Karen's Posts

Sorry that you have to go through this. But alas, almost everyone has a side effect/setback. They are just not spoken about much before surgery so they can surprise/sadden you when they happen. We expect fast perfect results and the letdown feeling is real. I hear you. I got a pacemaker a few weeks after surgery, something I had not even known was a possibility. And I felt angry about that. But then one moves forward. Take care.

Rita is spot on. I'm glad they found it and they are taking care of it. It is sad, and frustrating when things don't go as planned. I went in healthy and expected to be out in 5-6 days and back to feeling good in a month or two. I laugh at that now. Things don't always go as planned, but you'll see from all the people on this site, you're not alone. Keep moving as you can and in a few months, you may be able to help someone else going through what you did. Keep positive!

Thank you everyone - J Alexander - I had chest pain when breathing in but my PCP felt that was related to costochondritis🤦🏼‍♀️ which is an inflammation in the ribs, so I’m being. Treated for both. Btw - I would definitely not overdo your recovery. Ask me how I know…I’m trying to take one day at a time and remind myself that recovery is not straightforward.

Hi Karen, I’m 4wks. out and initially was fearful of doing to much especially after an anfib episode. I think heart surgery and recovery is difficult in many ways .Please don’t get discouraged Each day will get better Yesterday I walked 1.25 miles today 1.50 miles. I’m anxious for rehab to begin in about 2 weeks. Please feel free to email me at cjmdgmom@comcast.net 😊

Cardiac rehab helped me tremendously, Karen. The rehab specialists know what is safe and what isn't. I'm 5 months post surgery now, just finished my 36 rehab sessions a few weeks ago. In the beginning I couldn't use my arms and went pretty slow at first, mostly on the treadmill. At the end I was doing 40 minutes level 12 on a recumbent bike plus 15 minutes on a Concept 2 rower. Felt really good to work my body again.

Karen, 3-1/2 weeks out is still early. Hang in there. You have been given good advice. I didn't do cardiac rehab due to all my complications. I did as much walking as I felt I could. As everyone said, your body will let you know and we are all different. Don't try to compare yourself to anyone. God bless you! ❤️‍🩹

I feel for you. It's hard going back to "life". Everything is different and post-surgery anxiety is real. Cardiac rehab can be helpful. Talking to a therapist about what you've been through can be helpful. Trust yourself. You know your body. I saw my generalist a lot to have someone medical to talk to. Take care.

Oh I remember that. I kept checking my heart rate every 5 min. it will get better as you add more activities slowly. just take your time and do what you can and feel like. Dont compare yourself to anyone because we all heal differently. We all know what you are going through, again do it at your own pace. Best.

I always have said you want to be the tortoise 🐢 and not the hare 🐇. And Richard is correct - listen to your body. Have you signed up for cardiac rehab? Many on this site sware by it. Being hooked up to a monitor let's them feel better about pushing themselves. I had so many complications that I didn't do rehab.

Richard is right about your body will let you know. I have pushed my body and it reacted well, five weeks post surgery. I asked many times leading up to surgery and post surgery for a number but never got one. Trust your body. I have gone over 13 miles in a day. For the last several weeks I try for 10 plus miles a day. I keep close tabs on my heart rate and it really have never been stressed, little time spent over 100 BPM. Good luck

At 2 1/2 weeks, you might consider taking 5 min. walks 3 x day inside your house. Next week, add another minute or two to each one in between a couple of power naps. Keep your showers short - they were more exhausting than exercise during my recovery. Take it slow. You'll progress when you're ready. ❤️