OP
OP
hbark
member
United StatesHi folks. I haven't posted in a while. My big day is coming up, next Tuesday 24 July. I can't wait. Over the past couple of weeks, I got all of the pre-surgery testing done - EKG, donated 2 pints of blood, etc. Been taking iron pills, stopped aspirin and ibuprofen and fish oil.
I went to Bed, Bath & Beyond to get one of those wedge pillows. It took me a long time to find it, no one to help, man my knees were sore by the time I got out of there!!
Our 1 bathroom with a shower was under construction for the past 3 weeks, which forced me to go to the gym. For a workout and a shower! I'd been going less frequently before, so this was a good thing. I'm feeling pretty good, my legs feel strong (e.g., I use 230 lbs. on the leg press thing, 90 lbs on the leg extensions, 140 lbs on triceps press, etc.) which I hope will help during my rehab.
I know the rehab will be long and painful but with much thanks to this forum, I believe I'm ready for that journey. Practically everything that anyone in the surgeon's or cardiologist office said to me, I heard about already either on here, through that great book that was recommended on here. I've read many of your experiences, both pretty good and some very much not good, and I've chosen to focus on the positive for me.
I'm pretty much done with reviewing my stuff with my team at work, and everything's covered there -- I'm thankful for that support. I got a call from the surgeon's office about picking a rehab place for when I get out of the hospital, and there's one close to me that they've worked with before, is familiar with the surgeon's protocol, in a hospital with a great reputation (my surgery is in downtown Philadelphia which is OK for me but a bit difficult for my wife to get to, for visiting, etc.). The surgeon's office recommends going to a rehab place for BTKR, my insurance covers it, I'm going for it.
One question though --For those of you that post on here soon after your surgery -- do you bring your PC to the hospital? I'm thinking that's not a good idea because it could be stolen easily there? What are your experiences with that?
Thanks again -- "see you on the other side"!
I went to Bed, Bath & Beyond to get one of those wedge pillows. It took me a long time to find it, no one to help, man my knees were sore by the time I got out of there!!
Our 1 bathroom with a shower was under construction for the past 3 weeks, which forced me to go to the gym. For a workout and a shower! I'd been going less frequently before, so this was a good thing. I'm feeling pretty good, my legs feel strong (e.g., I use 230 lbs. on the leg press thing, 90 lbs on the leg extensions, 140 lbs on triceps press, etc.) which I hope will help during my rehab.
I know the rehab will be long and painful but with much thanks to this forum, I believe I'm ready for that journey. Practically everything that anyone in the surgeon's or cardiologist office said to me, I heard about already either on here, through that great book that was recommended on here. I've read many of your experiences, both pretty good and some very much not good, and I've chosen to focus on the positive for me.
I'm pretty much done with reviewing my stuff with my team at work, and everything's covered there -- I'm thankful for that support. I got a call from the surgeon's office about picking a rehab place for when I get out of the hospital, and there's one close to me that they've worked with before, is familiar with the surgeon's protocol, in a hospital with a great reputation (my surgery is in downtown Philadelphia which is OK for me but a bit difficult for my wife to get to, for visiting, etc.). The surgeon's office recommends going to a rehab place for BTKR, my insurance covers it, I'm going for it.
One question though --For those of you that post on here soon after your surgery -- do you bring your PC to the hospital? I'm thinking that's not a good idea because it could be stolen easily there? What are your experiences with that?
Thanks again -- "see you on the other side"!
As for the posting after the surgery, my hospital and the rehab place that I went to both had WiFi internet access so I did have my husband bring my Ipad to the hospital the night of my surgery when he came to visit! Whenever it was not in use I would put it in the drawer of the bedside night stand, so it would be out of sight. I carried it with me when the ambulance transported me to the rehab place and did the same thing there as far as keeping it out of sight. I will tell you one thing though, that having my Ipad saved me from total boredom when I was not in PT and was layed up in bed icing and elevating. I was able to stay in touch with my husband and our grown kids, letting them know how things were going so they didn't worry, and I down loaded some games like sudoku and solitaire so I could amuse myself until my meds kicked in and lulabied me to sleep. 
I look forward to reading more of your story! Stay well!
Life only gets better after that! You will be so happy that you did both at the same time, I know I am 7 weeks later! 
