Drawing strength – week 2

On By Sharron YaxleyIn Health

I have been home a week now. Nice to be home and thankful for the support some neighbours have given Tony given I cannot cook and pretty useless with my arms not able to be weight bearing.

Soup, quiche and banana cake have been greatly appreciated as it take some pressure off Tony who has now had 4 weeks off work supporting me. Tony helps me dress, undress and put on the dvt socks and is doing all the housework and laundering etc.

My day starts off around 4.30 am ish as I wake in pain (broad chest pain from the sternotomy) and I plod out of bed to my recliner in the lounge and snuggle under blankets.

I am walking twice a day, strictly per the guidelines provided. Today was 2 x 13 minutes. I am being strict as I have been warned as to the consequences of getting ahead of yourself. There are no heroes here with rehab.

I have a morning and afternoon nap in my recliner. One of my morning tablets causes drowsiness and I’m hoping it’s not a long term one as it foggies my brain.

I have received beautiful flowers during the week including Pauline and Craig and Craig and Ellie.

23 work colleagues got together and provided a goodies basket including a plant, candle, chocolates, face creams, and other carefully chosen products. It was a lovely treat to arrive home to.

The biggest surprise came from an anonymous parcel with a card addressed to the mink. You can read the message below. Lisa is a fellow Aussie endurance rider and we’ve not met but I was very touched.

Day 11 I set up a Zwift support group for cardiac patients named Heartz. 30 or so members already and I am thinking more and more about the Tasmanian group Heals and how I would like to be an advocate for cardiac athletes. Not sure what that could look like but it follows a conversation with my surgeon.

Ash came to see me last Saturday and I want to leave you with two photos. Ash asked me if he could take a selfie with me. Of course!

He then sent me the photo to my mobile with the following words. I will forever treasure the photo and words, from the man who literally is the only one to have ever touched my heart. He stopped my heart for around an hour and he restarted it. I’m in awe and forever thankful for his surgical skills and human niceness.

I intend to frame the photo with the words, as a motivational reminder when I need it.

8 thoughts on “Drawing strength – week 2”

  2. Leigh Pridmore

    Sharron, you are inspiring me on my own rehab journey. My surgery pales into insignificance compared to what you have gone three and indeed still going through. Lisa is correct that you are the most amazing person I know, here’s hoping for a speedy recovery xxx

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  4. Davis Jefferies

    I am so happy you are at home and recuperating. I was leading Rally on Thursday and someone said hey Sharron. I said, ” she better not be here or I’m telling Tony”…..you had given one of the gang a ride on. We are all thinking about you and keep each other updated during our weekly rides. Continue to improve and it will be you in person soon.
    Take Care
    Davis

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  6. stevekgaertner

    Glad you’re back home and on the mend!

    Good to keep pace with rehab schedule though I’m sure it’s hard not to push / try to do more.

    Love your idea of being an advocate for cardiac athletes! Your story is truly inspirational and you’ve got the wiring / drive to make an impact.

    All the best for continued smooth recovery and “keep on keepin on” (KOKO)!

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  7. stevekgaertner

    Glad you’re home and on the mend!

    Good idea to pace with rehab plan though I’m sure it’s hard not to push / try to do more.

    Love your idea of being an advocate for cardiac athletes! Your story is truly inspirational and you’ve got the wiring / drive to really make an impact.

    All the best for continued smooth recovery and “keep on keepin on” (KOKO)!

    Take care,
    Steve

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