joan

It’s brilliant the suns shining what more do you need

Pete ❤️

JayceeW profile image
JayceeW

Really pleased that things are going well. I had my op. an aortic valve replaced and a double bypass at the end of May. Apart from the scar it seems totally unreal now. Things very definitely improve!

Continue onwards and upwards.

Ticktock61 profile image
Ticktock61 in reply toJayceeW

Great to hear your doing well at your at the point where it seems unreal that’s fantastic

Enjoy

Pete ❤️

Rosei profile image
Rosei

Enjoy life now, you have a new valve, not. The Clapped out old one. Lovely long walks, the weather is just wonderful for walking.

Ticktock61 profile image
Ticktock61 in reply toRosei

Hi Rosei

Your so right I’m enjoying myself now

Pete ❤️

Hiya great to read such a positive post, I Think I am very guilty of blaming everything on the ticker or the meds even if its just a sneeze lol, it sounds like you are well on the road to recovery now helped by a positive attitude, brill, take care and have a lovely weekend char x

Ticktock61 profile image
Ticktock61 in reply to

Hi Chaz

You just need to get to the point where you realise not everything is because of your heart once you get there it’s fantastic

Pete ❤️

in reply toTicktock61

I can blame it on age now hehe xx

BusaMags profile image
BusaMags

Positive thinking can make all the difference. Well done. My journey is just started but I am a glass half filled women. Have fun. X

Ticktock61 profile image
Ticktock61 in reply toBusaMags

Keep that positive attitude throughout your journey even when things get tough it will help you big style

Pete ❤️

BusaMags profile image
BusaMags in reply toTicktock61

Thank you I intend to x

dunestar profile image
dunestar

So pleased to hear things are going well for you Pete. Made my day!

Ticktock61 profile image
Ticktock61 in reply todunestar

Thank you so much

Pete ❤️

Beekite profile image
Beekite

Well Done Pete, a good reminder for us all that life is for living and that is a privilege denied to many. We all get paranoid and anxious every twinge, cough, cramp etc but if I can have more good days than bad it’s a win xxxxx

Ticktock61 profile image
Ticktock61 in reply toBeekite

What a great attitude you’ve got ....... spit on !!!!

Pete ❤️

HHH2017 profile image
HHH2017

What a lovely positive post Pete. Congratulations on making a change and sharing it with us all, thank you & best of luck x

Ticktock61 profile image
Ticktock61 in reply toHHH2017

Thank you so much I feel I’ve defo moved forward

Pete ❤️

Hedgehoglady07 profile image
Hedgehoglady07

Such a positive post and really cheered me up. I have had shoulder pain too and it's muscular in my case too. My GP was great too and said I shouldn't worry about contacting her. I was interested in your comment about Yoga as I am thinking about doing some classes. I have a leaking aortic valve but not serious enough to operate at the moment. Wishing all the best and thanks again😃

Ticktock61 profile image
Ticktock61 in reply toHedgehoglady07

Awwwh thank you so many people do have muscular pain but we always think the worst and by doing that it’s stops us from doing things I’m trying to be more open minded

Pete ❤️

Harleychick1957 profile image
Harleychick1957

I have been following your story Ticktock and I’m so pleased for you, onwards and upwards

Ticktock61 profile image
Ticktock61 in reply toHarleychick1957

Nice to know you’ve been following the journey thank you so much hope I haven’t bored you lol 😂😂😂😂

Pete ❤️

Harleychick1957 profile image
Harleychick1957 in reply toTicktock61

Not at all, my husband had a triple bypass last Christmas and I am often here ‘lurking’ 😂 I have been following you’re journey with interest especially as we are also in Yorkshire

Ticktock61 profile image
Ticktock61 in reply toHarleychick1957

Hope your husband is doing well !!!

Good to have some Yorkshire folk following me 😀😀

Pete ❤️

Harleychick1957 profile image
Harleychick1957 in reply toTicktock61

Yes he is, but he's still breathless at times and his heart rate is always between 90 and 100 although nobody seems bothered by it, he was refused rehab because of his high heart rate so we just plod on...

Ticktock61 profile image
Ticktock61 in reply toHarleychick1957

Sorry about that hopefully things will sort themselves out

Pete ❤️

AndtH profile image
AndtH

Hi Pete, Eventually your mind your head and heart become Pete again, enjoy your new life. A second chance is very special.

Blessings Andy 💖

Ticktock61 profile image
Ticktock61 in reply toAndtH

Hi Andy

I told my best mate the other day that I felt like there was me and then there was my body and the two weren’t joined up anymore which I know sounds weird but that is how it felt whereas now I’m becoming Pete again which is ace

Pete ❤️

AndtH profile image
AndtH in reply toTicktock61

Hi Pete, It's 6 years next month since I had my AVR, I had a tissue valve, how about you?

Blessings Andy 💖

Ticktock61 profile image
Ticktock61 in reply toAndtH

I was offered the latest tissue valve and went for that as I didn’t want to be on warfarin for the rest of my life

Pete ❤️

Nanny72 profile image
Nanny72

Fantastic post. Haven't the clot problem but went to my doctor with breathlessness two weeks ago. Loads of checks then told it is anxiety. Now on antidepressants and offered counselling. Declined counselling but agreed to six months only on antidepressants.

Ticktock61 profile image
Ticktock61 in reply toNanny72

It’s easy to gnet anxious and I fully understand it happenning I would probably have done the counselling first to see if you can get to the root cause then sort that out but we’re all different and it’s whatever works for you I wish you all the best going forward

Pete ❤️

Shoshov profile image
Shoshov

Hi Pete that’s fabulous news. I knew you were a warrior. Remember onwards and upwards buzz❤️

Ticktock61 profile image
Ticktock61 in reply toShoshov

Wow you’ve just inflated my ego calling me a warrior !!!

Thank you so much for your kind words

Have a great weekend

Pete ❤️

Shoshov profile image
Shoshov

You are a warrior. Keep well pete❤️

Fredders profile image
Fredders

Hi Pete, I’m sure the medical team would prefer you to get anything like that checked than leave it and end up being an emergency admission for something serious. Glad you got the all clear.

I know what you mean about being paranoid, it is so easy to fall into that mindset. I have the added complication of not having a spleen so have to be extra careful about the risk of infection, but I’m not letting it rule my life, I just take sensible precautions and listen to my body. In 2.5 years I have only had one chest infection that needed additional antibiotics.

You’re doing better than me with the walking, my back starts hurting if I walk for too long, but I’m going to get an exercise bike so that I can work on my cardio.

Hope you’re recovery continues to go well.

Wendy x

Ticktock61 profile image
Ticktock61 in reply toFredders

Hope your ok the exercise bike sounds a great idea keep plugging away

Pete ❤️

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