James's Posts

Diagnosis: Aortic Regurgitation, Bicuspid Aortic Valve, Aortic Aneurysm

Member Since: June 16, 2022

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James Utter posted an update
3 years ago (July 28, 2022)
Two weeks post surgery today! I could of never imagined that I would feel this good two weeks after open heart surgery. ❤️‍🩹 Don't get me wrong I still have some discomfort in my chest when I turn or stretch the wrong way but I will take it! I am... Read more.
🥰 Rose Madura and Susan Lynn reacted to this
Hey Jim - that’s great to hear! I too consider myself to be very fortunate for how well I felt almost immediately after surgery. Please be careful with yourself - I forgot about my sternotomy and three weeks after my repair I yanked on a stuck door. That caused more... Read more.
It's amazing to think about what would have been the fate of all of us if we were born 100 years ago. So glad you are doing great! 👍
Stick with the protocol and you'll be shocked at how quickly you shift into high gear. For me, after the two-week mark, the improvement was surprisingly stead and rapid. By two months I was back to my old exercise program. You get first-hand experience at seeing just how remarkable the... Read more.
James Utter posted an update
3 years ago (July 22, 2022)
Hi everyone, I just wanted to give a quick update. I am finally home and resting in our own bed which by the way is amazing! They had alot of problems getting my Coumadin levels right. Besides that I was ready to come home on day 3 not day 9.... Read more.
🥰 ❤️ Patsy Stewart, Adam Baumgartner and reacted to this
Excellent news! Thanks for letting us know how you are doing. Things will get better very quickly.
Awesome, James!! The hardest part is over; welcome to recovery.
Hello James, thank you for your update. Glad Ginny has been by your side and you are grateful for her. One day at a time. God bless you
Welcome home! Sounds like you have an invaluable partner. Rest easy in your own bed….must feel wonderful. Congratulations!!
Wonderful news. Glad you are home and all is well. It's an awesome feeling when you know God brought you through it.
Welcome home James and welcome to recovery. The comfort of your own bed is amazing. It's the little things in life that mean the most 😊
Interesting how just being home can speed your recovery. Utterly amazing. Keep it up. Better days ahead.
Thank you everyone! I appreciate all the support I have been given by complete strangers. It is so nice to have a community like this with no negativity in today's world. I feel very blessed to be a part of it.🙏❤️
James Utter posted an update
3 years ago (July 17, 2022)
It is such a difference one day can make! Did 15 laps, a set of stairs and went outside with my nurse Jeff. 😊 I also took a shower for the first time after surgery and it was amazing! I know everyone recovers at different speeds but just stay with... Read more.
🥰 Rose Madura and Timothy Andre reacted to this
Home is the place to be. I found showering at home to be the toughest and that includes treadmill. It is flat out tiring.
Yes - I agree, Richard. Exhausting! I didn't find out until attending cardiac rehab that long, hot showers drop your blood pressure. James - Keep them short and warm and you will be fine. ❤️
Great news! Having someone by your side sure helps a lot. Listen to your body. Rest when you need dmto and you'll feel better each and every day!
Although a new puppy at 80 might possibly rival a shower after ohs. Not sure if a trip to the backyard at 4 am raises or lowers blood pressure but it beats cleaning it up off the kitchen floor.
Every week will bring more stamina. Keep on going!
welcome home, Jeff!! It's such a great feeling that it is all over and successful. Exhale; enjoy your favorite foods and watch how much stronger you will get each day. The first steps, as someone on HeartValveSurgery said is much like the moonwalk in the beginning. And then before you... Read more.

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