Help!

[Pamelodie]

I had valve replacement surgery 11 days ago. I'm not achieving the walking goals and feel quite down. Anyone else further down the path with advice please?

[Ageingfast]

No panic !! Eleven days is nothing. I suggest that you just Keep moving a little bit and then walk just a few yards. Across your room is OK for now.And do remember to talk as you walk.

We are all different and your guide book is a vague back ground.

I took more than three months to recover, yet I was out of bed and exercising as soon as the anaesthetic wore off.

I had no bother with the walkie talkie stuff. Just did a fraction more each day. Got fed up with talking to myself, but still did it.

I kept thinking about all those staff who looked after me in the cardio ward, and the fantastic work by the surgeon and his team. You and me would now be dead without their work. I couldn’t possibly be down after that op.

You will recover. And you will get to a stage when you feel wonderful. I called it a golden moment. The scar will heal, probably be invisible by the autumn.

I had my lovely big black cat to keep me company. He sat beside me in bed or in the lounge.

It is now four years post op and I don’t even know that the new valve is beating for me. One very quick annual visit to the cardiac dept and I am off again for another year. I do play spot the scar, but I can’t see it.

Best wishes

C.

[Nugen in reply to Ageingfast]

What kind of surgery did you have?

[Ageingfast in reply to Nugen]

I had a replacement aortic valve. Plus a minor clean up of some of the pipe work.

My op was observed by a group of interested people such as nurses and doctors. They couldn’t wait to tell me what went on. All a bit unreal. Covid was at its height so no other visitors. But that worked well.

I just got better and better after the op. I could feel the improvement every two days. doing the walkie talkie was a positive.

Hope you are already a little better.

C.

[Nugen in reply to Ageingfast]

Same as me, did you have minimally invasive surgery?

[Ageingfast in reply to Nugen]

No, I had OHS. Discussed TAVi but the big chief surgeon gently guided me to OHS. I don’t know what minimally invasive surgery is.

Us males have an unfair advantage. So OHS is often the better way forward.

C.

[Nugen in reply to Ageingfast]

Its just that you were referring to scarring being feint so I assumed you d had mine invasive where the incision is often between ribs and far smaller.

[Ageingfast in reply to Nugen]

Initially scar from neck to tummy, but it cleared up fairly well within a year and is now virtually invisible. I am so happy with the op, four years on.

C.

[BeKind28-]

Hello

I have not had a valve replacement I had a triple heart Bypass but either way 11 days is very early to be expecting so much of yourself you need to recover and at your own pace

Maybe reading what you should be doing or what others were doing at this stage is something we all tend to do and we forget we are individuals so this can vary so much

Set yourself small goals what are reachable for you and to start with it does not matter how small they are but as you reach them and you will then you can add a little more until you are back on your feet

Feeling down after these kinds of ops is very normal you have gone through a big operation and after as well as physical mentally it takes time to process and time for us to heal but you will

Be kind to yourself

Let us know how you get on x

[weepip]

Hi I had a triple bypass just over 5 weeks ago and have a few issues with infections since . I could barely stagger to the bathroom at 11 days and felt very down when I left hospital on day 10 when others had left earlier and seemed so much further on . I think some of us just take a little longer to recover. Really for me it was week 4 before I started to feel a good bit stronger and didn't need to lie on the bed for 20 mins after my shower 😅 this week I've been able to get out walking, managed a mile today all being a slow plod. And then made a roast chicken dinner tonight and feeling stronger each day. Try not to worry about targets we are all different as long as you know you are trying to do your best to improve I'm sure it will happen for you xxx

[Rhinos67]

Hello 😊 Can I ask who set your goals? Everyone's recovery journey is different.I had a visit from Community Cardiac Care nurse approx 6 week post AVR and I was feeling really down because I wasn't able to walk far. I got a gentle telling off due to the fact that I'd spent 2 weeks in ICU before I was given a pacemaker so my recovery didn't even begin until about 2 and a half weeks post valve replacement.

Be kind to yourself. Just aim for 1% improvement each day. Not necessarily distance. Some of mine were that I'd had an extra hour between naps, that I'd been able to have a shower without using a seat and that I hadn't cried that day.

Take care and if you aren't already a member of the Facebook group UK Aortic and Heart Defects Pre and Post surgery then think about joining. We have a Zoom chat planned for Friday evening. Very informal and reassuring.

Joanne

😊

[Traveldreams]

I had Mitral valve repair on 31st January and although I felt I was doing well and making a tiny improvement every day, my progress did not meet the booklet guidelines. I was frustrated and became fixated in the same way as I did when a new mum 25 years ago. Five months later, I know that I did the right thing by listening to my body! I do about 5 miles a day and am back to work full time. I still have some way to go before I hit my own goals but at post op I was doing better than the average patient.

Listen to your body. You’ve survived incredibly major surgery. Internally is doing more than the external scars you can see. You’re already a high achiever. Keep moving gently and it’ll all be okay!

[Bluedolphin123 in reply to Traveldreams]

That is so very reassuring 😊

I’ve just had my phone call after 15 months waiting to go in Sunday for my mitral valve surgery -I’m in a bit of a daze at the moment but your journey is inspiring x

[Traveldreams in reply to Bluedolphin123]

I was phoned in a Friday night for a Wednesday op and didn’t really take it in before hand (not necessarily a bad thing as I didn’t get too much worrying time). I had a few minor blips along the way but all in all I’m happy with my progress. Hospital tells you 12 weeks to recovery , cardiac nurses say 2 years to full fitness and I try to take that into consideration.

Keep in touch- I’m sure all will go well but if you need a chat please message anytime xx

[Bluedolphin123 in reply to Traveldreams]

Thank you for your kind words and offer to chat 🙏

I agree with the two years back to full fitness, it’s going to be a journey and that time scale sounds more realistic .

I’ve just got to focus on staying calm these next few days otherwise it will be chaos 😂

Hopefully all being well I can message once I’m through it xx

[Bluedolphin123 in reply to Traveldreams]

Two days ago I booked to go to Cornwall on Saturday so bad timing as now I’ve been given the date of Sunday for admission ready for my operation.

I’ve got the choice of losing the money or rescheduling to September which is only 8 weeks away .

From your experience do you think there’s any possibility of being able to do the car journey as a passenger and relax in a cottage by the sea just 8 weeks post op ? xx

[Traveldreams in reply to Bluedolphin123]

First time I travelled far was four months later but that was partially because I went back to work after 3 months (on a phased return). I personally wasn’t ready at 8 weeks but it was because I had a slight wound issue and didn’t feel comfortable in the car. You might be fine. We’re all so different. If you did feel well enough the break would do you good!

[Bluedolphin123 in reply to Traveldreams]

Thank you for your reply 😊

I know 8 weeks is extremely optimistic 😂

I’ve not been given an option to reschedule any further ahead so I’ll have to just wait and see how I am and if necessary be prepared to lose the price of the cottage .

The recovery is the priority

Thank you once again xx

[Craig53]

Morning I had the same in march every went peershape I was depressed about what had happened I still can't do has much and out of breath alot it's normal to get upset I'd burst in to tears a few times it's early days for me so adjust to the situation slowly take care it's like learning to walk again best of luck

[Survivor1952]

We are all different, 11 days is early times yet.

I’m a year in, my chest is only just stopping hurting if I recline on my right side yet I was, by contrast, doing 5k jog/run at 12 weeks.

Just be patient, I didn’t hit the exercise target until 2 weeks post op and my rehab team were amazed at how early I’d achieved this.

Age is another factor, the older we are the longer we take to recover.

[Larneybuds]

Good morning...everyone's recovery is different. Some people get into walking fairly quickly and with others it takes time. There are good days and some not so good but don't expect too much initially and don't be too hard on yourself or compare yourself to how others might have recovered...it's a very individual journey. You have had a big operation and your body has to get used to it's new normal. If you don't feel you can walk far at the moment, do some chair exercises...there are plenty on the internet. You need to build strength up as well as walking. If you feel a bit unsteady with walking use a walking stick initially to give you a bit of confidence and just build up your steps bit by bit. Just because you had your valve replaced it doesn't mean you automatically bounce back to full health. It's really important to rest but just try to push yourself a little bit more each day. I'm sure over the next weeks you will see a difference and I wish you all the best in your recovery. X

[Bowlsnut]

please don’t get upset .. a little movement is great . Your body is recovering. I’m 5 weeks post op have good days walking and rest days . hubby takes me out in the wheelchair round the park on my low days and he is happy gets his steps in.. keep positive we have been blessed . 😊

[Sooz34]

I think the best way forward is to do it at your own pace but do a bit more when you can. Don't worry who's doing more or less just set little goals and get to them eventually. Trying to get to goals that are too big and failing will get you down. Just keep plodding x

[Mitchum]

Eleven days in relative valve replacement terms is the blink of an eye! Don't get down but accept the situation because it WILL change. I couldn't do much for a few weeks except gradually increase my walking and general moving. You have had major surgery with all that brings, including occasional emotional outbreaks, tearfulness etc. This is completely normal.

When four or so months have passed, you will be able to resume, or start, proper exercise (gradually) and you'll feel better than ever! Promise! PM me if you want to hear of someone else's experience or need specific "advice". Good luck.

[Wurliwonder]

I had mobility issues long before my valve replacement surgery so have a walking aid with a seat. This has proved to be very useful in the 40 days since my surgery.

From day one I was able to walk for a short distance, sit for a while and then walk a little further. I have a small park a couple of minutes from my home so often stopped to talk when there.

As, initially, I wasn't allowed to carry any heavy weights such as a shopping bag, I used the walker for that too. Staff at my local Premier store helped me pack a small shopping bag with basics like bread, milk and veg and secure it to the walker. The walk home is either on the flat or slightly downhill so there's no significant exertion involved.

I'd not been set any specific goals so just did the best I could, when I could. I can now walk around a large Supermarket with only the trolley to support me although I now prefer to do several small shops during the week than one big shop every 10 days or so. I also make a point of walking up and down every aisle to get the extra exercise. This is particularly useful when the weather is wet. I'm never going to be a fan of walking in the rain.

As someone else has said, it's important to be able to pat yourself on the back for achieving even a small goal. That doesn't have to be anything to do with your progress. Little things like trying a new meal recipe or repotting a plant will give you a little boost.

I'm very lucky in as much as I have lots of hobbies and interests so I always have something to do to pass away the time. I only watch TV in the evening but I like to cook, read, draw and paint. Although they're very sedentary occupations they're a great moral boost and I'm never bored.

[Billett]

I had double by pass and valve repair in January couldnt get out at the time so missed all my goals till 6 weeks but your body is a fantastic thing and you soon catch up when you can dont worry you will get there just a little slower

[TAVIshock]

Sounds in the "normal" post-op range. Could I suggest that you dowsize fitness aspirations for a (short) time and use work-out guides - such as "indoor walking for seniors - and other easy routines plentiful on You-Tube (try the Australian physio Mike Kucher). It is likely that easing yourself into more strenuous activity in this was will speed you to your desired walking goals. Hope so. In any case helped me greatly....

best

Tavishock

[samui4611]

What are the walking goals,I had valve replacement,some time ago,ther was no mention

of this.

[Coper10]

I wasn't discharged until 10 days after my AVR operation so during that time just walked about a bit on the ward as able. I remember feeling exhausted and could sleep for an hour or two in the afternoon. Once home, I had been advised to walk for 10 minutes each day on week 1 (but to include 2 rest days). Week 2 to add another 10 minutes (still have 2 rest days) and so on, until I felt able to do up to an hour. Then I could try to either walk quicker or have a few slopes. It was a gradual build up of my tolerance and strength. It was also quite usual to become tearful at times for no apparent reason- this is totally normal as your body and mind come to terms with the huge operation you have had. I started to think I wasn't making progress, until I stopped and realised the need to take each day as it comes, each day will be different and however that day is, is fine. Most important is to be kind to yourself. Once I took the pressure off myself I felt a lot better and bit by bit I noticed the 'bad' days didn't happen as often. 11 days is still really early. Once I got to about 7 weeks I could really notice how much I'd progressed. Recovery is slow but sure. Be kind to yourself and take each day as it comes. Wishing you all the best 🤗

[Nugen]

Seriously , you re prob feeling the normal emotional aftermath that comes from realising you're very mortal! It's normal and at 11 days I was still spending most of my days resting. Walking wasn't that comfortable at all. It's now 5 months for me and I'm back in the gym, returning the house and doing cardio at 7am three times a week. Don't worry about progress yet , it will come, listen to your body.

What type of surgery did you have if you don't mind me asking ?