12 weeks after AVR

[JDDrummist]

So, the much anticipated 12 weeks post AVR is here! I can scarcely believe it, but 12 weeks ago today I was being wheeled into the anaesthesia prep room, chatting away,& feeling no apprehension at all. I’m so grateful and blessed to be able to write this,& look back over the last three months’ recovery. Yes, there have been some no-so-good days, but nothing horrendous: no actual pain, just general soreness: I’m convinced that the Postthorax sternal support vest I was given played a significant part in this. The overriding memory is of tiredness, of lack of energy and stamina. I’m happy to report that these episodes are getting fewer and further apart( I had three consecutive days last week where I had what I would class as ‘normal’ activity days, with an average of 8,000 steps,& no naps or resting: day 4 however was different-definitely lower energy levels but no naps. In terms of the healing process, this 12 week marker is supposed to be the point at which the sternum is fully fused: I am however still experiencing some twinges and pain right in the centre of my chest,mainly when coughing or sneezing, but these are nowhere nearer the unbelievable knife through the chest sensation I experienced in the first 2-3 weeks. My muscle strength is slowly starting to improve-I can actually now pick my 18 pound, 5 month old granddaughter up safely: need to work on loading my drum kit into the car as we have a gig in 7 weeks 😜 I start my cardiac rehabilitation tomorrow, with an initial assessment session: this is a good few weeks later than I expected, so I’m hoping that the professional guidance will help me to get to some semblance of fitness, so I can start to appreciate my newly revitalised heart.

[PadThaiNoodles]

I started cardiac rehab at about 14 weeks and thought it worked fine. There’s a trade-off between getting your confidence back early and being able to really push yourself if you start a bit later.

[Ticktick]

JDDrummist Be blessed

God bless you with good health and joy for decades to come

[andy110519]

Hi, sounds like you're doing really well, I'm sure I was still having a nap in the afternoon if I'd had a busy day the day before. As for twinges in your chest, I still had slight discomfort bending over to tie my laces at 12 months, so nothing unusual. I was 50 at the time so can't blame old age!Take care.

Andy

[OK10]

Sounds you are doing great. Keep it up but still early days so don't force yourself. Listen to your body as they say. I am 7 months post cabg4 and still get pains on my left, which is worst in the cold weather and when it is raining. I am told it might take up to a year for the muscles and nerves to settle down. Goog luck

[Carrotcakemad]

Thank you for the update that is useful to me. I had my mechanical AVR only 2 weeks ago. Everything still very new but I am recovering very well, baby steps. Anything I need to know, I will be firing some questions and hearing from the horses' mouths. Good to hear you are doing well.