Posted by John Behle on May 09, 2001 at 00:54:19:
I appreciate the concern, comments, calls and prayers. A very special thanks to Carl. He called the night before my surgery and it was perfect timing. It helped ALOT! I appreciate it. The emails and support from Jack and others have been fantastic.
The surgery was delayed to the afternoon of the 12th and all went very well. As someone previously mentioned, the first day was hell, but all uphill from there.
My heart has fluctuated between Normal Sius Rythym and a Junctional Rythym. Dr. Millar said he felt that would straighten out in a few days and I think it has.
I came home six days later and felt fabulous the next couple days. Then it seemed to take a few steps backward. That may be because I didn't take my thyroid medicine for a couple days.
A couple days without Thryoid meds shouldn't have that strong of an effect, but I have heard somewhere about surgery throwing the thyroid off. I have had chills and can go from hot to cold to hot again in a matter of minutes.
Now, ten days after the surgery I feel very good. I don't let my pain pills get too far away and I still have some lung congestion and am on oxygen much of the time.
I am on NO heart meds whatsoever. Tomorrow will start the walks. Most of the chest pain from the surgery is gone and everything is healing up fine.
Through the times when I haven't felt as good - as I am used to doing - I check my pulse. For three decades it's always been "ya, my heart's irregular". Now there is a steady "thump, thump, thump" - - what a joy.
Looks like a total success at this stage. I'll keep you informed. Good luck to all and thanks again, John