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open heart aneurysm repair

Posted by scottbliz @scottbliz, Jan 23 7:36am

Does anyone have any suggestions on how long I should feel out of breath and very tired and weak in the legs after the open heart surgery?Before the surgery I was in very strong condition for 75 but it been 2 months and I am still shakey in the legs and have to sit and rest more. I did have fluid in chest cavity and had to drain 7 times. Could that be slowing my progress. and Im on prednisone to dry up inflamation causing fluid build up

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scottbliz | @scottbliz | Feb 1 9:43am
In reply to @cyfanter2024 "My experience with AAA repair is ongoing. I needed grafts to the ascending aorta and lower..." + (show)
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My experience with AAA repair is ongoing. I needed grafts to the ascending aorta and lower part of the arch. Surgery went well, but afterward my heart would not resume proper beating and needed rest. I now have right ventricle dysfunction. My chest was left open for 5 days until it could finally be closed. I was in ICU with EVMO, dialysis, intubation for many days. What was supposed to be a total hospital stay of 5 to 7 days became 21 days. I’m 78 years old and was in excellent shape going into the surgery. The worst part was the continuous testing and vital taking done morning, noon , and night for the entire hospital stay. I was completely exhausted . It took a week on a walker, then a week on a cane, and about 2 months more to feel substantially better.

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I am so sorry about your experience. My heart would not start beating again and Dr put on a pacemaker for a while and then by the time I was fully awake it had been removed. I totally agree with you on the vital checking and blood drawing. Everytime I would doze off here came someone else to check something. It was non stop NO rest. I am at my 2 month mark today and can tell a big diference. Once again thank you for your input. It will help someone who has had your same experience

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