I am two weeks out of open heart surgery for mitral valve replacement with closure of the left atrial appendage and the MAZE procedure. It was a big surgery. I am out of the hospital. It has taken me a couple of days to get back my routine for meds etc.
As others have said, I am much weaker than I anticipated. We drove our RV to Cleveland Clinic and now are heading to Iowa. It was almost impossible to climb the steps into the motorhome, it is getting easier each day. I shower on my own and do my own hair, Tylenol helps. Every day, I take a nap - something I never did before. Walking is a must, make plans for it. Set an alarm for the amount of time your doctors recommend - mine said walk every 1.5 hours during the day.
Emotionally I’m in an odd place, almost no feelings - flat. I don’t like it but do think that as the pain decreases I’ll become more engaged and emotional.
I am heartened by the messages here, thank you to all who wrote and to you, @in2dabluz for asking. I follow the forum on the American Heart Association as well, both places have been invaluable.

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