Hi all
Had my AV op on December 8th so in recovery day 11. Came home 6' days ago. Felt like I was making huge steps forward for the first few days but feel like I have stalled a bit now. Any words of encouragement for me ? Coughing a bit which hurts. Had to stop taking Codeine as it was affecting my vision so on regular Paracetamol and Ibuprofen as needed. Just feeling a bit sorry for myself but know I am lucky really!!!
Hi Bookworm60
The road to recovery is always longer than we would like. Coughing is normal keep doing your breathing exercises ( huffing and puffing) and your coughing one. Hold your rolled up towel or baby blanket against your chest when you need to cough or sneeze. Mine went everywhere with me literally became my security blanket! Remember your lungs have taken a hit when we are on bypass they collapse so need a bit of help to fill all those little pockets up again.
It’s really early days, slowly does it. You have been through a huge operation and getting back your stamina will take time. But you will get there just listen to your body if it says tired rest.
Best wishes Pauline
Hi Bookworm60
So glad that you have had your surgery. I'm still in prelimbolando so can't give you any advice. I can recommend a Facebook group around AV surgery though. Lots of support and advice there.
Wishing you a speedy recovery
Joanne
X
Hi, it's very early days post op so don't be surprised if you have good and bad days. Think what your body has been through during the op, it will take time for everything to recover, especially the effects of the anaesthetic and being on bypass. Be gentle on yourself and listen to your body, you'll get there.
Wendy
Be patient as it will get easier. The first six weeks being the toughest. My only concern for you is you take ibuprofen? On who’s advice Please check with your GP or pharmacist as I have always been advised that this is a big no no
Thanks for responding. Pretty sure it was the consultant surgeon, backed up by the local practice nurse. What a no to Ibuprofen ? Wil call tomorrow to check.
There is a good explanation on the BHF web site
Ok thanks will go and look!
How did you get on with the ibuprofen query
Hi thereYes thanks for the heads up ! Dr said Ibuprofen probably ok from time to time but not best solution and not long term. So you were right to flag up for me - thanks. Back on the Codeine. My ' visual disturbances' have returned and she reckons they are migraine auras probably sparked off by the anaesthetic.
Don't think I'll need anything in top if the regular Paracetamol soon so hopefully a short lived issue.
Thanks
Penny
It is very early days yet, you're bound to have a bit of a cough and some chest pain. There's bound to be plateaus and then moves upwards. If you think your cough is getting worse, ring your GP before Christmas.
Take it slow and steady , it sounds as if you're doing alright. I know it's difficult, but you'll have to be a bit patient. I've known some people feel they weren't making progress until after the first 6 weeks. I belong to this group, it's brilliant, they're lovely people & you'll get lots of support.
facebook.com/groups/1864350...
Hope you have a good Christmas.xx
Thank you ☺️
On December 14th I passed the 12 month milestone of my AVR surgery. I also had my aorta replaced and a pacemaker fitted, I'm 56.
Recovery was slow and frustrating and you will have good.and bad days and bad days for no reason, it's just part of the rehabilitation process.
I kept a diary of all the positive milestones which helped me looking back to see how farninhad come. From walking upstairs, my daily walks, how long and how many. As this built up, onntjise bad days when you think your not making progress you can look back and believe me it can be quite amazing to see your progress.
You will experience different pains both muscular and nerve but you get to recognise these and how to treat them. I use a wheat bag that can be heated in the microwave for my pains, does a fantastic job.
Your rehab team will also look after you and the GPs are generally very good.
Just take it slowly and don't try and rush it, I found.thats when I had my bad days, after I had done to much.
I'm back working, I work for a landscape gardener so pretty physical work, I'm up to four days a week and next year I'll return back to full time.
Good luck with your recovery .and keep us posted 👍
Thanks for this much appreciated. I'm quite an impatient person. I think this experience is going to teach me a lot ...Hope you have a lovely Christmas.
Hi, at your stage I was still in hospital. It is a one step forward, two steps back process. Pauline is right. Listen yo your body. And join the group Joanne has mentioned. We are a lovely crew and have a zoom every couple of weeks. Take care x
Hi I’m still in the Brompton on day four - can’t quite believe it !! All went well and I’m able to walk to the loo unaided !! A massive milestone !! My friend whose a retired nurse said all through this journey take it one day at a time and already I’ve improved and I take her advice very serious now she’s been spot on . I take great heart from hearing peoples peeks and troughs . I have been given extras years to be with my grandchildren so I need to take it very much one day at a time and cherish this amazing gift because I have been so lucky to get this x merry Christmas hearties x
Fabulous to hear you are doing so well. Wishing you all the best with your continued recovery❤️.
I had mine done nearly 8 days ago (MV) Open heart , came home after 4 days but struggling with pain ,couldn't sleep well and shoulder pain is the worse, just taking every day as it comes. Hoping that I'll feel better soon too, so I don't have unfortunately much experience in regards to post ops but am learning things, fighting every day till I start feeling better . Good luck and best wishes
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