I know, this is gratuitous but it fit the theme of A&B so well!
First a random meme to keep the HNW picture out of the feed:
Then, the bruise from my catheter ablation:
It's been deepening and growing over the course of the last week. Before anyone gets too alarmed, apparently this happens to a lot of people so it's mostly normal.
I was digging around trying to find some information on exercise after ablation, since my doctor was pretty vague. "Listen to your body" - ha! I can listen to my body but I would also like to have some very concrete guidance too, like "don't let your heart rate exceed X BPM for the first month, Y BPM during the second month, Z BPM during the third month."
I found a Reddit forum for people with a-fib. It was really helpful to read about other folks' experiences and reinforced that I really do need to try to take it easy for a couple months. Anyway, one of the members linked a study where participants were asked about their experiences after ablation. Most of them mentioned bruising, some had experienced migraines, and many had quite a lot of fatigue. Most striking - most of them hadn't been told about these possibilities before their procedure - the standard line from their doctor was "you should be back to normal activities within a week". 🙄
I know one shouldn't rely on the internet for medical advice but it is comforting to read that other people had major bruising, some of them for as long as three months, but it did eventually heal up. Remember, most patients are on blood thinners, at least until it looks definitive that the procedure worked. In my case I'll stay on blood thinners. I've been on them since my late 30's because of recurring blood clots in my legs that I experienced at that time. Both of my parents died of strokes, so I'll take some bruising and bleeding risk over the risk of developing a clot that goes to my brain.
Cheery stuff today! 😂 I'm still feeling good. I did a slow (2.2 mph) treadmill walk on Sunday at the gym, and it felt fine. I had plans to go back today, but got caught up in doing this and that around the house and now it's too late, with the new restricted gym hours for seniors.
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Doctors are not always helpful. Some have zero bedside manners.
Your bruising is very normal. You do need to slowly work back to your previous activity levels. Your access point is healing and needs gentle care. Plus your heart is healing. In this case, the internet is helpful because you are smart. As a nurse, I encouraged people to only increase activity if they felt good. I was not a cardiac nurse though; I worked labor and delivery
My doctor is actually really nice, but I haven’t seen him since he checked in with me before the surgery. The detailed discharge instructions were given by a nurse in the hospital. I know she was busy and I also know she was trying not to rush with me, but there was a LOT to go over.
Yes, this time I’m taking it more seriously that I have a healing heart. As I understand it, if I can avoid sending myself into a-fib there’s a better chance for long term success.
Wow, that is some bruise! 😳
Glad to hear that you're on the mend. Take it easy, even if that isn't easy for you 🤗
A new kind of challenge. 😊 Although I’ll admit, I’m way less Type A about exercise than I used to be.
Yeah......bruises do get ugly before better. Sounds like your re doing well though. Happy HNW Smarty ~
Yes, I'm quite happy with how it's going this time around. ❤️
You should mark along the edges if it. If it goes beyond the marked area take pictures and call your doctor.
I heard from other people on the forum that their bruise grew for quite a while. Mine seems to have stabilized now. I have a post-op doctor visit on Friday.
That is one beauty of a bruise! Reminds me of the bruising I developed after my surgery last year. I never knew belly buttons could bruise!
Restricted hours for seniors? Sounds like age discrimination to me!
It's financial discrimination, lol. The restricted hours are for people who have Silver Sneakers memberships through their Medicare plan. Apparently Lifetime felt like they weren't making enough money off of us from whatever reimbursements they are getting from our Medicare plan. Seniors who don't have Silver Sneakers and pay for their membership still have unlimited access.
@smartasswoman My apartment complex has a deal with a local fitness center $25/year. Silver Sneakers is $25 one time only. I'm seriously thinking about joining. I'll see if they discriminate against the Silvers.
@superbjversion2 that’s a good deal!
It seems reasonable to want to be forewarned about possible bruising. Do they teach bedside manner in medical school?
My doctor actually has excellent bedside manner, especially for a surgeon. But apparently he's in too much demand to do the routine follow-up stuff. I was visited by one of his PA's before being released from the hospital, and then instructed to make an appointment with my own primary care physician for the 1 week post-op exam - that surprised me! I won't be seeing my surgeon again until August - that's how booked up he is. Of course, I'm sure I could get in earlier if some issue develops.
Happy HNW!!
I certainly understand about nasty looking bruises from assorted procedures and falls. Blood thinners also contribute to their extent. Like you said, bruising is better than risking blood clots!
Continue to do what feels comfortable, don’t overdo it, and you and HWD will reap the benefits.
Yes, one of my specific prohibitions was no sexual activity for a week, and I completely get that. Vigorous activity in an area near where you recently had a vein punctured doesn't seem like a good idea!
@smartasswoman Heck no! Making up for what was put on hold is also fun 😊.
That’s a hell of a bruise! Ya, you would think doctors would fill you in on risks and what you can do, but sometimes they’re nimrods.
Happy HNW
I can only think they don’t want to scare people off from having the procedure? 🤔 They did warn me about the low probability serious side effects that mean I should go the ER immediately, at least!
YIKES, that looks nasty. Good to hear it is "normal"/not-atypical. Hope the recovery continues well.
"Restricted gym hours for seniors"? WTF! If anything I'd think there might be hours that ONLY seniors could be there. How the heck old do you have to be to be considered a "senior" (no offense, we're about the same age.)
Perfectly fine for theme. We play that fairly loosely. Happy HNW.
It’s anyone who has a free “Silver Sneakers” membership through their Medicare Advantage plan. See my reply to staci 😊
I hate that crowdsourcing medical information usually yields better results than you physician... but my experiences mirror yours. Thank goodness for Reddit and even FB groups. Glad you're feeling good enough for an amble... pretty soon you'll be trotting!
Oh, I rarely work up to a trot - these old knees don't like that anymore. 😉