Aortic Valve replacement - second week home.

[road2ruin]

After my scare and going into AF I am finally settled at home with more drugs to take.

The second full week has been a lot more rewarding and on some days you can really feel progress is being made. I am walking a lot more, my pain is a lot less during the days and I feel mentally stronger. Like Robinangel on here, I too have a step counter and use this to get an idea of my movement, I am on an average of 2500 steps a day this week. The weather has not been great and I really seem to suffer from the cold so this has hampered me a little. Sleeping is still also a challenge.

I was sent home with some sleeping tablets, Zopiclone, and at the moment can't sleep without them. I have managed to get down to the minimum dose 1x 3.75mg at night. I suspect it may be a safety blanket at the moment, but I am still suffering anxiety at nights so I will keep it up for a while and hope the counselling helps.

My scar has improved a lot too, whilst still rather sensitive to touch, the sight has vastly improved (no longer Frankenstein's monster, more ohhh that hurts).

There are some days where I do too much, only to suffer in the evening from a sore chest and excessive tiredness (Still can't sleep though ;)) Be aware of your limits and try not to get carried away would be my advice, its too easy.

That's all for this post. I am now into my fourth week post Op, so will update you soon.

Best regards to all.

R2R

[Ianc2]

See if you can scrounge a V shaped pillow and take your pain killers as prescribed. Most doctors prescribe taking it reasonably easy for at least 10 weeks to give your breastbone time to knit together. At about this time you should get a call from the medics to take part in the rehab program, which you will probably enjoy. Take it easy and persevere with a slow and steady recovery. Just be careful when you start shouting at the TV.

[road2ruin in reply to Ianc2]

Nice one, many thanks..