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Posted 3/8/2005 5:48 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Terri,
Yes they took a chest x-ray about month ago when I had bronchitis and when I saw the surgeon the last time, which was the 28th of February, and everything showed up fine. I have had this same pain since the surgery. It is like a soreness that is real bad. Everyone that I talk to that has had the surgery had the same thing. Everyone healed up at different times with it. My neighbor, who had her surgery 20 years ago, said that she still wakes up with it sometimes. I can tell that sometimes it is not as bad as other times. My foot gives me the worst pain and it isn't the leg that they took the veins from. I go to a podiatrist today, maybe he will be able to help me with that. Then I will be able to get around better and heal this chest problem. I don't get around very good right now, because I can't hardly walk. I need to walk before everything else falls apart. hehehehe Besides I need the exercise. My surgeons nurse said I shouldn't have this much pain either and to work a little harder. But everyone that I talked to who had the surgery said theirs healed at different times too and it took eight weeks or more to get over it. Really though, as far as feeling good, I feel real good, not sick just hurt a lot, expecially when I just get up of the morning or a nap during the day. I am really doing great otherwise. Good spirits except when I just can't take the pain anymore, not sick, good appetite, everything.

Lettie :-)
Posted 3/8/2005 5:53 PM (GMT 0)
Lettie, you get that foot fixed and I bet that'll help you a whole lot! yeah

 

I'm glad the x-ray showed nothing there, but once your foot is taken care of, I'm hoping with some more exercise and movement that will help improve things for you.

 

Best wishes and please keep keeping in touch with us! tongue

 

Teri

Posted 3/9/2005 3:44 PM (GMT 0)
Good morning,

I found I have a pinched nerve in my foot. So glad it wasn't anything more serious. I have to call the doctor back in 10 days after taking my medicine, which is Ultracet for the inflamation. He said this should cure it. There is inflamation in my foot causing the swelling and pain. I do seem to be walking better after taking 3 of the pills. It is still painful, but not as painful. So more walking that will help my heart also. More good spirits also. I no longer take Vicodin since I am on Ultracet, which both are pain relievers. I don't feel I need both.

I do have another question though. I still have numbness in my left breast and it has almost been 8 weeks. Did either of you have that? The surgeon said it is because they have to under the nerves and it will cause numbness. But does it last this long?

Yes Terri, I think I will keep coming back, cause I enjoy talking to you all. Besides I am a long ways from recovery even if I can walk and get around good. Besides I consider you all friends.

Have a nice day.
Lettie :-)
Posted 3/9/2005 4:06 PM (GMT 0)
Good Morning, Lettie! tongue

 

Did you have a leg vein graft for your bypass, or a mammary artery?

 

Whenever they 'invade' your body like this, you will find you will have lots of different feelings in the parts that were 'tinkered' with. yeah    Most of the time this is to be expected.  I had a vein graft taken from my left leg and I still after 6 months feel some numbness over the left ankle and slight pain around the areas where the vein was harvested.  If they used a mammory artery, that could explain some of your breast numbness.

 

No matter what-just the way the rib cage is opened and the heart and lungs maneuvered during the surgery, nerves are damaged a bit and need time for healing.  You are such a pleasant person.  Try to think of all the positive things that have ocurred from just having this surgery and how lucky we are that this was made available to us!  With time, most of your other problems will disappear before you know it.  You are still in the very early stages of healing. yeah

 

I'm glad they're on the way to fixing your foot, that'll be a happy day for you!

 

Teri

Posted 3/10/2005 8:30 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Lettie!  Glad they were able to diagnose your foot problem so quick!  Good luck with the med helping and I bet you will feel a lot better all over soon!  When the feet or back hurt, seems like we hurt all over!  yeah
Posted 3/10/2005 11:48 PM (GMT 0)
Pat, thank you again-I'm so glad that you found Healing Well again-you were missed!  yeah

 

Teri tongue

Posted 3/13/2005 5:39 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Pat and Teri,

Pat I have not had the pleasure of meeting you. I am Lettie, 53 years old and have had a double heart bypass and a valve put in on January 10th of this year. I am fairly new here, but have met some good friends. It seems like since I came home from surgery that I have fallen apart. Terri and all the others have assured me that I will heal and do fine. I surely hope so, for I have 12 grandchildren and a hubby that need me. Besides I am a great asset to the world. yeah hehehehe

I have a pinched nerve in my left foot and it seems to be taking its time healing up. Spring is coming on and I am looking forward to putting out my flowers. It is very difficult for me to walk this way and I still tire out quick. Foot doesn't help any. I might need to cut it off and buy me a new one. What do you think? hehehehe Yes I have a great sense of humor. I have to to get through all of this.

Terri, I had a vein graft in my right leg. Three different places. They are sore to the touch, but otherwise they don't bother me. Right foot is fine. Just sore up and down my leg,expecially on the incisions, but I figure they will heal soon. Scars are looking very good. Chest pain seems to be moving up now. It is on the bone between my shoulders. Of course, it may have already been there and I didn't notice it. It may be the only place that hurts now and that is why I noticed. Of course, it hurts the worst when I get out of bed as usual.

The medicine they gave me for my foot doesn't seem to be working all that well. I don't know how long it should take before you notice a difference. It has been 5 days today. He gave me Ultracet for it. After 10 days I am supposed to call him and let him know. If it didn't work he is going to give me something else.

But other than that nothing else has happened and I am still alive, just impatient. hehehehe As you can tell, I am not a couch potatoe. I love getting around and going outside. Expecially in the Spring and Summer. As that songs says, I will survive, I will survive.

You all have a nice day now.
Lettie :-)
Posted 3/13/2005 11:43 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Lettie! tongue

 

That darned foot again!  I'm glad you have such a great attitude, cuz it seems the bypass surgery 'stuff' is doing great!  When you speak of the pain between your shoulders-you are referring, to the chest area??  If that's the case, then I think you are doing super!  Unless a specific area seems infected...that pain will start to diminish each day.

 

That's great that you are not a couch potato-it will keep you going a lot longer that way. yeah

 

As far as 'surviving'?  You already are a survivor and may wear that shirt and title proudly!

 

Teri

Posted 3/14/2005 7:01 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Terri,
Yes, I was referring to the chest area. Everything seems to being running smoothly with the surgery. I have even noticed after being up for a while in the morning, that the pain and soreness is not so bad. I think it just may be healing up after all. Of course I have to watch how far I stretch just yet, because it can still hurt till I do a few more exercises. Of course, I believe after this weather straightens up, then I will be doing a whole lot more. You know what spring can do to you? hehehe These cold, rainy, snowy days can sure turn you off of everything. I got to go outside a little while Saturday and it sure felt good. I went out and sat on my front porch and just imagined the flowers in bloom. Oh, it was pure heaven, but then on Sunday it turned cold again and I was stuck inside. But it won't be long, just 7 more days till spring. Yippee!

I hope you had a nice weekend.

Lettie
Posted 3/15/2005 1:35 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you, Lettie.  I had a very nice warm tongue weekend.  Even got the itch to look at some nurseries, but didn't buy anything yet.  I figure I'll give it just a week or so longer to make sure before another cool front comes along.  Though, my husband already has onions and tomatoes planted in his vegetable garden!  We can always cover those, if necessary.

 

Yes, the weather can play havoc on surgical areas!  So I hope some warmth heads your way soon.  I'm so happy to hear that you seem to be doing better, Lettie!

 

You take care and please keep me posted!

 

Teri

Posted 3/15/2005 5:37 PM (GMT 0)
Yes I will keep you posted.

We always wait till after Easter to plant, because most generally all the cold snaps are gone. I can't wait. I have bought some saddles for my railings to put some impatien plants in on my front porch. I also have some other different ideas for my other flowers this year. Can't wait to see how they turn out. Plus, I have to finish my rock bed. I didn't quite get it finished last year. Then I have a smaller rock bed that I want to redue. I have a lot planned for this year. I do have a little helper, that just loves to garden. He is a God send to me. He is really learning a lot too. He just doesn't relize that this year he will be doing most of it. LOL But he will do a good job.

Have a nice day Terri.
Lettie :-)
Posted 3/15/2005 7:46 PM (GMT 0)
Lettie,

 

That saddle idea sounds super!!  I bet you have many great gardening ideas?!

 

One thing I like to do with Herbs...I buy cheaply, or get for free those plastic black pots from the nurseries?  Then decide which Herbs are going in and I use fabric-type paint from the craft section at any store in any pastel colors you like, and write in sort of a fancy lettering what Herb is in each pot on the outside!  It looks pretty and you can get even fancier and prettier by drawing (stenciling) flowers, etc. on the pots...and what was once, just an old cheap black pot, now has edible Herbs in them right out my back and front door!!  They give out wonderful aromas and are just an arm's reach away for using in any meal and they look nice, too!!

 

Happy Spring Gardening to You All! tongue

 

Teri

Posted 3/15/2005 8:38 PM (GMT 0)
We have done that to the pots that I put my plants in also. I also put artificial flowers in my plants to make them look even prettier. You know the baskets with handles that you can buy peaches in, I took those and put aluminum foil on the bottom and put my Philadandrons in them. You can also paint the baskets and put plastic in them instead.

You know you might think we are getting off the topic of this website, but actually we aren't, because it does a heart and body good to work with gardens and plants. I love to watch them grow. Since what happened to me, I think I appreciate them even more.

Lettie
Posted 3/15/2005 10:08 PM (GMT 0)
We're never too far off topic, Lettie, when it comes to lightening up one's day, or making someone smile and feel good!

 

Texas Hugs, Teri tongue

Posted 3/16/2005 5:54 PM (GMT 0)
That's right Terri, and if there is anyway that I can make someones day and give them a smile, I am there.

Thought I would let you know the chest is much better. Mostly sore of a morning, but I can tolerate it. Past my 8 weeks though. hehhehe During the day it is not so sore. If it wasn't for my pinched nerve in my foot I could get around better. I tell you though, when the foot gets better and I can do my normal work, my work is cut out for me. The dusting and cleaning I will have to do is getting enormous. My husband and daughter-in-law are cleaning for me, but you know how it is, they just don't clean the way you do yourself. But bless their hearts, they try. I just don't feel right telling them what to do when they are volunteering in the first place. Know what I mean? hehehee But I am afraid things will have to wait a little while longer. I don't want to overdue and end up back in the hospital. Maybe when I can start cleaning, they will help me catch up, if I am good to them. hehehehe

You have a nice day. Counting down till after Easter, and I can start planting. hehehehe

Lettie
Posted 3/19/2005 4:13 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Lettie! tongue

 

It's so good to hear from you and I wish your foot was better, too!!  Hopefully, soon?!

 

I know what you mean about others cleaning, but I've grown used to it and try to just overlook a lot~it saves me the

worry! yeah

 

You take care now and let me know how you're getting along!!

 

Love and Hugs from Texas!  Teri

Posted 3/29/2005 1:03 PM (GMT 0)
Good morning,

I thought I would drop in this morning to see how everyone was doing. Plus I have another question. The swelling in my leg has seemed to decrease till the other day. I don't remember if I kept it propped up on my little foot stool under my computer desk or not, but it ended up swelling again. I was wondering if this happens to any of you? It is the leg the doctors took the veins out of. I didn't really pay any attention to it till my husband said something. It didn't worry me, but I was just wondering if this will happen often from now on?

I am also going to another podiatrist next week, because my foot isn't getting any better and the swelling is still there. I talked to my family doctor and he said the medicine the doctor gave me is for pain and not swelling. Well, I have got to get the swelling down to ease the pain. Go figure. But this other doctor takes x-rays, so maybe we can get this figured out. I hope anyway. It doesn't hurt to have a second opinion. This other doctor seems to stay pretty busy, because everytime I call he is booked up. I am hoping that means he is a good doctor. My family doctor recommends him also. Of course, I will give you the scoop on it when I see him.

So how is everyone? Spring is in the air and the sun is beautiful. I hope everyone has started their spring planting and spring cleaning. cool I guess since I can't walk very well or stand very long, mine will get behind. hehehe Oh well, it will give me something to do when it gets too hot to go outside. hehehe

I hope you all have a nice day.
Lettie
Posted 3/29/2005 5:08 PM (GMT 0)
Lettie, I think you should at least put a call into your Dr.'s office and let them know about this continued leg swelling!

 

Now, that said, I to this day have a little swelling when I stand too long in the left leg where they harvested my leg veins for the bypass.  It's not too bad, but it reminds me that it's still not completely healed.

 

You haven't been able to get around that much with the problem in your left foot, so I would think that your body is just taking a longer time to heal.  Remember the way that leg is to heal is by exercise!

 

That foot has really given you some problems, Lettie, I sure hope they can do something to help you!! yeah

 

You are right about 2nd opinions~it never hurts to have them!

 

You take care of yourself and please let us know how this turns out!!

 

Hugs, Teri tongue

Posted 3/29/2005 6:53 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,

I had a feeling it was slowing me down. Of course the pain is not so bad now, just still sore to the touch and sore in the chest when I get up. Some soreness during the day, but I can tolerate it. I will be sure and tell my doctor the next visit. He has me see him now once a month. Probably till I get better and he sees that I am fine.

I let you know everything as soon as I see this other podiatrist. My left foot is the real pain for right now. Otherwise, I would be doing great and getting to do things, not to mention to walk right. hehehehe

Have a nice day, I am.

Lettie :-)
Posted 3/29/2005 11:11 PM (GMT 0)
Lettie,

 

It's always good to hear from you~No matter what is happening with you, you're uplifting and pleasant!

 

Just remember, you're allowed to grumble and whine sometimes, too! tongue

 

I've been having a pretty pleasant day myself~my daughter cooked dinner tonight and I relaxed most of the day, other than some laundry and odds and ends...I'm looking foreward to going in tomorrow and working with the exotic birds, but will have to wait til the plumber comes in the morning and fixes a leak under my sink!

 

This leak business has plagued us for months. yeah It first started in one bathroom and we ended up getting almost a whole new bathroom! lol  Then the other bathroom started to leak in the shower and fortunately was fixed by my husband and some gaskets...now it's the kitchen sink!  arrrgh skull

 

Talk to you soon!  Take care.

 

Hugs, Teri

Posted 3/30/2005 7:12 PM (GMT 0)
Boy when it rains it poors doesn't it? hehehehe It seems when you get a leak, the problem never stops. The next thing you will have to do is fix the floor.

Right now I have got to get some washers and fix some drips. Every time I go to town though, I forget them. Maybe some day. hehehehe

I wish the rain would stop for a while though. It always makes my foot hurt worse. I am even in tears then. I know my husband is tired of it, because he just don't know what to do. Which there really is nothing he can do but hold me and let me cry.

I wish I had a daughter to cook for me. My husbands way of cooking is sandwichs and TV dinners. hehehehe Of course, I can't blame him after working all day.

Well you have a nice day. I am sure I will if we don't have severe storms.

Lettie :-)
Posted 3/30/2005 7:19 PM (GMT 0)
Lettie, it sounds like you have a mighty nice husband!!  Some night's I'd settle for a frozen dinner, too. yeah

 

The plumber came and fixed the sink~nothing too horrible, so now soon we'll just need to replace the kitchen cupboards and the top! lol  Will probably be a loooong while. tongue

 

Wish I could share some of our very pleasant weather with you~but you'll get it soon!

 

Teri

 

 

Posted 4/1/2005 6:01 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry I didn't get back to you yesterday, I was in so much pain in my foot, I just shut down my computer and went and layed down. I ended up in ER last night, because I just couldn't take anymore. They gave me a shot and 2 prescriptions till I can see this other podiatrist on Tuesday. The doctor was really nice. He said the other podiatrist should have taken x-rays. The doctor told me that sometimes heart surgery can cause a little tumor in your foot. He gave it a name, but I forgot it. I have found it on the computer though, when I was looking up foot pain. He also told me to make sure that this podiatrist gives me an orthotic shoe. He said it would release some of the pressure on the inflamatory. He even came back and checked up on me before I left. Not too many doctors do that. I am better today.

They say all next week is supposed to be warmer and less rain. So it is coming. LOL

Lettie :-)
Posted 4/1/2005 6:11 PM (GMT 0)
I am so sorry, Lettie that these foot problems continue to plague you!!  If you wouldn't mind?, do you think you could do that search again and let us know what that foot problem is called?!  It would sure be interesting to know about this!

 

Please take care. Teri

Posted 4/1/2005 6:20 PM (GMT 0)

I don't mind Terri. I'll go do that right now. It would be interesting for you all and the new ones that come along to know this. I am glad he told me.

Lettie :-)

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