Recovery from Open Heart Surgery

Following my stroke I learned that I was born with a congenital heart defect called atrial septal defect (a hole in my heart). In order to prevent the chances of another stroke it was suggested that I have the hole closed – open heart surgery. By all accounts, being healthy and fit prior to my surgery made an amazing difference during the recovery.

Immediately after my surgery I felt as if someone crushed my chest with a car. It hurt to breath, it hurt to laugh, it hurt to move. Life forced me to slow down and pay attention to my body at a young age – this was not something that I was used to doing. Merely sitting up in bed took effort and strength that seemed lost. I started to think “If this is how it felt and I am healthy and young, how does it feel for someone who does not take care of themselves?”

Depression set in quickly, as the active life I had became quite restricted. Where I once ran for miles, a walk halfway around the block soon felt like a marathon. I gradually built up my strength, but it took time, and during this time I reflected on my health and how lucky I was to have it. Quite often people can choose their health: smoking or non-smoking, cholesterol, blood pressure. Every time you make a healthy choice, you are taking a step away from heart disease and stroke and taking control of your health and quite simply your life.

February is Go Red for Women Month and Heart Awareness Month. Make a healthy decision for yourself. For more information please go to http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/