I continue my s_l_o_w recovery from open heart surgery on 9/21. Had a bit of a setback this past week when my blood pressure crashed to 68/53 resulting in a one day and night hospital stay.
My new cardiologist – the prior one moved out of town – eliminated one blood pressure medication. She also told me that I am in the most difficult phase of recovery, that I should not expect to feel good. All I can do is continue to monitor my blood pressure, weight, temperature, etc., take my meds, drink at least 64 oz. of water daily, get up and walk around the house every hour (except at night). I like when a doctor is clear and straightforward like this.
More later.
Dagny's Desk 
Julia said:
Sounds like your doctor is on the ball. It is a time where every twinge sounds off alarms. It is always a good thing to get checked out and so glad you did. I’ve had my meds adjust several times, it is just part of the package. It takes time to heal and recover it will happen be patient your body needs time so does your brain to adjust to this new improved you!
Dagny Gromer said:
Thanks Julia. How long did it take for you to begin to feel better?
Julia said:
I slowly started to feel better about three months post-op. But, I got tired easily for months after the operation. Also, I had a few scares when I thought things weren’t right and went back to the hospital and it wasn’t my heart it was me overreacting quite common, just don’t ignore your feelings and get checked out. I now have to watch how much fluid I take in as I get dehydrated easy, which is a typical old people’s problem. I also had a spell of anxiety attacks, I tend to get overly concerned about things, a little Xanax took care of that. When I reached six months post-op I felt good about my progress later I had chest pain turns out I was having spasms in the arteries so I take a pill for that now. I still need a nap everyday it helps me feel better and calms me down. This whole episode is a shock to your system and it takes a while to physically feel better and to mentally adjust, in my experience.
Chris said:
I’m probably roughly your age and had an open heart surgery in March. By this time I was feeling decent enough to walk about 1000 ft in the neighborhood (increasing 1 driveway every 1-2 days). But I didnt need a BP med adjustment as you did so cut yourself a lot of slack. I’ll bet you will start feeling better very soon with that behind you. But recovery is an up and down thing… Gotta say, I feel great now. Best wishes!
Dagny Gromer said:
Thank you Chris