I Found Out ...

I am currently 8 weeks post-op and just realized this week how very extensive this open-heart surgery really is. I truly thought I'd be up and about like nothing had happened by now and would be running back to work within a month and a half or two months. My body has reacted tremendously to let me know that I'm not superhuman and to put me in my place but good!

I went up north to visit with my children, family, and little grandsons last week. I thought everything was going to be great, and actually it was. The only thing that hit me like a ton of bricks was the fact that after walking around the Bangor Children's Museum for two hours with my 4 year old grandson, I was pretty exhausted! I wonder how I'm supposed to go back to working 12 hours shifts now when I spend the majority of my time on my feet there? It made me really start thinking about the magnitude of my surgery and what my poor body (and mind!) has been through in the past two months!

I'm not sure I'm ready now to attempt those 12 hour shifts yet. Thank God HR understands ... besides all that, the hole that developed in the bottom of my incision 3 weeks post-op is still there, and I continue to pack it twice daily. It is closing slowly but surely, though. I see my surgeon again on Wednesday, and hopefully for the last time this time for good. 

I'm going to start Phase II of my cardiac rehabilitation as well, as I got a call from the Heart Hospital regarding such yesterday. I wasn't going to do cardiac rehab because my surgeon told me I may be bored with it being so young, but the person who called me regarding it explained that I would be continuously monitored (my heart rate, etc.) whilst exercising and it might be an advantage for me. I'm actually a little leery about going back to the gym on my own currently, and that's one of the main reasons I haven't gone yet. Not to mention that I can't swim with the incision the way it is, so it would be a moot point since I truly enjoy swimming at the gym. I guess I'm a bit worried about my heart when I begin my exercise regime again, and with good reason I suppose. So being monitored in the beginning will be a wonderful thing for me, at first.

Enough for today! God Bless all!

Plant-Based Diets

Well, now, I've been reading a book a dear friend of the family gave to me following my surgery. It's titled "Dr. Dean Ornish's Program for Reversing Heart Disease" and it's quite eye-opening. Not only is the man intelligent and a cardiologist, he incorporates all aspects of dis-ease in the process of reversal, including those spiritual and emotional aspects. In other words, his program is not just about the medical and physiological aspects of heart disease. 


So far, I've learned quite a bit and more has been validated for me in reading just the first few chapters of his book. He writes in terms even a lay person can understand, and he has a great sense of humor, as well. The book is laid out well, and also has many recipes (plant-based & healthy) in the back of the book for easy access. I would recommend this book to anyone who is genetically inclined toward CAD (coronary artery disease) or who has been diagnosed with hypertension or hypercholesterolemia. 

New Day, New Dawn

It is going on the 10th day post-op for me and I've been re-evaluating my Life each and every day. There is not much else to do, except read or watch television, actually, so taking the time to be more introspective has actually been a blessing for me. I've talked with my sister a little about this, as well. My Mom & my baby sister, Lisa, came down to help me out after surgery. One can count on family to help out in times of crisis ... and that is all one can count on. Thank God I have family who is willing to help. When Lisa leaves, I will be alone again during the days, but I will manage. One thing I know for sure is that I am a strong woman and I am roaring as I type :)


I'm not going to write much today, even though I haven't posted for a while now. I have a doctor's appointment today, which my sister will bring me to. (Not sure when they'll let me drive again, but hopefully soon!) I have some major changes in my Life I'm considering now ... especially in my Spiritual Life. These will be considered and discussed at a later date. Currently, I'm focused on healing and will discuss health issues with my PCP today when I see him. Just resting, healing, and getting stronger every day.