This Dr. visit didn't go as expected

[leehljp]

Thanks Turaj. I'm doing OK but I seem to get tired quicker now than before. But the cardio-physical therapy is wearing me out. I know that it is building my strength up. I have 9 more weeks if I don't miss any, and I know of at least 2 days that I have to miss, so that will prolong it into another week.

[Turaj]

Hank, sorry I missed your original post. Wish you full and speedy recovery.

[leehljp]

I missed this the first time through. - For me, I felt like I was just running out of energy; I didn't think of it as out of breath, which in looking back on it - some of it was. My blood pressure during physical therapy activity is now running 90-95 over 60 to 55. Before this event, my blood pressure was 120-130 over 80. 90-95 over 60 is what I used to have when I was in my 30s and early 40's.

[leehljp]

Recovery is coming along. I just finished my 2nd week of 12 weeks of rehab - 3 days a week, 1 hour each day of physical workout which isn't too strenuous, plus 1 hour each day of diet, menu, psychology etc. I do feel somewhat better.

[jabe]

Take care Hank! Hope you have a Speedy recovery.

[Fres1942]

It's true that collateral circulation, where other vessels compensate for blockages, can exist. However, the extent of your blockages (particularly multiple at 99%) suggests they were likely significantly impacting your health, even if you weren't feeling severely unwell.

[leehljp]

Here in the cardiac section, there is a division between CVICU and regular hospital care. The CV (CardioVascular) ICU has 2 people assigned to each patient until they step down to ICU. Each "nurse" is assigned 1 specific patient, but also assigned as an assistant to the the next nurse. I had one primary nurse each 12 hour shift, and 1 backup nurse (who was primary for another patient.) CVICU is usually 2 to 4 days max.
Bypass: Triple bypass. I never had a left arm pain or shortness of breath; only that I felt out of energy at times.

[LCHIEN]

"step-down" meaning moving from ICU to regular hospital room?

triple bypass? Quad?

Be thankful you are inside its cold out. Maybe they'll bring you the blankets from the blanket warmer... very comfy.

Glad you are making progress.

[cwsmith]

May God continue to watch over you Hank. I'll keep you in my prayers for the best possible success!

CWS

[leehljp]

My doctor came by and said "the widow maker was totally occluded" (stopped up). Could not get a line through it. God was with you!" Dr. Garrott is turning in the orders for a step-down. If they have a room tonight, I will go then, if not then tomorrow or when they get a room.

I never was short of breath when I was helping build churches or helping other people with their work. Doc said "not everyone gets that warning. You didn't."

BTW, now have 4+ inches of Yankee snow (I love it) down here and I can't look at it till in the morning.

[cwsmith]

Hank,

So very glad to hear from you! Just take it easy and please don't overdue until your doctor gives you the 'all clear'.

CWS

[LCHIEN]

Hang in there!

[leehljp]

Well 30 hours after and it hurts like xxxx. My health before the surgery has played a part in the recovery plan. Everyone is amazed that although it hurts, I can stand and walk so quickly - there has been discussions of leaving a couple of days earlier than originally planned.

Will report more as it comes about.

[cwsmith]

Hi Pappy,

You inquired about Atorvastantin dosage. I take 10 mg a day and have done so for at least ten years, having been diagnosed with high triglycerides (up in the low 400 range the last test this past November). Its been on the rise the last three years. So the Doc and I had a bit of a discussion and I guess I eat too many fatty potato chips and some fatty foods. Well, I cut the chips out immediately (that was hard), though I was only eating them on weekends (old movie watcher). I also cut out most of the fatty foods too; and, my son recommended fish oil tablets, so I recently started taking 3 mg a day. My weight dropped 8 lbs in the last three months, down to 169 lbs (I'm 5, 11). I'm Type 2 diabetic (Metormine tablets only). I do a lot of walking every day, don't drink and have never smoked. I've had two bouts of cancer, both requiring surgery, but I'm good now (as far as I know). This past May I had a treadmill stress test and did well the Doc said. (I wasn't so sure at the time, I haven't run in probably 15 years.)

Well I still take care of the neighbor's sidewalk and lawn, all of my own stuff, and we're out to the stores every day. I do get tired of course; I will be 80 this coming July!

My Dad passed when he was 79, worked in the trades way too much and smoked hard. No drinking though. Last year I lost a cousin, he was only 79 also. While I get the feeling I'm on borrowed time, I do have an Uncle who is 103.

So, just take care, visit a Doctor regularly so you really know how you're doing, and don't hesitate to take measures as recommended.

CWS

[Pappy]

Relax, enjoy being pampered for a few weeks. Curiosity, what was your dosage of Atorvastatin? I've been on 40mg for about 3 years and don't have near the energy I used to have. I'll be 75 in a few weeks so I just attributed it to that.