Sunday, November 30, 2014

I sincerely believe that if anyone knew the aftermath of mitral valve surgery, in advance,

They wouldn't agree to have it. Imagine, if you can, that somone picks up a concrete beam about 4" square and broadsides you with it in the chest and then the back. The resultant soreness is terrible and every movement brings pain. There re many restrictions; such as you an't lift your arms over your head, can't  bend over, have to sleep on your back. If you cough or sneeze, you must hold a firm pillow over your chest to support your incision.

However, I do expect to be much better off after a period of healing; and my hope is that my stamina and shortness of breath will be much better then they have been for the last 10 months or so. I was promised they would. At this point, it is hard to tell, since deep breaths bring a twinge of pain and soreness.

I have to walk some each day, as well as do a series of exercises proscribed by the physical therapist. Exercise has never  been my strong suite, but I have 3-4 people pushing me to do them. My meds have changed too, and I have to have two shots a day in my stomach (Yikes!) My nurse daughter taught her sister and bro-in-law how to do them, and they tke turns and neither does badly at it, suprisingly. The TIA I had last Sunday seems not to have left any after effects, although all week, when I type, it seems like the keys have moved position (when they have not.)

We are both staying at our daughter and son-in-law's in Cary, and receiving excellent care and great food. Thanks giving was terrific, full of good food, lots of family and a few friends.  For me, the best part of the Thanksgiving holiday is the toasted turkey andwiches in thedays after. I have almost had my fill of them. 2-3 more should  do it.....LOL

18 comments:

kenju said...

Here's hoping your holiday was as good as ours!

Anonymous said...

So glad to see this post, Judy. I hope the recovery goes well and that you will feel so GREAT that this pain and discomfort will have been worth it. Take care.

LL Cool Joe said...

Glad to hear you are slowly recovering and it sounds like you are in good handsI Don't eat too much! :D

tiff said...

Hope your healing proceeds quickly and you're able to leap tall buildings in a single bound very soon!

Celia said...

Welcome back. May each day bring improvement and less pain. What a great family.

Pat said...

I also am so glad to hear how you are and am happy that you are getting such loving care. Be patient, do what they say and well done for being a good girl:)

Loren said...

Most surgery is like that so it's probably to be expected, if not welcomed.

Here's hoping that you'll be giving thanks for the surgery before you know it.

sage said...

Sorry that it is so uncomfortable, and prayers for a quick recovery, one where you are full of energy and never out of breath except at the end of a marathon

Granny Annie said...

Judy this is killing me. Bless your heart. I had no idea that you had a condition that would require such drastic surgery and difficult recovery. Want to wave a magic wand and make it all better.

Arkansas Patti said...

I am so sorry you are in pain Judy and hope it will soon fade. I am quite relieved that you are with your daughter and are being properly cared for and spoiled a bit.
Take care and feel much better soon.

Beverly said...

One day you will wake up and say to yourself, "I feel pretty good today." I remember that is how it was with me when I had my knee replacement. I thought I would never feel good again, and then, one day, I did. Just remember, you have had very major surgery, and it takes time. I'm so glad you are with your daughter and son-in-law and that they are taking good care of you.

poopie said...

much love

amarkonmywall said...

What a delight you are, even in the midst of this miserable surgical aftermath. I'm very much looking forward to the time when you say, okay, that was bad but I'm so much better off, in terms of energy and feeling good now. Have a few more turkey sandwiches. xoxox

amarkonmywall said...

What a delight you are, even in the midst of this miserable surgical aftermath. I'm very much looking forward to the time when you say, okay, that was bad but I'm so much better off, in terms of energy and feeling good now. Have a few more turkey sandwiches. xoxox

Gilly said...

So pleased to know you are on the mend, even if it still hurts! Keep up the exercises, and don't cough!! I am sure you will be bounding with energy soon!

millie garfield said...

For a person like you who is a goer and a doer this is a set-back but knowing you Judy, it will take time to get back to your old self but slowly and SURELY you will get there.

Wishing you no more pain and more turkey sandwiches.

MissDazey said...

I am also very happy to see your posts. Haven't been all blogs lately. I know you will be a good patient and a use all you patience during recovering.

OldLady Of The Hills said...

So glad you are getting such good care from your loved ones.....And Thanksgiving sounds like it was very very yummy! Keep up the good work Judy.....Lots of Healing Hugs coming your way, my dear.