Andrea's Photos

Diagnosis: Aortic Regurgitation, Mitral Regurgitation, Atrial Fibrillation

Member Since: November 12, 2023

Send Andrea a Note

My Photos

Andrea Babcock added photos to a journal post
2 years ago (April 16, 2024)
Week 8 was Dean's 65th Birthday weekend in Palm Desert. First swim in a pool and hike in Joshua Tree National Park. He is feeling back to normal, full of energy and no issues at all. The fast dry Tank top worked out well. He is driving his RAM truck.... Read more.
He never had many symptoms prior to surgery and he has no symptoms now after. We are very happy.
Andrea, this is a wonderful report! So glad your husband is doing so well!
Great news! Have a fabulous trip! My hubbyรขโ‚ฌโ„ขs surgery is this Friday.
Wonderful news that we love to hear! So glad heรขโ‚ฌโ„ขs doing so well! Enjoy Europeรขโ‚ฌโ€I canรขโ‚ฌโ„ขt wait to re-schedule my Italy trip that was planned for right now.
Andrea Babcock added photos to a journal post
2 years ago (February 25, 2024)
Day 17: We had been doing small walks and today Dean and I walked our dog around our whole block. Dean felt good and strong. At which point after surgery did you guys start using small 5lbs dumbells for arm exercises? He wants to start in another week because he... Read more.
๐Ÿฅฐ โค๏ธ Nancy Romero, Yumiko Ishida and reacted to this
In my case I started using 5/8lb weights sitting in a chair and doing curls about week 3. As long as Dean doesnรขโ‚ฌโ„ขt experience any pain, or feel sternum shifting. As you know everyoneรขโ‚ฌโ„ขs on a slightly different adventure to the same Goal! Take Good Care! รฐลธโ€™โ€รขยยครฏยธยรขโ‚ฌยรฐลธยฉยนรขยยครฏยธย
Because my surgeon primarily installed plates, I was allowed to lift 10 lbs the day after surgery, although I didnรขโ‚ฌโ„ขt have the opportunity until 5 days later when discharged.
Go Dean go. Progress is progress and you are doing great. Andrea, thank you for posting. รฐลธโ„ขยรขยยครฏยธย
My surgery was in November and cardiac rehab started in March,which included using light weights.One of the aids commented,that it was a little late and a lot of people start,a few weeks after.
Great picture and progress. Thanks for the update. I wish I thought to use weights.. I now have those "old people flappy arms" so I'm using weights now. รฐลธยคยชรฐลธยฅยบ I would ask the doctor if it's ok.
I had a five-pound lifting restriction for three months and didn't have a sternum cut. The weight is taxing on the heart, chest muscles, and probably puts unnecessary strain on internal sutures. Definitely a question for the doctor. โค๏ธ
So nice to be 19 days out! Maybe do 2 or 3 pound. My hubbys dr said no more than 10 lbs for 6 weeks.
Andrea Babcock added photos to a journal post
2 years ago (February 16, 2024)
Day 9 after surgery - Dean came home on Day 7 doing very well per the Surgeon. Dean continues to feel good and better every day. He had no complications. He walks all on his own, has no problem getting in and out of bed and chairs. He does not... Read more.
His blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen are all good in normal range. His Afib still comes and goes but we are told it could still go away. He never feels it. They just told us at the hospital. They did the maze ablation during surgery. Fingers crossed that it... Read more.
Such great news! That must so nice being done with the surgery. Continued healing and strength for both of you!
He looks great for Day 9! The fatigue does linger for quite awhile and showers were exhausting for me for a long time. Keep them short and warm - not hot. I never knew a shower could drop blood pressure. I wish Dean continued success with the remainder of his... Read more.
รฐลธโ€˜ยรฐลธยยป Good to hear. Dean, the scar will be a reminder in a few years that you actually had OHS. Some days I look in the mirror and canรขโ‚ฌโ„ขt believe it happened. Take Good Care! รฐลธโ€™โ€รขยยครฏยธยรขโ‚ฌยรฐลธยฉยนรขยยครฏยธย
Such great news! Be proud of your battle scar! I know I will be despite the horror, lol!
Home sweet home. Congratulations Dean. Donรขโ‚ฌโ„ขt mind the scar, it saved your life. Continued good health and God bless you and Andrea. รฐลธโ„ขยรขยยครฏยธยรขยยครฏยธยรขโ‚ฌยรฐลธยฉยน
Wonderful news! Don't worry about the scar, I. A year or two, you won't even notice it. Remember, slow and steady. Glad you are taking naps when you need them.
Quote from Arnold: Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength. Looking good Dean รฐลธโ€˜ย. Maybe you can add an impersonation video for us.รฐลธหœโ‚ฌ
Great news! Heรขโ‚ฌโ„ขs doing amazing and fortunate to have a wonderful caretaker. I also had Maze and it took 3-4 months until my A-fib resolved. The scar will fade, but it is an earned badge of honor. I was so concerned about mine initially, but 1+ year post-surgery, itรขโ‚ฌโ„ขs very... Read more.
So encouraging to see and hear. Thank you for sharing. He is blessed to have such a wonderful wife!
I just read all your nice notes to Dean. He appreciates them.

The Patient's Guide

The Patient's Guide

This book has helped over 47,000 patients and caregivers from diagnosis to recovery.