Jennifer's Posts

Diagnosis: Aortic Stenosis, Bicuspid Aortic Valve, Aortic Aneurysm

Member Since: June 20, 2023

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Jennifer Gannon posted an update
1 year ago (November 25, 2024)
Hello, it’s been about a year since my surgery and the first few days of cold weather. My chest seriously hurts each time I go outside. Anyone else experience this and have a trick to prevent it?
Jennifer, I'm sorry you are experiencing this. I can't say I remember that experience. Hope you find relief soon.
Jennifer Gannon posted an update
2 years ago (January 6, 2024)
Week one of cardiac rehab down…didn’t reach the goal of 153 beats but I was close 136. Able to sleep in my bed for most of the night! Now the decision when do I return to work, 8 weeks or a little longer?
🥰 Andrea Babcock reacted to this
Congratulations n the progress! If you start back to work, I would definitely recommend starting with half days. Especially depending on what you do. I was amazed how just sitting at a desk for an hour or two could make me so tired. If you can stay off for another... Read more.
Good advice from Kathy. I went back at 8 weeks, but only a couple days a week. Most days were not full days, so it worked for me. I did need a nap when I got home, but it was great being “back in the saddle”.
I went back half days around week 10 and needed a nap every day that week. The following weeks were a bit easier.
Jennifer Gannon posted an update
2 years ago (December 13, 2023)
How long before you were able to sleep in your bed again? Getting tired of the recliner.
🥰 Susan Lynn reacted to this
I think it was about a week for me but with lots of pillows. Then, If only sleep a few hours and go downstairs to the recliner for the rest of the night. It will get better for you. Hang in there!
I never used a recliner.Like Rose,pillows were used,made into a wedge and one at each side,lying on my back.
I was like Rose, mostly recliner because it kept me on my back (I am a side sleeper). I tried combining the bed with wedges and pillows for a few hour to give my back a break but ultimately I slept best and longest in the recliner for a month... Read more.
I used the recliner for 4 weeks, then was able to sleep in my bed with pillows.
I never used a recliner, but propped myself in bed so that my chest would be slightly up and I wasn't lying flat. I had to learn how to sleep on my back, no easy task. I took meds every few days in order to get some sleep. Everyone is... Read more.
Used combination of lots of soft and hard pillow on back makes me comfortable sleep. It will take 2-3 weeks to figure out the right combination of pillows.
I moved from recliner to bed in less than a week. I managed with a large wedge pillow to keep me elevated plus other pillows here and there. Getting out of bed was the hardest for me. I was able to start sleeping on my side, at least some of... Read more.
I tried the recliner for one night, the sofa for another, and decided I had to sleep in bed. The 'pillow fort' as some have described, worked best for me from day 3. Just give yourself some options. It's like Goldilocks- you'll find what feels just right! Best of luck!... Read more.
My surgery was 11/30 and I am still in the recliner. Keeps me on my back and easy to get in and out of for bathroom breaks. Tried the bed but still too hard to get in and out of. Maybe I will try again next week.
I slept in the bed immediatly but spend the rest of my time and naps in the recliner. I am a side sleeper and cant stop but it doesnt seem to be a a bad thing. I had asked a nurse and she said as long as I dont go... Read more.
Took me several weeks because I had a nagging cough after surgery. Sleeping in the recliner gave me a little relief. I'm also a side sleeper so I think the recliner helped with that also.

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