A Look at My Medications

 The experiment continues, the doctors have changed my meds, again we are looking to get a handle on the PVC's.  The changes are as follows:

 Metoprolol - I am now taking 50 mg instead of 100 mg.  I told the doctor, when I did my exercise I felt lethargic and could not get my heart rate up above 80-85, and still had the PVC's around 78-80.  When I exercised before taking my meds in the morning I could get to 90-95 hart rate and PVC's would come around 90.

New drug - Isosorbide.  I have been on this for two days.  The first day I got the heart rate up to 90-95, and I had no VISIBLE PVC's!  And I felt good exercising.  The draw back is after lunch I have had headaches.  This is supposed to be a common side affect.  And I usually never have headaches!  I will keep an eye on this!

Medicines Old – Before Open Heart Surgery

Aspirin EC Tab                      81 mg                        1 per day                       AM

Lipitor(Atorvastatin)             40 mg                        1 per day                        PM

Singulair(Montelukast)          10 mg                        1per day                        AM

Aciphex(Rabeprazole)           20 mg                        1 per day                       AM

Medicines New – After Open Heart Surger

Amlodipine                               5 mg                        1 per day                        AM

Plavix(Clipidorel Bisulfate)    75 mg                        1 per day                        AM

Metoprolol(Lopressor, Toprol)50 mg                        1 per day                        AM

Isosorbide (Imdur or Isotrate)  30 mg                        1 per day                        AM

Results of Cardiologist Visit - 6 Month Checkup

The visit to the cardiologist proved to be very interesting.  The Blood tests were all good, the only work is the HDL, which will take some focus & weight loss to improve, plus continued exercise.  The results of the 24 hour heart monitor were fascinating!

For 22 hour period, my heat had 87,121 heart beats, and during that same time I had 1,621 PVC's!!!!

That was a surprise to me!  So, I must be having some during the day when I am not exercising!  As of now, they are not dangerous, but I cannot have a "run" (that is 4-6 in a row).  The "runs" only seem to happen when exercising.

So, here is the next experiment - a change of meds - Dr. Marwaha suggested the following, with some of my input.

The Metoprolol will go from 100 mg a day to 50 mg.  I noticed two things, 1-the Metoprolol makes me feel tired and when exercising, I have trouble raising my heart rate and the PVC's just will come at a lower heart rate.  So, we are trying to go to the 50 mg dosage.

A new drug, Isosorbide (Imdur or Isotrate).  This is a nitrate that is used for angina (heart pain) I do not have any pain, but this may help with any issues with my PVC's.

Found another website for a look at PVC's at the Mayo Clinic.

So, the experiment continues!  My next appointments are in September when I will see Dr. Worley who is the specialist with heart electrical issues.

Healing a Heart with Father's Day

It seems that after open heart surgery a lot of things seem different!  Today I was lucky enough to have both sons treat me to a round of golf!  Good weather, both boys together, and fours hours of quality time with my sons!  One reason golf is a great father - son sport!

As I said 6 months ago, one way I calmed my nerves was as I prepared for my operation on December 13, I focused on teeing off at Royal Oaks Golf Course, as the drugs put me to sleep, I played the first hole, then the second, then the third and the next thing I know I was waking up from surgery sometime late Monday afternoon on December 13th.

Well, today, June 19th, I had a chance to play the course for REAL, with my sons Jared & Josh!  What a difference 6 months makes and what a great day to be a Dad!

PS:  They also paid for it!

Day One of Retirement!

Well, is this what retirement is like!  Started the day with a trip to the doctors!  Needed blood work, so I thought I would get there early!  Well, it looks like a little competition in this world of retirement!  The blood work lab opens at 7:30 AM, thought I would do my usual - get there early trick!  Guess what, these retired people are going to be a pain - I was # 7 in line!!!

Next, I go to my cardiologist to have them place a 24 hour heart monitor on me.  This is great timing, I golf tomorrow, it is this first day of our summer golf league!  I need to drop off the monitor at 5:45 AM in the drop box, to make it to my tee time of 7:30 (the drive is about 45 minutes!

So, it looks like many early mornings, doctor visits, and waiting in line with other retired dudes!  Retirement is already a lot of work!

Retirement!

nWell, never thought I would get here after my little journey into Open Heart Land!  But, as of today, I AM OFFICIALLY RETIRED!  It was a strange day, one of those days where you see the past 35 years pass before you!  From the people that I have met along the way, classroom memories, computers in education, sports - my memories coaching & the boys great moments, and my wife Sue supporting me along the way!

Now to prepare for the next journey & continue to focus on my recovery!  Wednesday is a big day - blood work & heart monitor!  Stay tuned for more excitement from - My Heart Under Repair!

Six Months Out & End of 26th Week

Today is the 6 month birthday of my new heart!  Like I said in an earlier post - Tuesday this week is the last day of my career in education (35 years) and also, this week I have blood work & will wear a heart monitor for 24 hours!  So, BIG WEEK!

Of course, I am anxious to see my blood work numbers & will report on the results.  And this will be my first time wearing a monitor and I am looking forward to see what this data will show!

Big Week Coming Up!

This is a BIG week!

RETIREMENT!

SIX MONTH CHECKUP FROM OPEN HEART SURGERY!

GOLFING WITH A NEW SET OF CLUBS!

First, retirement!  Tuesday is it!  35 years of education and a new chapter in my life!  Stay tuned for the gameplan!

Six month check up from open heart!  I'm anxious to see what my cardiologist says!  I have blood work this week & I wear a heart monitor for 24 hours.  Then next Monday I visit Dr. Murwaha, my cardiologist!

Bought myself a new set of clubs & the first time a the range was interesting!  My distances are all messed up & it may be a long summer, but it's golf!

Also, started to keep a workout diary today.  I will report my data once a week, at the end of the week - maybe Saturdays.