A new path - 7.5 weeks after Aortic Valve and Root Op

[StevepH2012]

So, during the 8th week I have completed 3 of the BHF cardio rehab video classes (level 3) as well as walking for an 1hr + most days.

I've ended up getting a BP monitor but intend to only take readings once a week (unless I start to 'feel funny')

I've arranged a meeting with my boss and HR manager next week, after which I expect to be working, building the hours per week up from 50% over time.

Chest still feels like there's a sticking plaster on it most mornings, but that usually quickly wears off - in recent hot weather I did feel completely knackered after walking for 1.25 hours so that seems to be limit at moment.

This will be last regular update on here - two months post I can't be sure that I'm 'better than before' but I'm definitely not worse and on upward curve.

Some thoughts that you can take or leave (everyone's different:

- final week or so before op: If you read these boards and BHF site you're probably prepared enough. leave internet heart stuff alone as much as you can

- COVID procedure in hospital is 'just the way it is' now and any time you have to yourself that you'd otherwise be able to share with visitors is minimal. Surgery team will contact named person shortly after you/they leave theatre with update. Take long (3m) charger for phone tablet and you're sorted

- breathe as deep as you can and sit in chair/ walk as much as you feel can in 1st few days

- It is far preferable to use toilet than a commode once catheter is removed - the capacity of the commode was not enough! Luckily, at this point anything exiting is pretty much water.

- there is no pride/embarrassment in ITU/HDU - if you think you need help for even the smallest thing shout (it's what they do - the care staff will have seen it before and probably worse) and don't take much in the way of clothes/stuff. hospital gown and non-slip socks did me for all except last 36 hours.

- if not in private room, take earplugs. all patients are wired/tuned up to monitors that sound alarm if any of standard observations of Blood p ressure, Pulse, oxygenation and temperature fall or rise outside set limits. Unsurprisingly, since everyone on your ward is there because of some kind of serious heart condition these alarms go off seemingly all the time!!

- Make sure any music you listen too is not of the C&W/ballad nature - you will be very emotional and subject to mood swings. Anything other than upbeat positive music is likely to set you off!

Wishing you all well and enormous thanks to those who've helped me through messaging

Steve

[swingyourpants]

Good advice Steve,

I'm six months out now and got the final sign off from my Cardio last Thursday. He said my procedure/recovery was Text Book. Next check up will be in a years time.

[080311]

Great to read you are recovering so well, hope your work meeting goes smoothly.

Life with a mended heart is good😊

[Nic25]

Great you're making such excellent progress Steve, and all great advice/tips that I'm sure will be really helpful! Onwards and upwards....

Nic x

[RoyM]

Good luck Steve. Roy

[Telboi]

Hi Steve, I’m week 4 post Op double bypass CABG and found your posts very inspiring, I’m almost tracking to your recovery journey - have also started BHF fitness videos and life is coming back into real focus.

Yesterday my wife and I managed a go out for a two hour (alcohol free) lunch with friends - they thought I appeared ‘normal’ although frankly I was knackered at home later. But it was good for the soul.

I’m walking 5000 steps a day and meds are good except my pulse at 52 seems a bit low and making me bit tired and lethargic. Chest still sore but getting used to scar and not as ‘in your face’ as it was.

I’m less ‘worried’ about everything - blood clots, heart noisy, strokes, work, all stole my sleep but getting to accept the situation - I can only control what I can control - and that’s getting better.

I have two concerns just now that I Hope time will just fix , right shoulder and upper arm pain (like a trapped nerve, and some pretty scary ‘cracking’ sounds from upper chest area that have freaked me out a couple of times - miss golf, gym, socialising, but perversely, COVID has meant most others missing same stuff, so a decent time for all this to happen.

Good luck and good fortune with your continued recovery Steve and thanks for the advice.

One last piece of advice for all out their who have wives, husbands, partners. They are going through the same difficult journey as us, but are unsung heroes - love them BIG every day and thank them endlessly.

Terry

[Thanksnhs]

Ah the dignity, it is definitely left at the door, I have to agree the nurses in icu/critical care were amazing for putting me at ease and assuring me they weren't annoyed or embarrassed about any requests at all they were fantastic, when I was still in icu I was a bit longer getting back to the ward as there was no beds, my nurse and an assistant took me for a shower it was an awful bother for them, drains, drips etc but so appreciated, they washed and pleated my hair got me out of the hospital goonie and into fresh jammies it made me feel so much better human again , the small things like that matter so much, been home four weeks now, recovering slowly, still baby steps

[Mikedabike]

Great news and good advice. I am lucky enough that I don’t have to return to work. However as with everything else keep listening to your body, never be afraid to back off or just have a day resting. It is good that you mention the heat. I have always kept myself fit, but always struggled to a degree with the heat. Since my AVR I have noticed that I really do not perform well in extreme heat and adjust my exercise accordingly. I had never thought about it, but your advice about ear plugs and the type of music is spot on. Onwards and upwards with your recovery.

[Tubbylardo]

Good call on the music ..... the Elvis version of How Great Thous Art came on and I fell apart two days post-op. Also, 3m USB leads for your phone charger - the other "inmates" on my ward were green with envy at my 3m charger lead.