My journey back to health

[Abbi]

4 weeks out from surgery. A little light headed today, but who knows why. I didn't have anything planned except walk to the post office box, as Canada Post was forced back to work.

Next week I have an appt with my cardiologist and my optometrist. They called about the eye appt and if I were to cancel no openings till spring of 2026. So I'm keeping that one. It was made 18 months ago to start with. And it's the first one in years that I don't have to pay for. Old age is good for a change.

Virtual nursing finished last week. I have to get all gear back to the hospital. It's an hour away. And I still can't drive yet. So they will have to wait.

Here's to a better 2025!!

The nursing types can come get it themselves if they need it that fast! Or arrange shipping. At least that's what I would have done here if I had anything to drop off.

I hope the lightheadedness clears up. Sometimes it takes a while and will pop up. General anesthesia does really weird things to a body.

Hang in there and keep on day by day! I am typing this in my car about to go in for my last session of 12 weeks of cardiac rehab! Happy New Year! Bring on 2025!

 

[Jilly]

@Abbi - I used to feel this way because of BP pills I was on. Could be something similar, or need more sleep. Who knows. I'll take a nap this afternoon.

 

[Abbi]

@Abbi - I used to feel this way because of BP pills I was on. Could be something similar, or need more sleep. Who knows. I'll take a nap this afternoon.

Naps are good! So were lots of protein calories to help you heal and get stronger.

 

[Jilly]

Today was the end of week 5. So as I left the hospital they mentioned that the referral for Cardio Rehab had been sent. So today I finally get a call about it. They don't have room till sometime in March. Ah...any chance the other site might have a opening sooner than that? This particulare site doesn't know. So I've kept the referral, but I'm trying the other site. (And my cousin's wife works there....)

 

[Abbi]

Today was the end of week 5. So as I left the hospital they mentioned that the referral for Cardio Rehab had been sent. So today I finally get a call about it. They don't have room till sometime in March. Ah...any chance the other site might have an opening sooner than that? This particulare site doesn't know. So I've kept the referral, but I'm trying the other site. (And my cousin's wife works there....)

Auuugh! I went through that the first time. Surgery was in November and they didn’t have an opening until February. So I skipped it and did my own thing. That was working fine until the heart valve decided it wasn’t. I got in early the second time around. I found it reassuring to work under supervision and evaluation. Fingers crossed for you!

 

[Jenny]

Wow, that sinks. Hope your cousin’s wife has some pull!

Seems weird they don’t just schedule it when you have the surgery.

 

[Abbi]

Wow, that sinks. Hope your cousin’s wife has some pull!

Seems weird they don’t just schedule it when you have the surgery.

They want to see how recovery is going. They wouldn’t schedule me until my post surgical appointment at six weeks.

 

[Jilly]

The person that phoned did say 8 weeks for healing. I'm 5 weeks yesterday. I had a doc appt this morning. Going to see about some action there.

Cousin's wife said something about walking for 30 min. I can start that next week when I can drive and go to the sport centre indoor track. I need to drive there and can't do that till next Wednesday.

 

[HuntersEmma57]

You weren't exaggerating about this being a journey. And it will all be in the rear view mirror at some point, but not yet. You're going the right direction. Rehab is scary at first (you discover how weak you've gotten), but with a history of being active, you should hope to feel improvement in only a few weeks. Try to be patient (I know, it's SO easy to say). You're going in the right direction.

 

[Jenny]

They want to see how recovery is going. They wouldn’t schedule me until my post surgical appointment at six weeks.

Interesting. I guess I figured they could always push it back if someone isn't progressing quite as fast as they wanted, but at least they'd have the spot. Are there people who don't do the therapy afterwards? I never understand that - I love PT/rehab. (Of course, our insurance also has great PT benefits, so that does help a lot.)

 

[Jilly]

These are the questions I'm going to ask shortly.

 

[Jilly]

So I saw the Cardiologist this morning. Had 2 of the worst dizzy spells yet at their office. She doesn't want to change any meds yet. And I get that.

She has no information from the surgeon. No operation notes etc. I've heard that the hospital I had the operation in, is bad for this, but...

As for cardio rehab...she said not to worry about it. In fact she was surprised that I got a call. Since Covid they haven't done in patient visits except for blood work and stress tests. So, I'm off to walking the circuit at our Sports Centre next week, when I can drive. 1/2 hour at least every day. Find with me.

Skiing? She said a BIG NO!, but I need to ask the surgeon. Since the cardiologist is asking for an X-ray, I might mention to the tech.....is the bone healed yet?? Also my cardiologist, thinks Yoga is too demanding, so...."she is one of thoses!" Skiing is a dangerous sport. I'm going to play it by ear at the moment. I might just head up to the condo in a couple of weeks and just walk around there for a change of pace. Ski season is supposed to be long this year with Easter being so late.

 

[DebbieSue]

So I saw the Cardiologist this morning. Had 2 of the worst dizzy spells yet at their office. She doesn't want to change any meds yet. And I get that.

She has no information from the surgeon. No operation notes etc. I've heard that the hospital I had the operation in, is bad for this, but...

As for cardio rehab...she said not to worry about it. In fact she was surprised that I got a call. Since Covid they haven't done in patient visits except for blood work and stress tests. So, I'm off to walking the circuit at our Sports Centre next week, when I can drive. 1/2 hour at least every day.

I might just head up to the condo in a couple of weeks and just walk around there for a change of pace. Ski season is supposed to be long this year with Easter being so late.

Walking is good! Do that!

 

[Amie H]

I just had a chance to catch up on this thread. Sending prayers and good thoughts for continued healing!

 

[VickiK]

Riding on @Amie H 's coattails - am sending prayers for continued healing, @Jilly . You'll get through this--give it time.

 

[Jilly]

Post surgery 6 weeks. I am now free to drive!! No more taxi (we don't have uber etc) or conning a friend into taking me somewhere.

Next week, I'm going back to work part time. We have some projects that need my attention. I'm planning on heading in on Thursday to get my billing up to date. Be nice to see people!!

 

[DebbieSue]

It's a good sign that you are upbeat about returning to work!

 

[BlizzardBabe]

Sounds like you are right on schedule, @Jilly ! This is great to hear. I think walking up at the condo is a great idea -- I love the whole vibe of skiing, even when I can't ski for some reason. Just being around happy people is a total upper for me. I hope you enjoy it!!

 

[Abbi]

Post surgery 6 weeks. I am now free to drive!! No more taxi (we don't have uber etc) or conning a friend into taking me somewhere.

Next week, I'm going back to work part time. We have some projects that need my attention. I'm planning on heading in on Thursday to get my billing up to date. Be nice to see people!!

This is great! DO remember to listen to your body. If you feel tired, STOP. Don't push and create a setback. (You may wonder how I know to offer this advice ....).

 

[Jenny]

Progress! Bet it’ll feel good to be more independent again.