Well, I think it's different for everyone. I was 36 when I had my valve replaced, due to endocarditis. The valve was in bad shape to begin with, being how I got the infection. I was born with bicuspid aortic valve disease. I say all this because, it's important to know that I was healthy (except infection) and in pretty shape going into the surgery.
I had a great recovery and my memories are not bad from that time. I went home 4 days post op. I ran a mile 7 weeks after surgery. I was back to all activities at 6-7 months. Sneezing caused discomfort for about
a year.
It is painful? Absolutely. They are cutting through bone and that bone has to heal. The most important thing you can do for your recovery is stay on a consistent pain medication regimen. I go every 4 hours, even if no pain. I did this for 3 weeks. Also, if you are on your pain meds, you are able to get up and walk around, which is key to recovery.
My father who was in poor health when he had a heart attack and then a CABG x 5 had a much longer recovery. He was 68 when he had the surgery. He was inpatient for 1 week and I had him put in a rehab hospital for an additional week before I brought him home. He was up and walking out on his own at about
12 weeks, before that I needed to be with him. It took a lot longer to get his meds and diet and activity levels where they should be.
The incision and bone healing however was a bit easier for him, as he didn't have large breasts and I did. Being a large breasted women made that part of recovery more difficult.
Hope this helps!
Post Edited (jdiane) : 8/17/2014 4:54:10 PM (GMT-6)