As some of you know, I went in for open heart surgery. I just received a new aortic valve on June 13 and one coronary artery was bypassed in 6 hours of surgery. The sternum was wired together and I was in one piece after about 42 staples. However, all did not go well when I was taken to intensive care. My pulse and heart rate plummeted to zero, the heart stopped, and they performed CPR and resuscitated me 20 chest compressions and drugs. Thankfully, that started my heart and I was put on a pace maker and tightly monitored for several days.
Valve work:
My body responded to the surgery with a massive inflammatory response and my heart rate and blood pressure were labile and managed with an external pacemaker and drugs. Usually, a valve replacement patient is in intensive care for about 2 days. Because of the unstable nature of my heart function, I was kept for 5 days. Also, I retained fluids to the extent that I looked like the Michelin Man or the Pillsbury Doughboy.
Michelin Man
My own heart took over pacing by June 15-16 and all was stable by June 18. The heart swelling went down enough that I could be moved into cardiac telemetry for 4 additional days. Each day has been an improvement.
From cardiac telemetry, I was moved to a rehab facility for 8 days where I could do cardiac therapy and physical therapy. I left for home on June 30.
The chest incision area only hurts when I cough, breathe or move. However, the physical and cardio therapy should aid in resolving that issue.
The health care staff has been fabulous! It is wonderful to be back! Now it is time to work hard toward a goal of normality.
Best Regards to All!
Ron
Topic: A bump in the rooad of life (Read 968 times)