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OHS this Thursday

  • 1.  OHS this Thursday

    Posted 12-14-2020 06:52
    Hi Everyone, I'm new here and like to thank everyone in this group for any support and hope I can return the favor after my OHS. I'm 63 and have been a very active runner/triathlete for 30+ years. I recently was diagnosed with an anomalous right coronary artery travelling in the wrong direction (born with it) and will need redirection OHS in five days. Like most I've seen here I'm nervous but excited too to get it done and start recovering. I'm taking 3 months off work but my work just involves sitting on my butt in front of a computer. Do you think i will be able to get back to work sooner?

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    David Slothower
    Sales Professional
    Roseville CA
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  • 2.  RE: OHS this Thursday

    Posted 12-14-2020 12:36
    Hello David,
    I had 4-way bypass surgery in 2017. I was 68 at the time and I was able to return to work part-time at 8 weeks and full time at 10 weeks. Like yours, my job was mainly sitting on my butt in front of a computer as well.
    You should be ok to return sooner as an athlete. I was and am a couch potato. Just remember to listen to your body and not your mind while recovering. If you feel tired, STOP working and go home. Don't try to work through the pain. Having your chest cracked open is not the same as a muscle cramp. 
    As you heal you will be able to work longer hours. Just be patient. Healing is like a marathon, not a sprint.

    Good luck and hope to hear from you soon. 
    Richard Short
    Chapter 395





  • 3.  RE: OHS this Thursday

    Posted 12-14-2020 13:54
    Hi Richard,
    Thanks much for the feedback and yes, I'm nervous about doing to much as I am about doing not enough rehab. So I'll follow doctor's orders to the tee and will get through this.

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    David Slothower
    Sales Professional
    Roseville CA
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  • 4.  RE: OHS this Thursday

    Posted 12-14-2020 13:16
    David,

    I'm a 52 year old male, and I just had open heart surgery a bit over 6 weeks ago to repair an ascending aortic aneurism at 5.0 cm. I was diagnosed with it back in March of 2018. I like you was nervous about going through the surgery, and recovery, and had put it off. The surgery went smoothly, and I was out of the hospital after 3 days. The first week of recovery was tougher as I had got winded after walking 10 minutes, and was more tired. I started to turn the corner at 2 weeks post surgery. I have been recovering well. I'm now walking 30 minutes a day in the mornings on the treadmill with an incline of 1 at 2.7 miles an hour, and do a 15 minute walk in the afternoon. They do say being young, and in good health helps with the surgery, and recovery. Since you seem to be in good shape, and health, you should do fine also.

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    Scott Woodward
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  • 5.  RE: OHS this Thursday

    Posted 12-14-2020 14:01
    Hi Scott,
    Thanks for the feedback and great to hear your are on the active road to recovery. Your words are inspiration for me and I'm really glad I found this site. I have one followup question for you. I expect to be home in about a week after surgery. My bedroom is on the 2nd floor. Will I have difficulty just walking up stairs? Even if I go slow and take one step at a time? Of course my wife will be there if I have any balance problems but just curious how winded I will be.

    Thanks much,
    David

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    David Slothower
    Sales Professional
    Roseville CA
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  • 6.  RE: OHS this Thursday

    Posted 12-14-2020 14:55
    ..


  • 7.  RE: OHS this Thursday

    Posted 12-14-2020 22:38
    Thanks Raymond, hopefully I will be among those.

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    David Slothower
    Sales Professional
    Roseville CA
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  • 8.  RE: OHS this Thursday

    Posted 12-14-2020 15:09

    David. 

    I have been through a CABG x 5, and stents. Each time I did cardiac rehab where nurses monitor your progress while you workout. I strongly recommend rehab. After my CABG rehab helped me recover in 6 weeks to walk my daughter down the isle and dance all night.  Good luck. 



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    Randy Waclawczyk
    Round Rock TX
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  • 9.  RE: OHS this Thursday

    Posted 12-14-2020 22:42
    Thanks Randy, I'll take your advice and it must have been so special for you to see your daughter get married, that's awesome!

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    David Slothower
    Sales Professional
    Roseville CA
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  • 10.  RE: OHS this Thursday

    Posted 12-15-2020 08:51
    David,

    I had quintuple bypass surgery followed by pneumonia and a cdiff infection that resulted in my being hospitalized for 3 weeks plus another 3 weeks in an inpatient rehab facility and I nevertheless was back to work full time as a lawyer within 12 weeks of the surgery.  I worked remotely a bit at 8 weeks.

    I also was back in the gym lifting weights and walking 2.5 miles a day at 12 weeks.  I was 67 at the time and, like you, a lifelong athlete.  

    I think you'll be fine.

    Good luck,

    Ira

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    Ira Reid
    Hoboken NJ
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  • 11.  RE: OHS this Thursday

    Posted 12-15-2020 13:26
    Hi Ira,
    Thanks for the response, greatly appreciated. Very inspirational to hear you are doing well. Hearing other's experiences will go a long way in giving me confidence my surgery will have great outcomes. Thanks again!

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    David Slothower
    Sales Professional
    Roseville CA
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  • 12.  RE: OHS this Thursday

    Posted 12-15-2020 09:13
    David,

    Reiterating what everybody else here has said: You will likely sail through. I was 67 when I had my OHS in March (aortic valve, ascending aorta, CABGx1). I was in very good shape but you sound like you are in better shape than I was. We had this done in Cleveland. I was home from the hospital on Day 10 and was sitting at my desk writing on Day 11. I largely write for a living. I was back working Day 12, but I listened to my body, usually took a brief nap later in the day (when I felt myself starting at the screen and about ready to fall asleep with my eyes open) and walked multiple times during the day. If anything, I was surprised that I wasn't the invalid I imagined I would be. The only things I noticed work wise, especially in hindsight, is that I was definitely slower in my thought process as my brain and body were getting back into sync. That improved steadily. By week 8, I was back to my old exercise schedule, including full hills. In the earlier days as I walked up mild hills if I noticed any tightness in my chest I put on the brakes. It was exciting to see progress over the days. The body is beyond remarkable. Cardiac rehab was closed for the first three months post-surgery. By the time it reopened I was beyond what it could do, but went several times so I could be monitored. If your rehab allows a start at 4-6 weeks, I would encourage it. Well before I had planned surgery I had planned a biz trip to NY three months out. I would have easily been able to do that trip. Bottom line, here I am nine months post-surgery and if it wasn't for the 9" souvenir on my chest I wouldn't know anything was done inside. Oh, and by the way, I had very little chest pain post-surgery; mostly back pain, which was gone within two weeks. I realize everybody has a different experience but I thought I would share mine. Key to all of this, as I think the rest of the crew would attest, is your state of mind going in. It's huge helping you coming out. And on that score you seem to be well on your way. G'luck.

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    Herb Greenberg
    San Diego CA
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