Alice's Posts

Sorry your recovery has been slow. Everyone is different, and will progress at different rates. Did you do cardiac rehab? That helped jumpstart me back to my active lifestyle. What dose of metoprolol are you on? The other thing that comes to mind is hydration. Are you drinking enough water and other fluids daily? And did your hemoglobin (blood count) get back to normal. A low blood count can cause fatigue. The prominent, strong heartbeat comes with the corrected valve. My heartbeat is much stronger, especially When taking a deep breath. As your heartbeat slows down to normal, you may notice the strong heartbeat less and less. Have you spoken to your cardiologist/internal medicine provider about this issue?

Dear Alice, I felt 100% only after 7 months! Maybe give yourself more time, 12 weeks is still so early. I couldn't have imagined working after 12 weeks, I felt a little bit short of breath after stressful day or some activity, my heart rate was still higher, I just wasn't myself, yet after 6 months it was totally different and way better. Now I am 8 months and doing great. I hope with time, you will, too. Some people need even a year. If your cardiologist says everything is ok, maybe it is really just time.... ❤️

Hi Alice. Definitely give yourself some time. Ignore all the stories you see on the internet about recovering in just a few weeks. I was so upset I wasn't feeling better because all I read were people walking and hiking after just a few weeks. Everyone is different and you will get there. I am almost 4 months out from my surgery and finally have just had a few days where I felt almost 100%. But then I work a long day and am reminded, I'm not 100% even yet. 😉 I just went back to work full time this week. When you are tired, rest. When you feel good, don't over do it. Just don't be hard on yourself. And be thankful you found this forum. It is a true Godsend!

Alice, I feel for you because I also had a long recovery with tons of complications and readmissions to the hospital. At times, I felt I'd never get better but I did and you will too. Marie always gives good advice and the others have too. I'm glad you voiced your feelings here. You are not alone in this. God bless you.❤️

I was definitely short of breath after surgery. And still am today. My heatbeat was loud. This is standard after surgery. Your recovery is yours and very singular and personal. There is no standard. 12 weeks is very early. Many patients downplay how long recovery takes. It's not a competition. I'm sorry you have to go through this. Surgery is quick, but recovery takes time. Your body has been through a lot. Take care.

Marie Myers: My insurance only covers cardiac rehab for CABG patients. I'm taking 25mg of Metoprolol twice a day. I've been working on hydration, but could do better. And I am definitely still anemic. Had several pints of blood in the hospital. Taking Floradix. My cardiologist is not interested. Says all my tests are fine and I need to see my primary care about any complaints. Thanks for your input!

I think that depends on you. I felt safe by myself after the first week and a half. By then, I was walking down the driveway and back, and was starting to do more meal prepping. Just don’t try to reach for stuff on high shelves like I did… Learned that little lesson!