First day home update

[JMCKUSICK]

Good morning,
I slept two two hour sets and felt more rested than I have in weeks. I will nap whenever my body wants it for a while until I get some semblance of order back to my sleep patterns.
I've done three sets of the incentive breathing thingy,getting to 2700 once but consistently between 1800-2500.
I went for a walk that took me slightly more than halfway to my meditation and prayer spot, that small beautiful cemetery. My goal is to get there in three or four more days of walks so Cuddles and I can reestablish our special time.
My back really hurts doing those walks but I have to push and get at least some muscle activity going to try and get at least minimal use out of it.
I feel like I really need my back to help my heart.

Before my heart surgery, I used to use Medical Marijuana edibles to help manage my back pain. Opioids don't do anything significant to help at the dosage I have. I'm afraid to start using edibles for at least another three weeks. Does anyone have any feedback from their own personal experience?
Please know I will not use for the next three weeks so just looking for your experience with it after surgery.
Have a wonderful day and know I'll walk some more later, as well as using the incentivizer.

[cyclonefence]

1. After my most recent surgery

I was offered opioids but won't take them because they constipate me. I controlled my pain with three extra-strength Tylenols (although I don't buy the brand name--acetaminophin is the generic name) and (sorry) edibles. I took the acets about every six hours and was surprised by how effective they were. You might want to give them a shot.

Why are you afraid to start using the edibles again? They helped straighten out my sleep pattern, too.

[JMCKUSICK]

2. I worry about getting

Too relaxed and potentially damaging the sternal wound by trying to do too much if I'm feeling good.
I think it's just wires and a couple of clips holding the ribcage in place until the bone heals.

[cyclonefence]

3. You might try just taking one at bedtime

Just curious: Has your appetite gone through the roof? My wound from the surgery (abscess in pleural sac) is almost completely healed--I'm using that breath thing, too!--and my appetite is finally getting back to normal. When I first got home from the hospital I couldn't get enough to eat, and all my doctors were pleased to hear it. The crazy thing is I didn't gain any weight. I was eating sweet potatoes, just plain baked sweet potatoes, all day long!

[JMCKUSICK]

6. I struggled massively with my appetite

For the first two weeks after my heart surgery. I craved fruit and yogurt almost to the point of that was all I would eat. Two days before my initial discharge, I ate my first meal, hospital pot roast and it was outstanding. If Denny's had it on the menu, I'd order it and pay. it was that good.
When I got home, my diet still consisted primarily of fruits and yogurt, with two cans of soup and pork chops twice.
Since I went back into the hospital, I ate regular "consistent carb diet" meals and some fruit and three yogurts a day.
I went back in the second time weighing 249lb and weighed 239.6 just now. So no weight gain with a much improved appetite. It took two weeks but I'm hoping I can lose another 20 pounds. (Fingers crossed)
I love sweet potatoes but I gotta have a little butter and brown sugar with it.
I wish you the very best my partner in healing, Cyclonefence.

[58Sunliner]

5. Can you wear a supportive brace or wrap?

[JMCKUSICK]

7. I hadn't thought of trying that,

I'll look into it.
Thank you for the suggestion 58Sunliner

[58Sunliner]

8. They used to wrap broken ribs.

[JMCKUSICK]

12. Speaking of

I keep forgetting this, all of my X-rays say that I have multiple old fractures on my right side and I have no earthly idea how they got there.
Can you break ribs from an intense coughing fit?
Would fractures if they happened through child abuse still be visible 50 years later?

[58Sunliner]

16. Yes, old fractures can be visible.

Severe/chronic coughing fits can damage ribs. Rib density can play a role as well. It is a risk for older pts, especially women.

[JMCKUSICK]

19. I think you tagged a winner 58Sunliner

There was a time, back in 2020 where I was wracked with coughs so badly that i collapsed in pain on the floor. I remember hearing several pops so I thought I had popped some cartilage loose and I do remember it taking months to recover.
Thanks for the memories lol but at least riddle solved.

[58Sunliner]

21. If it happens again, you might want to see the doctor.

[58Sunliner]

4. Glad you are home. I have never read any contra-indications for edible THC use after surgery or infection.

CBD helps with pain and inflammation. The supplement I recommended does help with pain as well and increases the effectiveness of antibiotics and is very good for your heart. I dropped two sizes since taking it, so it helps with weight as well. If you are on blood thinners or meds for HBP, then luteolin is contra-indicated as it increases their effectiveness. I don't make money promoting it.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5635727/

[AllaN01Bear]

9. do not push it. take your time , voice of experiance here . enjoy your time at the cemetary.

my fv meditave spot was @ a lake with a community dock. id just go and switch off and zone out. the hoa took it out as it was a liability. darn.

[JMCKUSICK]

10. I'm sorry

I sure hope you found an alternative spot AllaN01Bear.

[AllaN01Bear]

11. no, havent . the closest where i can do that is where my mom is interred .

take your time to enjoy the scene and remember.

[JMCKUSICK]

13. Thank you for reminding me to not

Take it for granted.
I'm sorry and the only suggestion I have is to open your heart to the possibility of it finding you.

[Dorothy V]

14. Use your edibles!

And, as cyclonefence remarked, Extra-strength Tylenol. Hubby used them for his back pain with good results. (he had two lumbar spine operations). And Keep Losing That Weight! Your back will thank you! You might want to consult a dietician for a diet that is both good for the cardiovascular system and weight loss.
You might also consider using a cane for your walks.

[JMCKUSICK]

15. Hi Dorothy

I always bring my phone and my cane. I am thing of using the roller walker with the seat.
I'll try an edible before my next nap lol.

Any thoughts on the old rib fractures?

[Dorothy V]

17. How old are they?

After a few months at the most they ought not be painful.
Did they use a rib spreader at any time during your bypass surgery?
Pain after a fracture is usually gone by two months or a bit more.
Do be aware that once fractured, a rib may well be more prone to breaking in the future.
Stay mobile but don't overdo.
Can you take deep enough breaths to keep yourself oxygenated?
A rollator is a good idea, old fractures or no. My hubby found his mighty handy with that seat he could rest on.
If you feel your old fractures are too bothersome, see your doc.
Advising somebody I have never seen is a bit problematical, as you may well imagine. Getting a second opinion from somebody you know, on whatever I opine about, is always a great idea. So yeah, if a problem is there, see your health professional.

[Clouds Passing]

18. Keep up the good recovery, JM, walking and deep breathing are basic but most effective 💚

[KitFox]

20. So glad you are home and getting that all important

healing sleep! Hooray that you are getting your walking and incentive breathing in! Your dedication to your at home therapy and rehab is wonderful. Little victories really do add up. Does your medical facility include an outpatient heart rehabilitation program where you go in a couple of days a week to an assigned therapist that keeps a check on your vitals and leads you through a progressive monitored set of exercises on the various workout machines. Don’t know what your coverage is, but I know it is covered by Medicare for 6 weeks. Thank you for keeping us posted. Keep on keeping’ on! 🧡🧡🧡