atrial septal defect repair
Has anyone had this kind of surgery? I'm 28 years old and just had it 10 days ago. I feel myself getting stronger, but still get very depressed from time to time. Last night I told my husband that doctors screw up all the time and what if I never feel normal again? Today I'm doing much better. But...does anyone have this problem? It is impossible for me to sleep in a bed at night. The pain is unbearable. The only place I can comfortably sleep is in a recliner. I'm pretty dependant on my pain pills and take them exactly 4 hours apart. How long does it take to recover from this? I feel like 10 days is a long time. I should be able to do something. I can't cook, can't bend over, get short of breath. It's a ridiculous chore to take a shower and leaves me exhausted. I don't wear makeup or do my hair anymore because it just takes too much out of me.
I dunno about that specific operation, but if it involved open heart surgery then 10 days isn't long at all. Make those painkillers OTC, and you should be walking daily. I didn't have a recliner so I had no choice but to use the bed. I kinda propped a lot with pillows.
All: yes, this was open heart surgery. Sorry I didn't say that before. I guess one of the reasons I'm so down is because my doctor told me within 4 weeks I'd be totally back to normal. And here it is now 11 days and I still hurt so bad. I too, have wires holding my sternum together now. But today I did for the first time go out to eat and went to Wal-Mart and I feel really good. Last night I slept in the bed and propped my pillows up length wise and just leaned against them. It's probably the best night of sleep I've gotten since my surgery. What kind of OTC pain killers do you guys recommend? As far as walking, I admit I haven't been doing that. I don't really live in a neighborhood where I can. But...I do have a treadmill. Is that recommended?...and for about how long each day? Also for the ladies, is it normal that it's difficult wearing a bra? Should I even be trying this? It doesn't hurt, but is uncomfortable.
I was able to drive at 4 weeks but 'normal' was a bit farther off for me. One thing you'll notice right away if you hang around is that people heal at vastly different rates. My fave was what my surgeon recommended - naproxen. Two of the OTC tablets equals prescription strength and that's what he told me to take. Absolutely. At 2 weeks you'll be lucky to do 5 minutes a day. Eventually get up to 20 minutes a day or more less often.
I had this surgery done on Oct 17th plus a mini maze for Afib.. I am almost 57 a diabetic and overweight. I feel pretty good and have been up cooking and cleaning and even been on a 3 hour trip. My main problem is the swelling of my legs and this was a big problem before my surgery. If not for the extreme swelling I would feel pretty good. Of course the chest is sore at times mosty when I have to bend over. I just realized today that I am in pain after being up for awhile and have been doing housework of cooking. I basically live by myself. My grandson who is 17 mostly just helps me get this darn legs into the bed.. My swelling of the legs is due to lymphedema and diabetic neropathy not the heart surgery. Everyone heals and handles pain at a different level.. Hope this helps you.. maggie
In a message dated 11/8/03 2:36:30 PM Central Standard Time, sandra2475@... writes: << my doctor told me within 4 weeks I'd be totally back to normal. What kind of Doctor said this? It takes 6 weeks for the Sternum to become 'fairly rigid' and another 6 weeks before it is solid enough to remove weight limits for lifting. Typical 'return to work' periods are 6 to 8 weeks for GOOD recoveries. Most patients continue to experience improvements over the next 6 to 12 MONTHS, and that assumes diligent breathing, walking, and stretching exercises. 'AL'