Posted 2/25/2008 1:00 PM (GMT -6)
Hi Karen,
I had my open heart surgery on february 22nd of last year and then I started antibiotics for lyme on March 15th, so a little over 2 weeks after. No joke I was REALLY SICK. It took a LONG time before I could even say I felt " good." It has been exactly a year later,and I am just starting to feel like a somewhat normal human being again. Yesterday I walked for 25 minutes on the treatmill which is the most I have done in over 2 years. In general I am still pretty dizzy, and I can't drive for more that about 15 minutes. I also still have visual symptoms and seem to have developed IBS( probably from all the stress). But honestly, this time last year, I thought I was on deaths door, and things have gotten so much better. I am so relieved that they even found the ASD.
As far as medication goes, they had me on doxy for 2 months, then omnicef for 5 months. All oral antibiotics, no IV. I had some pericarditis after my surgery. I just took some advil for that. I am also on toporol because I was getting an ENORMOUS amount of extra beats. Since about january they have gotten alot better. My doc said while your heart is shrinking back to the normal size ( and my heart was severely enlarged) its electrical system can be pretty out of wack.
I had all these crazy symptoms for a long time and honestly I don't know if it was the lyme, the heart surgery, the antibiotics, the anethesia, or WHAT. Too many variables I guess. I am only 28 years old and had been extremely active my whole life so I can appreciate what your son is going though.
Anyway, if there is anything i can help you with please ask. Things will get better!!! It takes a lot of patience and courage. It is frustrating and awful but I know your son with come through this!
Heather