Georgia Fiero Club Forum

General Discussion and Announcements => General Discussion => Topic started by: ron768 on April 05, 2018, 05:51:57 pm

Title: Under the knife
Post by: ron768 on April 05, 2018, 05:51:57 pm

I had not planned to go thru more than a couple of days out of action, I find that my health is in much worse shape than I knew. I will be going thru open heart surgery monday to repair a couple of arteries . I will be out for the next 12 weeks or so. I will let everyone how I am doing as things progress.

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: GTRS Fiero on April 05, 2018, 07:02:05 pm

Sorry to hear this, Ron.

You won't remember a lot of what happens--even conversations.  It takes about a year to get back to 100%.  You won't be able to drive for a while, and will tire easily for the first few months.  The process is sortof painful, and there will be discomfort for a few weeks afterward.

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: Fierofool on April 05, 2018, 10:29:41 pm

If I can possibly do it, I will be there with you, even if I have to sleep in the hospital waiting room.  Hope to see you Sunday evening. 

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: ron768 on April 05, 2018, 10:39:03 pm

Thank you Charlie. We will put you up at Hotel Robinson . Room will be made.

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: GrannyLinda on April 05, 2018, 11:30:18 pm

Pat And I Are Praying For A Speedy Recovery.

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: Raydar on April 06, 2018, 11:46:25 am

Wow. Well THAT'S new.
Y'all will be in my prayers, too.

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: Roger on April 06, 2018, 07:07:29 pm

Brenda and I will be praying for a successful operation and speedy recovery.

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: oldone on April 06, 2018, 08:58:15 pm

been there done that in 2001best of luck .

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: GTRS Fiero on April 06, 2018, 09:13:47 pm

A few other comments:
1. If you smoke, this is a good time to stop smoking
2. Your body is trying to tell you something.  I highly recommend that you increase your workout routine afterward, if your doctor approves.  The doctor will likely give you some exercises to aid your recovery.  Cardiovascular activity seems to be a good idea, but you will likely get a lot of timed walking exercises.  They'll tell you to walk for 40 minutes.  It isn't as easy as it sounds.  The time will increase.
3. They cut through a lot of muscle and nerve tissue.  I don't know if the feeling comes back or not.  You will feel those muscles when you breathe.  It will likely feel as if someone is sitting on your chest.

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: TopNotch on April 06, 2018, 09:26:58 pm

Of course, the ability to do exercise will depend on other things besides your heart. As you know, I had a heart attack in 2011, but I was lucky in that I only needed stents to "fix" it. And I have tried to be active since, but in 2016 I had a spell of back pain that kept me down for several weeks. I try to do the Kaiser 5K every year (walking, not running -- I ain't that good), but I had to skip it in 2016. And sometimes my knees don't feel too good either.
I have to do a stress test every 3 years (fast walking on a treadmill until my heart rate reaches a target). The results of them have been good so far.

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: ron768 on April 06, 2018, 09:53:05 pm

As I ran for over 20 years  ( 20 years Army and then continued for many years after leaving service) I was walking for 3-4 miles 4 or more days a week til I got sick back in December last year. My heart rate has always been low. 40-to 50 beats a minute from the time I went in to service til now. Meeting the target heart rate on the stress test was not a problem. I feel positive .

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: GTRS Fiero on April 06, 2018, 10:56:26 pm

How the heck do you reach the target heart rate?  My heart rate is also low, but not that low.  My heart was about 56 beats per minute.  I ran the quarter mile in 48 seconds, and didn't make the target heart rate.  I didn't have enough in me to run 400 meters back-to-back.  I needed at least 30 minutes to recover.  My body is not what it once was.  I've never been able to get my heart rate up to 120 beats per minute.

With a history of exercise like that, if you have a good diet to match, you should recover quickly.

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: TopNotch on April 07, 2018, 08:36:55 am

Quote from: GTRS Fiero on April 06, 2018, 10:56:26 pm

How the heck do you reach the target heart rate?

The turn up the speed and angle (walking up hill) until yo do. But if you can't, they will do an "induced" stress test, where they inject you with something that makes your heart beat faster. Thankfully, I haven't had to undergo that.

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: GrannyLinda on April 07, 2018, 09:15:54 am

This Is How They Do A Stress Test On Me.
With The Injection Because I Can Not Use The Tread Mill.   

Quote from: TopNotch on April 07, 2018, 08:36:55 am

The turn up the speed and angle (walking up hill) until yo do. But if you can't, they will do an "induced" stress test, where they inject you with something that makes your heart beat faster. Thankfully, I haven't had to undergo that.
[/quote]

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: GTRS Fiero on April 07, 2018, 09:18:57 am

They didn't "induce" me.  I don't like needles.  They had me use come contraption named after an animal, and match a workout video.  This guy named Tony Little.  On the video covers, he looked like a girl, and the pictures wouldn't be appropriate here, but this person:


Anyway, I guess his workout program develops muscle, but it's BORING.  I am not a fan of gym workouts.  Even wind sprints and running stairs are more interesting.

I don't recall him being in Iron Man (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ironman_Triathlon) (not that I'm in that class), but I know a lot of the people who are.  I doubt Tony Little would last.  A lot of those tests are designed for non-athletes.  I am no longer an athlete, but my body still remembers when I was.  While I don't have the outright speed I had years ago, a few years ago, I foot-raced a college kid who won state in his event.  I beat him, and he wanted a rematch.  I'd have had to wait a few hours, because my body was drained.  I doubt those heart-rate tests are worthwile on anyone who was a competitive athlete.

I don't remember the other details of the discussion, but one of the world athletes stated that the human heart is only good for a certain number of total beats.  His theory was that, since his heart rate was much lower, it would last longer.  Opposing theory was that his heart rate was much higher during his competitions and training.  Data showed that his heart rate never reached what doctors claim is the target heart rate.  Even at almost 80 years old, my dad's heart rate doesn't get above 115.

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: GTRS Fiero on April 07, 2018, 09:31:17 am

Quote from: GrannyLinda on April 07, 2018, 09:15:54 am

This Is How They Do A Stress Test On Me.
With The Injection Because I Can Not Use The Tread Mill.   

You aren't missing much.  My problem with the treadmill is that it's too short.  It's hard not to step off the back or the front.  Obviously, it was designed for "power walkers"--not runners.  Then they put you on the fan.  Both are basically expending effort on foolishness, IMHO.  I offered to push my truck up an incline, but they wouldn't allow that.

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: Slyp on April 07, 2018, 11:09:14 am

Like Granny Linda I get a shot to make the heart rate get high enough.  My problem is my legs had operations on arterys in left leg and sometimes they tighten up.  When they give me the shot while I am on the treadmill I can usually taste it.  Not a bad taste but you know when they've done it

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: ron768 on April 07, 2018, 12:59:55 pm

For me to hit target heart rate, they cranked up the angle and I walked for 20 - 30 minutes. I didnt have any problems with the stress test. No pain in chest. They thought I only needed a stint . When they got me on the table for the heart cath, they found that I needed more than that, so here I sit in the hospital waiting til monday morning. I would like to thank everyone for your support and kind words.

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: Slyp on April 07, 2018, 01:52:47 pm

At least the fact that they are waiting till Monday sort of means that it probably isnt a major problem or else you would find yourself in a operating room now.

Title: Re: (out from) Under the knife
Post by: GTRS Fiero on April 09, 2018, 05:59:04 pm

So, how'd it go?  All good?

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: Fierofool on April 09, 2018, 07:19:41 pm

Surgery was this afternoon.  I just spoke with Susan and Ron is out of surgery and off the heart machine, recovering in ICU.  Everything went well.  They had identified 3 blockages before surgery but found 5 during surgery and all have been repaired.  Susan said that she would be able to go in to see him in about an hour.  From experience, I can say that he may not be lucid if he's even awake that early, but she will update us as things progress.

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: GTRS Fiero on April 09, 2018, 07:43:43 pm

Good news.  I wonder if they borrowed blood vessels from his leg.

Yeah even if he does talk, he probably won't remember it, later.

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: Slyp on April 10, 2018, 10:41:09 am

I would think that they probably when the stint route.  They usually do that first.  To replace the atery it has to be real bad blockage.

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: Fierofool on April 10, 2018, 01:08:14 pm

Before surgery they knew one blockage was 100%.  I just got off the phone with Susan and he is alert and talking, though he still has tubes in him.  They said that if he continues to progress, he should be moved out of ICU this afternoon. 

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: GTRS Fiero on April 10, 2018, 10:05:55 pm

Well, good news, except the tubes part.

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: Raydar on April 11, 2018, 05:54:42 am

She posted on FB. Ron was moved out of ICU four hours early. He was up and sitting in the chair for a while. :)

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: Fierofool on April 11, 2018, 07:44:55 am

He will be taking his first lap around the floor today.  IV pole and fluids are gone and the catheter is removed.  He's expected to sit in the chair all day and will be getting a bath or shower.  He only has a drainage tube to remove the fluids from his chest area. Susan says he gets a little dizzy when he stands but the docs say that's normal. 

He's at Huntsville Hospital, Room 663.  If you plan to call, I'd suggest you give him a day, at least.   

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: Fierofool on April 11, 2018, 08:23:17 am

Progress.  Chest tubes are gone.  When I had my operations, I seem to recall that the removal of those tubes was the most painful of all. 

Dang, Ron, are you going to be helpling us work on the Formula Fastback this weekend? 

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: GTRS Fiero on April 11, 2018, 08:46:11 pm

Hoping for a speedy recovery.  I guess now I know why Ron sortof faded a bit toward the end of last year.

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: Fierofool on April 11, 2018, 08:58:47 pm

He made 2 half laps and 1 full lap around the floor today and Susan said he was going to try for 2 more full laps before bed time. 

Edit
Ron just called and he's doing very well.  Hoarse from having had those tubes down his throat and obviously sore.  Said he didn't think he'd make those two late-nite laps tonight and probably wouldn't make the workshop on Saturday, either.  Doctor and nurse came in, so the conversation had to be cut short.  He's doing great.

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: f85gtron on April 11, 2018, 10:39:48 pm

GOOD NEWS, INDEED!

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: Fierofool on April 13, 2018, 11:05:13 pm

He's been walking the halls.  I think he said it was 14 laps today.  Got a good laugh out of him, too.  He says he's feeling much better and eating, too. 

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: GTRS Fiero on April 14, 2018, 04:15:16 am

Yeah, the walking will continue.

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: Raydar on April 14, 2018, 09:58:08 am

Susan posted..
They got up at ~2:00 AM. He's already done 10 laps of the 38 goal.

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: GTRS Fiero on April 14, 2018, 11:27:10 am

That chest area will be numb for a few weeks, because all the nerves were cut.  After that a few days of pain, mostly where the V stitching is.  The bones have like a dull ache.  If you try stacking hay, there is sharp pain in that area, and shooting pains afterward.

Back when, the stitches were like fishing line, and had to be removed later.  I removed my own stitches after the bleeding stopped, because I couldn't see paying $200 for them to do it.  Now, they probably use those stitches that disolve.

I'm not sure why you (in general) can't walk further.  Strength seems to be an issue, but I could be mistaken.  It would seem that increased blood flow would help, but the facts wouldn't seem to support that.  Standing up quickly is a bad idea, for several days.  My lungs burned to breathe, but they didn't operate on your lungs, so you probably won't have that.  Maybe blood loss is the problem.  I remember tiring easily, and one leg seemed unsteady, so I had to lead with the other foot.

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: GTRS Fiero on April 15, 2018, 05:18:38 pm

Ron, I see you're on.  How do you feel?

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: Fierofool on April 15, 2018, 05:24:57 pm

Yes, how are you doing?  And consider getting that chest protector, especially with the grandkids around.  They don't understand.  Even at her age, Tegan still will climb up in my lap and put an elbow into my abdomen where the mesh has been inserted.  And my best to Susan. 

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: ron768 on April 18, 2018, 10:44:28 pm

I am feeling pretty smashed up , like the semi backed up and ran over me a couple of times. I am walking more each day. Today was close to 2 miles total. And yes, it helps being here at my moms,,,, NO STRESS.

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: GTRS Fiero on April 18, 2018, 11:03:34 pm

Good to read.  So, you're out of the hospital.

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: GTRS Fiero on April 22, 2018, 08:08:29 am

Ron, how many miles now?

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: ron768 on April 24, 2018, 10:39:41 am

With the rain, we drive over to a mall and walk around it. Holding at 2 miles for now as mall walking get about as boring as track walking. Although some days there are some things to look at. When the weather clears, I will increase the distance. Feeling really good now.

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: GTRS Fiero on April 24, 2018, 06:10:03 pm

Good to hear you're still at it.

Boring?  You're in the wrong program.

I cleaned this up.

The "exciting" program has tiered levels.  In the first level, a pretty woman shows up with a sign that reads "Catch me if you can!"  In the second level, a beautiful woman shows up with a sign that reads, "Catch me if you can!"  In the third level, Richard Simmons shows up in pink sneakers, with a sign that reads, "Get away if you can!"

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: ron768 on April 24, 2018, 07:33:31 pm

Thats a good one! The malls here only have 2 levels for the most part. But I will continue.

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: GTRS Fiero on May 05, 2018, 06:32:14 am

Ron, since I see you're on, how goes it?

The nerves in the piece of chest they cut out take years to heal.

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: ron768 on May 05, 2018, 09:27:59 pm

Everything here is good. I am walking about 3 miles a day now. Had to go out and buy a new pair of walking /running shoes as the old pair had worn out. My left leg is painful where the vein was taken out. Chest is somewhat sore. I am now taking tylenol for pain. Hills are still an ass kicker.

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: GTRS Fiero on May 05, 2018, 11:45:54 pm

Ah.  They did pull a vein from your leg.

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: ron768 on May 08, 2018, 12:57:38 pm

Yes, they took one from my lower left leg. Everytime I lift it and bend the knee, it burns like crazy. It has gotten better as time goes on, but it always reminds me that its there.

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: Raydar on May 08, 2018, 06:06:25 pm

I'm happy to hear that you're doing well! I've been thinking about y'all.

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: ron768 on May 27, 2018, 09:56:55 pm

The surgeon has released me to work within the limits of my body, meaning if it hurts, STOP!. I am still not allowed to go back to work, so finances are very tight. I have pulled the bowflex out of storage and set it up now that the grandkids have moved out and we have room. Things are looking better everyday. I am walking up to 5 miles a day and my lower left leg no longer burns like crazy when I lift it.

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: GTRS Fiero on May 27, 2018, 09:59:50 pm

Glad to read the progress, Ron.

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: f85gtron on May 28, 2018, 07:54:13 am

does working on fieros make you hurt?  maybe you should start off with some light duty and tune that 7730! 

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: ron768 on May 28, 2018, 10:09:33 am

Have to get it put back together. When all this started, I was waiting on the tax return to get the exhaust done, now we have had to live off that, so there is no money for the exhaust again. Maybe when I get back to my job. If its not one thing , its another.

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: GTRS Fiero on July 14, 2018, 02:33:44 pm

It seems to take about a year to get back to 100% after open heart surgery, but how are you doing?

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: Fierofool on July 14, 2018, 06:00:01 pm

Ron, I have a Formula exhaust.  Same as what came on the 85 SE.  System is complete from the cat to the tips. 

Title: Re: Under the knife
Post by: GTRS Fiero on August 20, 2018, 07:41:05 pm

Ron, are you back to normal, if not 100%?