A new path - 3 weeks after Aortic Valve and Root Op

[StevepH2012]

Hi

3 weeks ago today I was lying in recovery ward having exited operating theatre ~1:30pm.

In the last week I've:

- had chest drain stitches removed;

- been contacted by cardiac rehab team letting me know that at present this will be 'at home' rehab programme to start after my 6 week check-up

- rung insurance co. to submit claim under critical illness policy (they're to send me a form!)

- increase average daily steps (recorded on fitbit) to >2,500

- tried to get Sick note for work. Don't forget (as I did) to ask for this at discharge -I've a feeling it might take some time now.

Some days definitely feel more tired than others, but have begun to do some helping at home (dishwasher loading etc)

Steve

[Fredders]

That’s excellent progress Steve, well done. Every bit of progress is a little victory. It took me ages until I didn’t have tired days, now I can just put it down to age! 🤪

Good to hear rehab have been in touch, I never had any contact with them after either op!

Take care, Wendy x

[ITSINTHEBAG9]

Brilliant news Steve. Progress every day. Wonderful.

[RoyM]

Great stuff Steve....glad you're feeling well enough to help with the washing up, but to be honest that would have been the last thing I would have admitted too lol. Keep safe. Roy

[Nic25]

Well done Steve. Sounds like you're making great progress!

Be careful with things like loading/unloading the dishwasher however, especially if you're lifting while leaning forward or with your arms away from your body, as that may put extra strain on your sternum and you're very early days yet in terms of the healing. And obviously nothing heavy.

But sure you're being sensible! I'm sure this is helping others, and it's a great example of how it is possible to bounce back - although of course everyone is going to be different, heal at a different pace, have different issues or complications to deal with etc.

If it helps I also experienced intense fatigue for about 6-8 weeks, a real fog of tiredness. Some days I'd be exhausted just from lying on the sofa the day before! So you just have to accept and roll with it - you're body has been through the wringer after all. So it is very normal. But it did gradually lift.

But as I say it sounds like you're making amazing progress, and hope it continues so positively for you.

Nic x

[Nic25]

*your body I meant of course

[swingyourpants]

Sounds like all good mate,

I got a call from Rehab last week 5 months post Op. I told them I was already rehabbed so I'm all good.

For your rehab at home try unloading the dishwasher! You know your limitations, if it hurts, don't do it. Simple.

Take it easy mate. You're 4 - 6 weeks out until you're back to normal ish.

[Oboebec]

Excellent news 🙂

[road2ruin]

All sounds good. My only mistake and my advice to you is take it easy. Some days you feel great and then do too much . It's a long process.

Good luck

[Munkyboy]

Well done Steve, rehab sounds like it's going well. Take it easy. Advice from someone who should've done. Wait till u r off your paracetamol before you even think of lifting a pan of water or kettle full of water!

Good luck and keep us posted

Mike

[Stevo1979]

Great news Steve, you will be up running about but it does take time, best peice of advice I would give is to do the cardiac rehab, its brilliant mentally as well as physically. It's just a pity it's a home course and not in a room with other people in same situation. I'm 18 months post op now and I'm going to fitness training bootcamps 3/4 times a week, they are tough but really enjoying them. You will get there but remember small steps!!

[Qualipop]

Wow, you've been through the mill. Well done especially on the steps. Take it slow but steady.

I don't think anyone realises just how long it takes to recover from ANY operation. You get told 6 weeks and start to feel so much better but it really does take longer. An optician once told me to never have an eye test within 3 months of an anaesthetic because it takes that long to get fully out of your system. I just applied for my medical records from 1990 as I needed to check details of an operation and written in block capitals all over my notes is the comment from consultant and GP "Mrs H did NOT rest as instructed;l moved house after 3 weeks (with lots of exclamation marks) and the comment "No wonder she has pain". Well yes I did but our house had sold so we had no choice. I also had a 2 year old child. Listen to your body.