Open Heart Surgery Options

[FosterImposters]

I think I see RV'ing in my future.

Oh Lindsay, I am so glad you are on the mend! Keep a daily journal of all your POSITIVE steps in recovery, (and in life). It will absolutely amaze you, AND help tremendously on those days you feel not-so-good.

You CAN return to the life you enjoy. May have to modify eating and/or walking habits, but it's better than the alternative.

Cheers and blessings

[Lindsay Richards]

Best day yet. My brother and double first cousin came up from Fort Myers and took me out to lunch. First time out in 6 weeks. Had healthy lunch, then came home, looked in my shop and then spent 30 minutes sitting on my dock. All this without being tied to my oxygen per yesterday's Dr. visit, I had to take a nap when over, but I can really see some progress.

[John Blue]

Lindsay,

Sounds to me like you will be back in gear by spring if not before. Keep up the good work and enjoy this nice weather we now have here in FL.

[rgatijnet]

Best day yet. My brother and double first cousin came up from Fort Myers and took me out to lunch. First time out in 6 weeks. Had healthy lunch, then came home, looked in my shop and then spent 30 minutes sitting on my dock. All this without being tied to my oxygen per yesterday's Dr. visit, I had to take a nap when over, but I can really see some progress.

Glad to hear that you are on the mend. It takes time and everyone is different. You have to go at your own pace and listen to the doctor. I'm sure that you will be back behind the wheel in no time.

[chowhound]

Lindsey, I am so glad to hear of your progress. Foster's right keep a journal of your progress each day. Don't over do it just try a little more each day but get plenty of rest. I look forward to hearing of your adventures this summer. Our thoughts and prayers are with you our friend.

[Lindsay Richards]

Thank You. I hesitate to post the link below which is a 1 plus minute video about open heart surgery. It isn't for the faint of heart (pun intended). I am continuing to get stronger daily. I do have some setbacks. I am also trying to lose weight, which isn't easy. My wife, Nancy, being a nurse is a great help. I have nominated her for sainthood. I am still shooting for the end of May for our next trip. If gas is way up, Nova Scosia is not going to work. My lung capacity is up to 2500 cc which is about double in the last several weeks. Prior to the surgery it was close to 4,000, so I am still working to increase it. This involves a torture machine that inhale from and measure. Usually brings on coughing fits which helps the lungs. Enjoy the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SBMgh7IVGg...player_embedded

[gsbogart]

Hi Lindsay
I am age 72. Had open heart surgery in January of 09. 3 bypasses in the vicinity of the widow maker. 5 days in the hospital.
12 days after surgery, I was on a cruise ship for 7 days to St. Thomas. Doctor said it would be the best re cooperation he could suggest. (We had booked six months before the surgery)
Went to Cardiac rehab for 13 weeks, and then bought a treadmill for the house. I use 15 to 20 minutes every day with bursts to 4.5 MPH. Feel great, and have lost 36 pounds. My chest is still numb on one side from all the nerve cutting they do. Aside from the massive scar on my chest, one would not know I went through such an ordeal.

Exercise, and proper food is the secret to my success. I don't use alcohol or smoke, and am a retired firefighter. Had a construction business while I was on the department, and worked hard labor most of my life.
My brother, a retired police officer, died from Cardiac arrest when he was 59. I have to feel if he had taken the precautions I did, he would be alive today. I was lucky.
I had two doctors tell me nothing was wrong, but I persisted after symptoms I felt uncomfortable with.

Good luck in your rehab.

[Lindsay Richards]

I had a relapse and had to go to the ER. I was rel short of breath Tuesday morning and my heart was going up to 140 with a walk in the house. DW took me for my scheduled DR. (lung) and he took one look at me and sent me to the ER. (about 1 PM). The did a lot of testing and sent me to the room about midnight. I had a lot of fluid outside my lungs and it was stopping them from inflating right. I spent two nights and after IV Lasix like given to race horses to get rid of extra fluid, I was doing laps around the hospital floor. I came home and then this morning, I am back to short of breath (SOB my wife says.) and am going to DR. tomorrow morning. They seem to think that the problem relates to my 8 day stay in the cardiac intensive care with congestive heart failure. This is the congestive part. I am afraid I will hve to start over on my PT. I had been working so hard on it. The Beast's supervisor told me I had been too aggressive with my physical therapy and to slow down. Now, I'll have to start over I am afraid.

[dalsgal]

Lindsay, you do realize you don't have to try to conquer the world all by yourself don't you? You are right to want to do all you can to help your recovery but it doesn't happen overnight. Slow down so you can heal properly. We don't want to have you spend more time supporting some hospital when you could recover and start back supporting campgrounds. Please take care!!

[pianotuna]

Hi Lindsay,

Moderation needs to be your watch word now.

Sorry about the relapse.

Sending you all good wishes.

[Fitzjohnfan]

Lindsey, I know this isn't your situation, but maybe it will be inspirational or at least good read:

Back in the '60s or early 1970s my family became acquainted with Lou Hamilton and his wife through FMCA. They traveled extensively in their motorhome until his wife was diagnosed with kidney failure. At first, they thought her dialysis treatments 3-4 times a week would end their traveling, but then Lou got to work on their motorhome. He installed an oversized clean water tank, two water filtration systems, and a 2nd generator in case the first one failed. Then, he designed and built a dialysis machine on the back of the coach (I think they have portable units now, but definitely not back then). With this setup, they were still able to travel and do the things they loved.

The point is, I know if you take your time, and put up with the setbacks, you can get back out there.

Good luck and our thoughts are with you.

[Lindsay Richards]

The Doctor has changed around my medications and it is getting better, but nowhere near where it was. I am trying to stay positive, but it isn't easy. My wife has been just wonderful through all of this and deserves Sainthood.

[vincee]

Lindsay, just keep plugging away at it and remember your health isssue didn't pop up overnight so it will take a bit of time to be right back on track. Knock on wood I don't have these issues but I still find it very inspiring to read the posts from those that have overcome similiar experiences. My brother in law just went through valve replacement surgery the end of Sept. 2011 then had complications with fluid in the lungs 6 weeks later. Now he is really starting to feel like his old self (60) and can't wait for summer to get out on his Harley.

Best of Luck to you my friend, you will be in my prayers.

[KentuckyCampin]

Well my dad had a valve replaced in his heart last august. It took him 3-4 months to get to the point where he could get out and around pretty good. He is now doing really good and looking forward to getting some camping in this summer. He is back at work full time and the best thing you could do is exercise. He started out walking to the mailbox and back and gradually worked up to 4 or 5 blocks.
Good luck to you and happy camping!

[Lindsay Richards]

I am back to where I was before my relapse. I am doing a lot of walking. The weight loss has kind of leveled off at minus 50 pounds and I can't seem to get below that. I am eating like a bird (buzzard). Trying to get back into my woodworking shop. My wife has been wonderful throughout this whole ordeal. My only problem is my doctor has limited my Viagra to 20 per month.,