Mended Hearts Open Forum

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  • 1.  Trouble Walking AFTER! *Frustration*

    Posted 10-19-2021 13:57
    New member here.  As someone who never drank/smoked/drugs/bad vices I had five stents put in March 2021.  I am 41 and on Cozaar for bp.  Here's my issue - I went in the ER with heart attack symptoms (high BP and nauseous), spent 8 days in the hospital, and came out with an inability to walk!  

    Do you think it was the 8 days laying in bed with no therapy?  The 15 lbs of fluid retention that eventually did go away with compression socks?  General weakness from tests and the surgery itself?  I had zero balance and had to buy a cane.  Kidney doc put me on high Vitamin D for muscle strength.

    80% has returned but, my legs still get fatigued.  I have to rest after a long walk like a parking lot into a store.  And, I've had a stumble in a grocery store where my legs randomly gave out.  Husband and I go for nightly walks with new goals but, I still don't feel 100%.  My 6 month temp Handicap tag has run out.

    Thoughts??

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    Jill S.
    Lodi OH
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  • 2.  RE: Trouble Walking AFTER! *Frustration*

    Posted 10-20-2021 07:15
    Hi Jill,

    Congratulations on surviving your ordeal and beginning to feel better.  Yes, 8 days lying in your hospital bed definitely can impair your ability to walk, especially after your surgical procedure.  I was a 67 year old lifetime weightlifter and runner when I had emergency quintuple bypass surgery immediately followed by a 2 week medically induced coma to deal with pneumonia I contracted from the hospital ventilator.  

    When I woke up, I not only couldn't walk, I couldn't even stand or feed myself.  Not to worry, though, they transferred me to a rehab hospital and, within a week, I was walking unassisted.  I remained in rehab for 2 more weeks, getting stronger and stronger, but still needed another week at home before I could walk a mile a day.  By the way, I was shocked at my appearance after a few weeks in bed, I had lost a ton of muscle and looked as if I had never worked out in my life, instead of having worked out continuously since I was 12.

    I'n here to tell you that, despite what I experienced, it all came back over time.  I think it will for you as well.

    Good luck and keep working.

    Ira

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    Ira Reid
    Hoboken NJ
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  • 3.  RE: Trouble Walking AFTER! *Frustration*

    Posted 10-21-2021 22:47
    Dear Jill
    Recovery from Major heart surgery is no walk in the park. it takes a long time , months to a year before you feel adjusted to the new you. The medical staff should have advised you. Besides the surgery, your heart caused you problems before. The surgery probably saved your life. Recovery from Major surgery of any kind takes time. Please be patient. Call your doctors, ask if cardio pulmonary therapy as well as PT ( physical) and OT (Occupational) are indicated.
    The weakness from being in bed so long is so frustrating but common. Like Ira, I was in a medically induced coma for complications from my surgery. I was so weak, i couldn’t press the call button. Here i am , 9 years later typing this missive with that same thumb.

    Marilyn B. Rosenhouse
    Mobile: (214)850-0655




  • 4.  RE: Trouble Walking AFTER! *Frustration*

    Posted 10-22-2021 10:19
    STAY POSITIVE. I can recall on my daily post-OHS walks, checking the angle of each upcoming block before deciding whether to cross the street and go on. Now my exercise routine includes 3/4 mile of gradual uphill three-times-a week -- and I'm 79. You'll get better day-by-day --  and you'll be amazed by how much.

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    Bob] Levin
    Berkeley CA
    adelbob@comcast.netRobertRobert
    ------------------------------



  • 5.  RE: Trouble Walking AFTER! *Frustration*

    Posted 10-20-2021 09:40
    Hi Jill

    What a puzzling experience you've have. And, at your age too. Eight days
    in-patient is a long time, even for five stent placements.

    Key bits I hear in what you wrote are high B/P, 15 # fluid retention and
    inability to walk due to muscle weakness in your legs.?? I don't think
    you've been told everything about why you were in-patient for so long or
    perhaps you've forgotten.?? That's common.?? If you are curious, talk to
    your physicians again.?? If you communicate with your health providers on
    MyChart, there is a new feature in which you can read for yourself the
    physician's "progress notes" online.?? This information is an option
    under "appointments."?? I process information better when I see it in
    writing......

    I'm glad you're getting back on your feet and time heals.?? It takes
    quite a while to mentally and physically process something like you've
    experienced.?? Your grit and determination are valuable assets.?? Keep going!

    And be well

    Doris