Hi all
I can't quite believe that 2 weeks ago I'd just left operating theatre.
Over the past week I've:
- reduced meds down to 4 plus occassional) codeine
- ventured out of house for walks round the block
- arranged stitch (drains) removal and BP/HR appointment
- had glass of wine with tea!
I've started wearing fitbit to keep an eye on steps per day - pulse is ~10 bpm higher than pre -op but has dropped over last 3 days. 'New' heart beat is v noticeable when lying down.
Early days!
Steve
Brilliant..just brilliant x
Doing great Steve!, so pleased you’re making progress.... what does the new heartbeat feel like when you lie down?
Can’t wait to be able to lie on my left side & not have my heart beat banging away in my ear!! Hope you’re coping ok in this heat?
Take it easy...
I'm lucky enough to have wife and two daughters making sure I don't lift more than 1 finger at a time - so heat hasn't been too unbearable.
The new heart beat is definitely a bit disconcerting - 'loud' in my ear, neck and chest when lying down with little or no background noise. I can't really say if it's noise or strong pulse - but have decided to assume it's normal until told otherwise.
A walk in the park as I told you. It just gets better and better as the weeks go by. When I was able to swing a golf club without it hurting, I knew I was fixed.
For a few weeks I felt I had a "strong" heartbeat. It soon disappeared and I never mentioned it to my Surgeon on my followup calls. Nothing to worry about.
Hi Steve, I had the same 13 weeks ago. It sounds like your recovery is doing well, my biggest regret post surgery is not resting enough. It's very hard for me to do very little, but it's imperative you rest and do light excercise. Just walking is enough Steve. I wish you the very best in your recovery.
8 years for me. Gentle exercises to start with but if possible join a Covid safe rehabilitation group for weekly exercising. I really enjoyed that. Various exercises and some to music, soft ball tennis, badminton, brisk walking and steps. Good luck
Hi Steve well done keep it up. I had mine 4 years ago I used to sit up in bed and rock from side to side with my heart throb just like the good old days in the 60s sitting on my 650 cc motorbike 👍😂. I still feel the heart throb now when lying on my right side but as long as it's nice and even, it's no prob. Keep going.
Great news Steve. Keep it up. I would echo some of the other commenters advice. Those first few weeks, sometimes it is so easy to want to do a little too much. Just take it easy - little by little. Most importantly listen to your body. If you feel a little tired, then don’t be afraid of taking it easy, or even doing nothing that day. Good luck
You are going very well. I am 14 weeks and what is so good is that the recovery improves. Make the right effort and you will get a good reward. I have just clipped hedge and yesterday I mowed grass. My chest, arm and neck muscles have been complaining daily, but now they are settling nicely.
Is your valve mechanical ? mIne is a generic inspiris resilia. ie its not mechanical. I am 72.
I didnt get rehab. Have you been offered any ?
Just think how far we have both come.
And England won the test match.
Colin
Hi Colin
Sounds as though you too are making good progress.
I have a tissue (Edwards Perimount) valve - hopefully it will last 15-2 0 yrs and be replaced through TAVI. I'm yet to find out if any re-hab is currently running near me, but I suspect not - so I'm simply intending to walk a little bit further every couple of days for the next few weeks ( up to the 6 week scheck-up).
Cricket - nice surprise!
Gentle walking is the best rehab. Ideally you should walk and talk. I was given a crib sheet, being trunk exercises on a daily basis. My rehab period was 12 weeks not six. But I am old. I then got a gout flare up that delayed my walking, so I just added on the walking when the gout eventually left me alone.
Six week check up sounds really useful. I didnt have that option. Covid was at its height so everything was closing.
I have this week mowed the grass. And cut a large hedge. So recovery does come along nicely. Just have to ensure that I dont do too much.
Very well done.
Hi Steve!
I've had aortic valve replacement 5 weeks ago...still have this heavy thumping heartbeat! Feel it pulsing in my neck, in my back when lying down and it is actually visible for example when I hold my phone, it jumps up and down! Not sure when that's going to settle! Do you take Amiodarone?
I think you've done so well! Keep improving! Best wishes! Monica😊
Aortic valve and root surgery
