... better yet what time is it? Seems everything just runs together... ::sigh:: I'm doing ok.. but having a bit of a time adjusting. I'm not sure exactly how I am supposed to feel. I ache here and there. Shoulders, ribs, sternum. All the places you'd expect I guess. It's not a constant, some days are better then others. I have to wonder as one lays out cold and they cut your chest open, then break your sternum in half to do the surgery where they put everything. Where are your arms? Where are the doctors resting their hands as they do the fine surgery? How is my head/neck positioned? Maybe I'll ask him when I go for my check up on Wed.
I've probably got about 10 scripts. All pretty much are telling that I've had heart surgery. One of the things you are told not to do is apply pressure of more then 5-10 pounds with my arms. No major lifting, pushing or pulling. So explain to me why the pharmacist puts all my meds in a container with a child proof cap? I cannot open one of them! I'm pretty independent, hate being a burden, and damn having to have someone open my meds drives me nuts.
Yesterday the temps were in the mid 60's.. in Buffalo? In November? Almost unheard of. My son came by with a different pair of shoes for me and he took me for a walk. We didn't go far, but the fresh air was great. I am amazed at how tired I get from such little activity. A shower is hard work. I guess it is getting better day to day but still..........
I've tried to stop by here and there. Know I'm thinking of you all... I appreciate you all understanding and hanging with me during this time. Not sure exactly when I will get home, maybe the end of next week.. so in the meantime no pictures... or not yet anyway.
Hugs
~d
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71 comments:
Hang in there, D! I think just getting on the computer has to be a major feat in itself. My BF's sternum seemed to heal from the bottom up. The legs from the top down. By the end of the first month, he was feeling human again on more days than not. It's been two months, and most days he gets around pretty well but still doesn't overdo the pushing and pulling. Our hospital showed them a DVD after the surgery of an open heart surgery. I'm not so sure whether that was a great idea or not but he seemed to realize why all of his insides and outsides hurt. Love you, and I'm thinking of you daily and keeping you in my prayers.
It was so good to hear from you Donna!
Take it easy and I pray you heal really fast. I pray and I am thankful that you are getting good care.
Your friends miss you!
Linda
llbrown247@aol.com
You just take care of yourself, & know that we will be here when your are well! HUGS:)
I'm so glad to see you on Donna. I've been away from the puter due to back problems but wanted to check on you. Glad you got to get out for a while. Take your time. Don't rush it. Praying for your speedy recovery my friend.
Great Big Hugs and Kisses, Joyce
I loved seeing this entry from you Donna.....you just get better,,,that is all that counts now. Have a restful Sunday...many hugs and love to you..
Joyce
It's been the same here, 68 today! it's unheard of in MA too!
I'm glad you felt good enough to blog! even if it was just a little!
Easy Does it there! Take your time and let your body set the pace. I get it about the childproof caps.. you need a child to get them open for you ;p
Wonderful seeing an entry from you.
I have known a few people who had heart surgery including my dad, plus I read a lot. Part of your heart is called the "bundle of Hiss" and if the docs cut into that muscle people say that the patient will tend to get somewhat depressed, blue and very emotional for a while. I am at risk for heart problems with my high weight, fat body, older age of 59, and heredity/ family history. But I know many others who are slim and still have heart probs. I don't want to die just yet-- but it's good to know that Heaven awaits all of Jesus' followers.
Sorry for your pain and depression. Hope you feel better. Email me and I will give you my number to talk and visit, if you want.
Tom Schuckman
tschuckman@aol.com
Wisconsin.
{{{{HUG}}}} for Donna, Bill
it's really good to hear from you! and to know that you are improving..as slow as it seems to you, little by little you're getting there. i know you are ready to go home, but don't rush things. try to relax and enjoy this quiet time and take care of YOU. :)
Happy, as always, to hear from you, D.
As a former OR nurse, I can tell you that usually, open heart patients are flat on their backs, head lying on a foam 'pillow', neck straight, arms are usually extended to the side, aproximately 45 degrees away from the body.
The only time I've seen any changes in that position is when they're harvesting veins from the leg to use in the chest. They'll usually lift up one side of the body and put a couple foam or gel pads for some lift.
The surgeons hands don't rest anywhere...they're too busy.
Hopefully that helps you envision the process some. :)
Think of how far you've come so far, D. One day at a time, D. One day at a time.
Take care, my friend.
XOXO
You just take your time. Your recovery is much more important.
And thanks for the update.
LORI
Even though my car accident and subsequent surgeries last year were not as serious as your surgery, I can still relate to how it messes with you emotionally as well as physically. You feel like you have lost control but six weeks post op you should start to remember what "normal" is like. Hang in there, girl!! And, do not be surprised if you find yourself a little unnerved about having to leave the cocoon of the hospital.
Hi Donna, it is so good to hear from you. You have been on my mind all week. Please take it easy and don't try to push yourself too hard. I know that's hard to do but you've been put through the mill and it's going to take time. Like you I wouldn't want to be a burden on anyone but your family loves you and I'm sure are thankful they've been given this blessing to care for you.
Love & Hugs
Debbie
Glad to hear from you!!
Yeah the weather here is quite odd lately....
that horrible 4 letter word is supposed to start tomorrow though.
*hugs*
Just pace yourself dear..slow and steady will do you good for now. You gave a lot of people a great scare. Just know you are loved...love, Sandi
Glad to see a post from you. Take of yourself don't over to it. We will be here when you get back. But dont rush it take your time and let your body heal.
Hugs, Alvia
So good to see a post from you, Donna. You have been in my thoughts and prayers. Take it easy, strength will return. Went through the recuperation with my husband two times--and know it does get better. Enjoy the rest and wonderful care and concern I am sure your family is giving you.
(((hugs))), LaVern
You have been and will remain in my prayers. Everything will be ok Donna, I know this to be true and you will be as good as new, maybe even better, soon! Take care of yourself so we can have Donna for a long time to come!!! Luv ya!
Donna, so good to hear from you!! Have your son take those meds to the pharmacy to exchange the childproof caps for regular caps, I'm sure they'll do it if he explains the situation. My mom always gets her meds without the childproof caps, they're such a pain!! Glad you are starting to feel better.
Take Care
Hang in there sweetie. My Mom had the same surgery and it took her a while to get her strength back, but she eventually did. Every little walk helps, and also just taking your time and letting your body heal. I'm so glad you are still here with us....I have thanked God every single day since I came on line and heard what had happened. We all all just blessed to still have you with us :)
Love & Pooh Hugs,
Linda
I hope I didn't rush you into feeling like you had to hurry to post an entry when I commented today. I just know everyone is worried about you and we all want to know how you are coming along. I feel guilty for all the emails I've been sending too!
You are still so early into your recovery for such a serious operation - just take it easy, take it slow and let everyone take care of you for once! Hugs! :-)
Rest Donna, do not push yourself.
Your in my thoughts & prayers~
HUGS~
Marie
Dearest D,
Just hang in there and try and take it easy. It's a long recovery road, but I know you'll get there sooner than you think.
Gaz xxxx
Wonderful to hear from you Donna ..just take it easy
When you take in your prescriptions tell the pharmacy you do not want child proof containers
I am sure it felt great to get outside ...what a great son you have.
Hugs Mari
You'll be sore for awhile. This was a big deal what your body went through and it takes time.
You can tell the pharmacy that you don't need childproof caps. I think you have to sign a release. Just take a day at a time. I am always amazed how hard a shower is when you're not up to par. Something so simple can wear you out. Weird.
Have a good night.
Love to you, Pam
Good to see a posting Donna this alone must have been hard.I think you have done marvelous in such a short time.As for the childproof medication.I curse those tops every day.Even with arthritis one cannot open them at times.So frustrating.You have a wonderful family and for one minute I cannot see them looking upon you as a burdon.Prayers continueing for all of you.Keep up the good fight your are amazing.Take Care God Bless Kath xx
Maybe they made a video of the operation? If you ask the doc I'm sure he'll run you off a copy. ;O)
I wish you a full and swift recovery.
B. x
I just left a long comment and it disappeared! 2nd attempt! It's so good to see a post Donna, I drop in every day to see if you've posted. Before you think of going home get Steve to go to the pharmacy with your meds and get them put in normal screw-on cap bottles. These childproof ones are a pain, everyone struggles with them.... except kids! Lol! No good exerting yourself when you don't need to, get them changed. I'm so glad you had some good weather and got out for a while. Being confined to the house isn't good is it? I'm glad you're feeling more confident and thinking of going home, don't rush it. I know you want to get home but it's going to be so different there alone although I know your dear family will still be over to fuss around you. Let them do all they can for you, there's nothing worse than seeing someone you love ill, it'll make them feel good if they help too! I know that from when I've had Andy so sick in hospital. Take care of you, you'll get there in the end! With tons of love. Jeannette xxxx
Glad to har you are are the long slow road to recovery. Rest, rest, rest and more rest is what you need.
It sounds like you really enjoyed your little trip in the fresh air.
Take care though and don't overdo it will you.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers as always.
Miss you lots.
Hugsxx
Donna
It is really great to hear that you are doing better and was able to get outside with Steve for a few minutes. Please don't try to do too much too soon, though. We all care about you and want you to get well, but we all know also that it will take some time. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers and keep those spirits high. Hugs!
Sam
you take it easy and do not worry about anything...i KNOW it is natural for you to be SO exhausted right now...rest, rest, rest....i am glad you got to take a walk...and i can relate about the damn pill bottle lids.UGH. I can not get them open myself. i love you ALWAYS!!!!!
Iwas delighted to see a post from you ,please take things slowly ,knowing you that will be hard ,but we need you well again ,How Lovely you were able to get out abit with Steve ,Take good care of your self ,love you Jan xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
I agree, ask for non-childproof. My pharmacist issues all my meds in ordering carboard boxes, never have anything in a bottle, that is why I make sure all drugs are well away from Nathan and Daniel. You take it easy and get well. YOU are the priority right now, pictures and graphics can wait.
Hi Donna ,Jan told me about you ,hope you recover soon , wishing you all the best Love and hugs (gentle ones ) Jeanxx
baby steps hunny...you are in my prayers daily..miss you much...
Take care of YOU, my friend.
Got you in my thoughts & prayers.
Hugs...
It is simply good enough to hear that you are doing well. Take care.
I hope just reading isn't too tiring because this list of comments is long! It shows how much we all care and want you back ! Follow the doctors directions and get better soon. ASK THE PHARMACIST FOR NEW LIDS, non-childproof, they have them! Warm Fuzzies, Dannelle
You will be thinking your never going to feel normal again and then on day out of the blue you'll realize you feel better. Each new day gets that day closer.
The aches and pains are normal. They do pad and position you to try and minimalize any post op problems but for what they have to do it just is uncomfortable.
Can you turn the caps over so they aren't childproof anymore?
Take care and get better.
Donna it is lovely to get an update from you ~ You rest and take good care of yourself ~ know you are in my thoughts and prayers ~ Ally x
Hello D, just wanted to send some good thoughts, well wishes, warm Florida sunshine and love your way.
My friend had the same surgery, after a few weeks he was out golfing, so just know that you have to obey the docs orders and take it one moment at a time and before you know it, you'll be up and about doing what you love, taking pictures and making our wonderful tags that we love so much!!
You do know, that your sis was watching over you that day. As much as she must have wanted you with her, she knew that it wasn't your time yet....
Love and hugs,
~Darlene~
I am so glad to hear that day by day things are getting alittle better. Take care. Linda
Good to see you posting, Donna. Take it easy and ask the pharmacist for non-childproof lids if you can't manage the normal ones. Or ask any small child to open them for you ;-)
See you when we do,
Guido
Glad you were able to go for a little stroll, I am sure the fresh air worked wonders :o)
OMG @ I didn't expect to hear from you so soon. Hope you are getting plenty of rest. Lifting you up in prayer everyday, D. Love ya!!!
XX
hey ~D, glad to hear you coming along. As for the childproof meds I went like 2 years before I knew my med caps could be turned around to not be childproof LOL you can request it too from Pharmacy you dont want childproof.
I dont want to know what postions you were in during that surgery or see pics LOL
Today we got snow showers I'm sure you have them up there off the lake. Rest well my friend. I am praying for a fast complete recovery. You tell ya surgeon I said thank you for saving my friend who I need.
love ya!<-:P
Glad to hear you're getting better. I'm sure at a much slower pace than you want! Keep on hangin' in there...you'll get there.
As for the childproof caps, I would think the pharmacist would give you regular caps if you asked.
Hugs, Beth
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Take it easy and take care of yourself.
I'm sure they have bombarded you with the dos and donts.
Be well, keep warm you will heal nicely.
peace and blessings!
Donna, some of the prescritpion bottle caps work on both sides. Once you get the child proof side open, turn the cap around and see if it doesn't just screw on from the other side. I've never had this surgery but I understand from others it just takes time. It's a huge shock to the body. And when they crack your chest open...well that a major thing. A couple months from now you'll feel so much better. Meanwhile just kick back, get lots of rest, do some walking and regain your strength. We'll still be here when things get back to normal for you. Hugs...Linda in Washington
Hi sweetie, take your time getting around. Rest as much as possible. Maybe you can get someone to put your pills in day planner boxes (Long boxes labeled with letter for each day). That way you won't feel like you have to depend on them to open the pills for you. This weather is stranger than strange lately. One minute it's snowing, the next it's warm as heck outside.
Take care of you dear one. Your in my thoughts and prayers on the smoke! (Hugs)Indigo
I bet you could find a similar surgery on youtube and then you would see "where they put everything!" Not sure you would want to though. Hang in there and take it easy that's e a s y!!! Thinking of you girl...
I'm not worrying about anything other than you getting better Donna! I am so glad to see your words and also know you've gotten out for some fresh air.
Miss you like crazy ... look forward to your recovery!
I'm so glad your doing well! Keeping you in my prayers!
Glad to read your hanging in there Donna, sending you good thoughts and wishes.
Hugs
Yasmin
xx
I'm glad you had some nice weather to get out and walk a little. That had to make you feel better! I always think of so much I want to ask the dr. about until I get there, then I can't think of a thing!
I hope you get eased up and get well soon!
so good to hear from you. take care of you first, thats all that matters. :)
Here we can request non-child resistant bottles, ask your pharmacist about it.
Get a lot of rest! You've been through to much.
-Missy
http://learningtoadapt.blogspot.com
I am so happy to see that you are feeling better. Don't worry about pictures and stuff . . . just let us know how you are. You have been and are in my daily prayers. Blessings and love, Penny
It's good to see you back on line again. You are very lucky you paid attention to the warning signs...hope you start to recover & feel good as new soon.
Donna!!
So glad to hear from you...we miss you dearly...but take your time cause you know we aren't going anywhere sista =)
Keeping you in my thoughts!
Big Hugs!
Terri
It's great seeing a post from you. Glad you're recuperating. Take care and get all the rest you need. Don't push yourself (but pop in and see us when you feel like it!:)
I know the feeling about not being able to do anything Donna, I am still in that shape also from this back surgery and mine was Oct. 7th. I have requested that the pharmacy not do those child proof tops on my meds. Sometimes they mess up though. I have been sending up prayers for you.I pray that you soon will be able to do all those things that you love and need to do. Love, Helen
hi donna! great to hear from you. Glad you are recovering well. Take care of yourself. love and hugs(gentle ones!) mrs t xx
I picked you for the award!
girl - do not rush anything - just enjoy the fact that you are alive and well and for now you just need rest and to breathe in some fresh air and become a couch potato for a while - please take care of you - think good and positive things - enjoy sleeping when you want and watching TV whenever - or just sitting or just reading - enjoy it all!
take care and know you are missed and loved---HUGSHUGSHUGS
Ellie
Hi Donna
Wanted to stop by and wish you well with your doctors appointment today. You are always in my thoughts, miss ya tons.
Love & Hugs
Debbie
Your boys are in Boston tonight, Playing my boys! I'm going to the game! I will take some pics too!
Thinking of you!
XOXO
~Britt
D, I am dropping by to say that I'm thinking of you. I pray that you feel better and better as the time goes on. Ask for the lids that are easy to open... you don't have any little ones at home do you? I finally started asking for that when I get my meds... they are hard enough to open, let alone when you've had major surgery! take care. Love and hugs, Lisa
"Slow and steady wins the race"...
Good to hear from you my friend.
Love,
Nancy
I can't open those friggin' caps either so the pharmasist puts the regular ones on for me.
I'm glad you got out fo the house for a bit. The more you move the better you'll feel down the line. Your Dr should be oreding some Cardiac Rehab for you.
Can't you just wait?!
((Gentle Hugs))
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