I'm Jogging!

SATURDAY, JULY 24, 2010 10:54 AM, MDT

IT happened! I began running, well actually jogging just as I begin week 10 of my recovery! It happened pretty much as Dr. Smolen had predicted. I stepped outside to go for a walk and decided at that moment that my body was ready for me to at least try running a few steps to see how my incision felt. Much to my surprise, I had no discomfort! So, I jogged but mostly walked for two miles at 12:30/miles. Just a touch faster than the 15:00/mile I've been doing on the treadmill but it's a start. It felt so invigorating to begin moving my body and sweat and feel the strong beating of my heart! What a world of difference post-bypass. I don't have that incredible heaviness in my chest, and I can actually take in deep breaths and expand my chest. It's such a stimulating and healthy sensation! I'm having some residual effects of my incision in the hours following but I think that's too be expected. So, my game plan is to wait a day or two until I jog again. I have to say that as I regain my physical and emotional strength, I have a greater appreciation of the work of my entire medical team. I know bypass is a common procedure but having gone through it, I still marvel at the end result especially considering I didn't have any complications. I still think it's a miracle! 

Four Weeks To Go

SATURDAY, JULY 17, 2010 2:55 PM, MST

Eight weeks down and four more to go before my restrictions of lifting, pushing, and raising my arms overhead are lifted. I really miss lifting upper body weights, but more than that, I miss doing push-ups! With all of that comes physical strength and I can't wait to get that back. But for now, the three pound weights will have to suffice.

This morning, Kyle (who turns 10 next month) came up to me and said: "Mom, I hope you never have to go back into the hospital because that wouldn't be a good thing. If the surgery doesn't work or if you have another heart attack then you have to go to the hospital. But I know to call 9-1-1 if something happens to you. Sometimes I think about that when I sleep." Kyle then went on to mention a time when he and Katrina had to sleep over at my friend, Christie's house because I was in the hospital. He remembers but I don't...just too many hospital and ER visits over the last four years.

Wow! I often wondering how having a mom with heart disease will impact both Katrina and Kyle. Katrina, who has always wanted to be a teacher, told me the other day she is thinking about going into the medical field. Kyle wants to be a firefighter. He is extremely sensitive to my needs and always very inquisitive  about my condition. While he and Katrina were in MI last week, Kyle asked me nearly every day how my scar is coming along. He has been taking periodic photos of the scar so we can see the healing process. 

Rebuilding my Life

FRIDAY, JULY 16, 2010 9:29 AM, MST

Thanks to my friends, I'm continuing to plug myself into the outside world....ever so slowly. Last week, Melinda called and said our church's religious education program was still in need of a fourth grade teacher. She wondered if I may be interested. My kids have been in St. Steven's RE program since its inception, I've helped Melinda a few times in her third grade class, and I've wanted to co-teach a class for the last several years but have been too symptomatic. This opportunity seemed to come at a perfect time. It would help build my physical stamina and in turn regain some self-confidence. Yet, I still harbored the fear that I may lack the motivation and energy level to prepare for and co-teach the 1.5 hour class every Wednesday. After some thought and much prayer, I decided that the only thing standing in the way was my fear. So, I decided that the only way to conquer that fear was to embrace the opportunity! Teachers had their initial meeting at church yesterday and planning begins for the classes which start the first week in August. Kyle is actually in the fifth grade (RE) class on Wednesdays and Katrina will be going to RE class on Sundays following the 5 p.m. mass. So, Katrina has already volunteered to be an aide in my class on Wednesdays. I've really learned that it's opportunities like this to become actively involved in your kid's lives that you can't put a price tag on, and so, there's no time like the present. Thanks, Melinda for thinking of me!

This week, I began riding the stationary bike at the gym for 15:00 intervals. Walking on the treadmill is getting monotonous! 

Getting Back on Track

FRIDAY, JULY 9, 2010 1:50 PM, MST

I gave into peer pressure last night. Actually, it's better than it sounds. My (running) friend, Christina had persuaded me to go to track practice, and so I gave in. Although I was a bit uncertain about my stamina, especially given the heat, I'm so grateful Christina gave me the nudge I needed. Getting lots of hugs, words of encouragement and support, and being with many of my friends whom I've logged hundreds if not thousands of hours and miles with over the years was so therapeutic. They're like my extended family. Going to the track feels so natural and brings me an element of peace but the experience is always made more powerful by the presence of good friends. Oh, for those inquiring minds, i have not yet started trying to run due strictly to the discomfort of my incision. Trust me, you will all know when that happens! 

Finally....Some Relief!

WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 2010 4:49 PM, MST

As I wrap-up the seventh week of post-op recovery, I've FINALLY noticed some RELIEF from the discomfort of my incision. Having said that, I went to the gym twice this week and worked my upper body using 3 lb. weights. That was enough to trigger some irritation of my chest bone. To be expected and I can use it to gauge my progress. I'm up to walking 2.0+ miles every day and am certainly noticing an increase in my overall stamina. Some of the things I'm still not able to do are to lift (anything more than 5 lbs.) and push a grocery cart. My mom took me to the store this morning, and bless her heart, even carried the bags into the kitchen for me. Although I've regained most of my independence (ability to shower, drive, laundry, and cook), it's still tough not to be able to do everything completely for myself. It's only temporary and a better alternative to dealing with a setback.  

One of the elements of post-bypass surgery that often times is forgotten is the emotional trauma that it has on patients. Depression runs rampant among cardiac patients especially those of us who've had a bypass. Sufficient research has not been completed to identify the exact cause. Some real possibilities include physiological reactions from the surgery to the emotional trauma of surviving such a life-altering procedure. Based on my experience, I would say it could easily be the combination. So, last week, I began individual counseling and found a therapist I've really connected with which can often be the biggest hurdle. Having a counselor validate my thoughts and feelings helps to normalize my journey if that's even possible. 

Growing Up Too Fast

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2010 6:32 PM, MST

Katrina has grown up right before my eyes. I dropped her off tonight for her first official babysitting job! Katrina was thrilled; mom was a bit nervous. Honestly, anyone who knows Katrina recognizes how well she interacts with lil' ones. They always seem to gravitate towards her--could be that bright, friendly, energetic smile of hers. Katrina has always seemed mature beyond her years, and I couldn't be more proud of her. I guess this officially puts Katrina on the list for babysitting jobs.  Hey, someone in the house needs to be working :) It looks like tonight marks a new chapter for the both of us! 

Discharged from Surgeon's Care

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23, 2010 7:14 PM, MST

I had a wahoo! moment this afternoon. I saw my cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr. Smollens, and she discharged me from her care! That's when the wahoo! moment came.....along with, I must admit, some tears. Lots of emotions rolled into those puppies. The flood of feelings and thoughts caught me off-guard. They shouldn't have because Dr. Smollens told me at my previous appointment that today would be my last visit with her. I guess that's my reward for being such an obedient patient. I will resume visits with my regular cardiologist, Dr. Heuser, next month. You know I didn't let Dr. Smollens escape without talking to her about returning to running. Actually, she brought it up before I even had a chance to mention it. She told me that she'll leave it up to me when I try running again. My initial reaction was, "Wow, she trusts me to make that decision?" But as we talked in length, she explained to me that she based the statement on her experiences of working with runners post-bypass. She added that the runners knew when their bodies were ready to take on the pounding. For me, it could be as long as another six weeks or as short as another two weeks before I may feel like trying to trot. So, it'll come down to this:  when I decide to try and run and if I experience pain in the area of the incision, then I'll need to hold off. Based on that statement, I recognize I'm not ready to try running because I still have a constant sensation of pulling at the site of the incision (6-1/4" long) which I feel it every time I inhale. Then, when I try and move my upper body in one direction, it's as if the incision stays stagnate; there's no give in that specific part of my chest. So I guess it'll come down to this:  I'll have to do what I've been doing for several years and that's listen to and read my body. Looks like this will be my next assignment.

As Dr. Oz says, "Don't take your health for granted."