Posted , 4 users are following.
Hello everyone,
I am just wondering if anyone has any feel good stories they could share. I for one, am interested in knowing of people who have had their surgeries, and now on the other side of it, have some good advice they would like to share.
Share your success! We need to hear about them. 
0 likes, 4 replies
We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.
ericg753 DebW
Posted
Hi Deb, I haven't been through surgery (yet) but feel good story is I went to Cozumel a couple of weeks ago and enjoyed a lot of scuba diving, some margaritas and a lot of sun and Mexican food
I've been diagnosed with a TAA 4.4cm approx 4 years ago, recent (end of April) exams show no growth (Thank God) despite occassional heavy weight lifting at the gym, lifting/moving heavy equipment around the house and occassional cigar smoking. Why did I do all that? I got a 2nd opinion by my cardiology dept at work, said they couldn't find the TAA so I thought I was in the clear. Had some disturbing "out of breath" symptoms recently which prompted me to visit my original cardiologist again, who confirmed the TAA. I also went to a pulmonologist and went through a series of tests but nothing abnormal was found in my lungs or any breathing issues.
So now I am taking the TAA more seriously: I've stopped smoking, I've stopped weight lifting altogether at the gym and am focusing on cardio. Am I doing it as much as I should/want to? Not really. Sometimes I'm on a roll and I bang out 35-45 sessions 3 times a week, sometimes it's less. Trying to keep a clean diet and drink a lot of water. I go back and forth, trying to remember the importance of dropping weight (former competitive bodybuilder/powerlifter, gained weight over the years due to career/marriage/kids etc).
Am I scared? Yes, this is life threatening, especially if I don't take better care of myself, which I am taking small steps to do so. But I'm not going to allow it to cripple me, which is why I went diving at Cozumel and am going to continue diving. Only modifcation which the dive boat crew was more than accomodating was carrying my heavy gear on/off the boat, bringing my gear to me with me sitting at edge of boat so I can slip it on and roll in, and taking my gear from me at the boat ladder, then I climb up without gear on.
My wife, kids and friends know I like to enjoy life and life it to the fullest. Eventually one day I will have to face surgery and possibly other issues down the line, I am just hoping it's a long time from now so I can see my kids graduate college, get married and start their families, but I leave that to God's good graces. For now, one day at a time....
DebW ericg753
Posted
Thanks for sharing this. I'm sorry I missed seeing it when it was posted.
I too, hope your surgery is a long time away. Personally, I wish mine was already done and on my way to a great recovery. Ah well, we each have our challenges.
I am breathless doing one flight of stairs, or walking 1/4km. It's sad, but true. I look forward to not being breathless and tired all the time. I love to walk, so for me, that part of the recovery exercise will be a blessing (once I start to heal and have less pain).
Yes, it is one day at a time. I am being adventurous. Our entire family is going on a vacation in a remote are to the north. I am excited and a little anxious, but I am looking forward to the love and laughter. It will be amazing. <3
Take care of yourself.
Rg_1972 DebW
Posted
Yes, it's very weird to see you mention that which is exactly how I was 2 months before I had my TAA. I was not aware of any Aortic Disease until after was all said and done. It blows me away how I didn't even know it as a warning sign and just kept going about like it was just part of me getting out of shape and accepting it for that. If I had seen a doctor regularly this could have prevented me from the near death 12hr surgery Today I am a very lucky man and taking life slowly, My cardio seems to be doing fine, but I'm not running marathons or working long hours but it does seem like I get tired easily since after the surgery.
Kb2895 DebW
Posted
Jon had his surgery on 14/06, it is a "good news story" in the fact that he is still with us. He was in ICU on a ventilator, sedated for 8 days, he had multi organ failure, it is not unusual to have a bad 48 hours then start improving. We were not prepared for how serious surgery is, he has been improving slowly. Six weeks on he is still having issues with bowel, consultant wants to see him in three weeks then they will do further tests. The catheter caused prostrate irritation. Nothing is the same as before, it is a slow recovery but it is a recovery we just need to give more time. There is no choice with AAA surgery gives the best chance of life, just be open to the fact it can be a long process.