Audrey Julian: Sharing my heart story

When I went in for heart surgery on Jan. 12, I assumed the procedure would come with some down time, but I wasn’t prepared for what would follow.

My mitral valve replacement was successful, but days after returning home, I found that the surgery had left me weak and off balance. I fell not once, but three times.

I returned to the hospital. It was then that my doctor recommended I go to a rehabilitation hospital, not only to recover from the injuries caused by the multiple falls, but also to recover from heart surgery.

I didn’t realize all the consequences of having heart surgery. It affected all of my body functions, including my ability to perform everyday tasks such as walking.

Recovering from heart surgery

When I left the acute care hospital, I still needed assistance to regain my mobility and build back my strength.

I arrived at the rehabilitation hospital unable to walk or transition from my bed to my wheelchair without maximum assistance. I also had difficulty performing basic activities of daily living.

My rehabilitation goal was simple: I wanted to be strong enough to walk on my own and return home. My care team — made up of therapists, nurses, physicians, dietitians and a case manager — designed a plan to help me meet that goal.

Building a therapy plan

I received a combination of physical and occupational therapies to help me rebuild my strength and relearn some of those everyday tasks such as dressing and bathing that were difficult as I recovered from heart surgery.

My therapists worked with me on balance, strength, coordination and endurance. They started simple, helping me stand on my own and moving from my bed to my chair while following my cardiac precautions.

I learned to do things in a different way.

Meeting my goals

After about two weeks at the rehabilitation hospital, I made significant gains. When I was discharged on Feb. 8, I could walk supervised with a rolling walker and perform basic self-care tasks.

Prior to heart surgery, I was active, living independently at home with my husband. I participated in water aerobics and loved playing mahjong with friends. As I continue to recover and grow stronger at home, I am looking forward to participating in those activities again.

I made great strides while I was at the rehabilitation hospital. This is exactly what I needed and I would recommend it to anyone who needs therapy.

Audrey lives with her husband in Florida. She shares her story to raise awareness of her rehabilitation journey post heart surgery. The American Stroke Association’s Together to End Stroke initiative is nationally sponsored by Encompass Health.