Light at the end of the tunnel

[Carluke]

Feeling better today than I have for months. Physically no change but had phone call today with the news I will be having my valve repairs on 25/6/21.

[080311]

Great news, you will be soon on your way to being in recovery. Had AVR and bypass 4 years ago age 68 just follow the instructions you are given no arms above your head no lifting anything heavier than half a kettle of water no pulling or pushing movements. You will be given breathing exercises to do after surgery keep doing them when you get home I called them huffing and puffing they really help remember your lungs were collapsed when we are on bypass so they need a bit of looking after to fill the little pockets up again. It’s baby steps when your body says I am tired rest. Wishing you well let us know how you go.

Best wishes Pauline

[Carluke in reply to 080311]

Thanks Pauline. I will keep you posted. I think it’s the recovery that bothers me most and not knowing what to expect. But I will be patient and not try to push myself like when I had my knee replacements,which set me back ages.

[080311 in reply to Carluke]

Just follow the instructions don’t try to run before you can walk 😂 the other thing is if you get emotional it’s normal your brain has to catch up with what as happened to your body. When I started my daily walking I use to count lamp posts try and get to the next one on my next walk. I know it sounds silly but it worked for me.

Pauline

[Bishop1]

Good luck. You have been given very sound advice. It will take time but every day is a new day. It takes time to recover from all heart surgery. All I can add use a little firm cushion when doing your breathing exercises and getting up from a chair. Hold it tight across your chest. I'm 5 months out of double bypass and feel good Thank God. Take care and stay safe x x

[Carluke in reply to Bishop1]

Thanks. Pleased you feel well

[Wooodsie]

Good news Carluke, and the others have offered good advice. Take it easy, don't push and expect quite a bit of pain which will go away soon enough. I wasn't given breathing advice and my lungs hurt for quite a while, I'm now breathing very deep as often as I remember, still hurts a bit after 8 months, so the breathing is v important. Good luck on the op day 👍👏👏👏

[Carluke in reply to Wooodsie]

Appreciate your words

[Highlandmist]

Hi Carluke,

I had my mitral valve repaired in August. Every day is a step to recovery. Take the time you need and let your body heal. I find it hard to do that, and found listening to meditation or stories helped a lot ( I treated myself to the Calm app). Wishing you all the best, take care x

[Carluke in reply to Highlandmist]

More good advice,thanks

[Janma123]

Great news, best wishes and take things slowly.

[Carluke in reply to Janma123]

Thanks.

[nursenancy53]

Wishing you good luck 😀

[Carluke in reply to nursenancy53]

Thanks Nurse

[Laneside]

Good luck hope all goes well looking forward to seeing future post from you x

[Carluke in reply to Laneside]

👍

[Carluke]

👍

[Hidden]

HiGood news you have a date!

I had my AVR in January this year.

My recovery has gone very well. Went for a 5 mile walk yesterday and feeling nearly back to normal. I keep thinking how amazing the recovery ❤️‍🩹 rate is really.

Keep all the previous good advice and you will get there. The lifting, pushing, pulling no no’s in particular. You will set yourself back and it will hurt.

Two things that helped me and I could pass on here are:-

Get a stool for the shower. It’s more relaxing to sit comfortably and hold the shower hose yourself. I used it for weeks after I didn’t need it! It’s safe and gives you confidence . It’s also easier for someone else to wash your hair and do above the arms for you in the beginning. Don’t lift those arms up!

The other one is learn to push doors open with your bum!! I still do this as you touch less hard surfaces when out and about. You don’t know how heavy that closed door is and you don’t want to find out by pushing it with your hand.

Good luck and keep us informed.

Regards

❤️Maisie❤️

[Carluke]

Great advice. You are doing incredible,I will make your recovery as a goal. 5 miles amazing.

[Jules2021]

All the best with your repairs x

[Carluke in reply to Jules2021]

👍

[Rowan666]

Couple of little tips. Find a suitable cushion you can put under the seat belt, when you're collected from hospital or even as a passenger. Also, cut your toe nails the day before your op. It a bit hard for a while after. 🤫

Ditto if you need to shave under your arms or legs.

Save a couple of those little yogurt drink bottles (Actimal or similar) ask somebody to fill them up at night ... it's lovely to be able to make a cuppa in the night without disturbing anybody.

Good Luck ☘

[Carluke in reply to Rowan666]

👍 Probably leave the legs 😂

[Rowan666 in reply to Carluke]

😄

[Qualipop]

My friend's husband had a valve replacement last week; home t he next day and recovering nicely. Obviously it makes a difference how it's done. Wishing you well. I just posted a story from Northern Life magazine by someone who had it done during the second wave of covid.

[Carluke]

Best wishes to him. Amazing progress.