Susan's Posts

6 months post Open Heart Surgery with full sternotomy at 64 and I am doing well! Finished Rehab and am going to the Y at least 3 times a week. My recovery has exceeded my expectations. The following is a poem I wrote when rehab was ending. The battle scar on my chest Was at first not the best. Now has faded to grey, Just a thin reminder of that day! It's been 5 months now I think back and go WOW, Entered the hospital so brave, Laid down on a cart, to Tom gave a kiss and a wave. I was prodded and cut, In intensive care woke up! My heart gained a ring, was pleated and stitched, The surgeon said it went off without a hitch. The next several days I was probed, X-rayed, scanned and put through my paces. I had wires and tubes in all sorts of places. Then was awoke from my naps For walks that felt like laps! The Doctors, Nurses and Aides were all great When I needed anything they never were late. Through it all My husband stood tall He knew just what I needed When I felt defeated. The flowers, gifts, cards and prayers Helped to scatter my cares. Visits were perfectly timed To make me feel totally fine. I came home as weak as could be, I wondered how long till I would feel just like me. I could not drive or lift or sleep in my bed, Sometimes I felt defeated in my head. Cardiac rehab started, things began to change. Suddenly my goals did not seem out of range. I could barely walk down the hallway at first. Without being so short of breath it hurt! The nurses supported and encouraged, In a short time I no longer felt discouraged! Now as a proud zipper club member I strive To remember the fight I fought to stay ALIVE! Susan Killian My message to all is to hang in there. The message on the back of my t-shirt from rehab says, What seems hard today will someday seem like a warm up!

Last Monday I had my 16 week check up with my cardiologist! I am doing well! He said I can push exercise as much as I can! I am in cardiac rehab and have been walking and kayaking! He changed my med from amlodipine to metropolol for frequent PVC's and high blood pressure. It also has helped with post op anxiety. Life is wonderful!