12 weeks post open heart surgery

Hi everyone, What a night mare week. At week 10 post open

12 weeks post open heart surgery

Hi everyone well, where do i start. I went for my 10 week check up 2 weeks ago and the day before I had received my bloodt test results saying how good everything was and infection levels were right down. i walked in, showed her the results and we were made up,. Then, she routinely performed a few tests on me and when she was checking to see if the sternum had healed together she said she felt an arrythmia. She sent me for an ECG and it was confirmed that my heart had gone into AF. AF s where the rythmn of the heart is not regular and can only be settled with cardioversion, whereby they stop the heart, shock it then re start it. I couldnt beleive it but was made up she had found it. They booked me in a week later and i was to stay in a couple of extra days, just because i was to be put on betablockers.So the day arrived and i was taken in by my step mum who dropped me off at the entrance and went home. I got admitted to the day ward whereby they administered ,e with a own and paper knicker ha ha. i got changed and they did all sorts of scans o me and an ecg. I was just about to go down and the consultant looked at the ecg and said my heart was no longer in af. I asked if this normally happened and she said no. So she got the cardio consulant over who looked at the previous weeks and my heart hadnt gone into AF at all!!! I was expreiencing ectopic beats in the heart. He agreedto have me on a 24 hr monitor to record how many beats i was having and whether i could live with these ok. so I was discharged. So a week went by. Friday 2nd November, me, April and her 2 children went to black pool illuminations. It took us.....gues how long?????.......3 hours to get there. We were all so pissed off. However when we got there, it was defo worth it. We stopped off, brough some cock rock ha ha ha not really, hadsome fish and chips nd then came back. I was sooo exhausted after driving all that way. I was up early on Saturday, and off we wnet to Anglesey. Me, Bro, mum and rich. We went walking around Snowdonia, then to a beach near where we were staying. We arrived at the hotel and 4pm. We went for a walk on the beach. Then had a couple of hours to rest, and then we enjoyed a nice meal in the restuarnt. The hotel was lovely, with the rooms being amazing. We got up the next day and we went down to South Stacks where mum stayed in the car and we went down 365 steps to the sea and back up again. It was lovely, and then we drove all the way back home. Monday arrived and i wke feeling jaded and so i went to get a cup f tea, and then returned back to bed. I then thought about going the see grandad in the care home. He had been hospitalised since March 16th, the day of my graduation. His parkinsons had become full blown and he was so painfully thin and in a world of his own. I fed him with his liquid meal and noticed none had been going in his mouth, just all down his top, and over his t-shirt. So they came to change him and thats when i noticed how thin he was. He must have weighed 5 stone wet. I then fed him some more I spent ages talking shit to him, rubbing his arm, rubbing his forehead. I knew that was the last time i was going to see him, and I couldnt bring myself to leave. I looked at him at one point and he was crying, a tearwas running down his face. I know that he knew that was it. I finally left and I went home and sobbed all night. my mum came up to see me before bed and asked if i was ok, sheknew i was a broken woman. I went to sleep that night and woke at 3am. I felt weird. I couldn't sit up in bed and when I had done, I felt like my legs didn't belong to my body. I couldnt move them properly. I went to the loo, came back up, lay in bed, and then was awake about 2 hours. It was mad because i had the mst banging headache ever. IWoke up at 8am and went to go to the loo. Again, i was unsteady on my feet and I was like an old woman getting down the stairs.I got a cup or tea and went up to bed. Ithen lay there til 5.30pm. I had tried to send a number of texts and they were jumbled but i couldntwork out what or how to write stuff. I tried to phone my mate but I couldnt speak. It was horrendous. Whe mum came back from work that evening she shot upstairs and as soon as she saw me she phoned 999. The ambulance man came, they got me in the van and blue lighted us to a and e. When I was there, dad and Louise were there and everyone was worried sick. I couldnt tell them what was wrong. My right side was weaker than left. I just didnt have the vocabulary in my head. After tests and scan etc, I was admitted to the medical assessment ward. In the morning, the consultant came to assess me and they decided I needed to o to the stroke ward. Later that day, the consultant came up and i had undergone a stroke. Frther test revealed I had a clot in my heart that was caused from the warafrin being so low. I was fuming, but couldnt express it properly. They discharged me 2 days later on a higher dose wafarin and injections in the stomach. I got home and went to bed. The next morning I woke up and the Louise came to tell me that my grandad had passed away. What a blow!!! I was in shock, we went to see my dad where i just cried in his arms, and then went to see my nan where we just spoke about him etc. This has to have been the worst week ever. 3 days later and i have nearly got the use of my right side back but i am stil reallyconfused. I cant get my words out and feel very overwhelmed when im in public.

E-books for sale

Hi everyone, I hope your well. Im am in the process of writing some e-books and am looking to get them released before christmas. I was thinking, in anticipation of this, would it be a good idea to purchase a reading device to read these e books from? Here's the best one's ive come across. They would make an excellent 'Dear Santa' present!!! Check out the links below or the cheapest one available at Amazon would be the one below. Give me some ideas on content you would like me to include in these books. Ive got a great Curry receipe book ive written and also a healthy cookbook too. Let me know if you'd be interested in knowing more. Lots of love Darlo x

6 weeks Post Open Heart Surgery 2

3 Weeks Post Open Heart Surgery 2

Top of da morning to you all.. I haven't blogged for so long as I haven't managed to master the art of uploading pictures from the ipad to the blog site. But I’m home now (yipppeeeeee) so I can blog to my heart’s content (pardon the pun!!) So, where do I begin? I was admitted to hospital on 6th July 2012, for the 4th time, as id been feeling unwell and was suffering with the rigours (very cold, shaking then temp spikes to 40) and id remembered this as being a tell take sign of endocarditis (heart infection. So they put me on IV antibiotics for 6 weeks, every 4 hours. This meant a line had to be put in me, as my veins wouldn’t play, and cannulas were a nightmare to get in. So I had a Hickman line put in, as I had my first Trans oesophagus echo (internal scan of heart) under a general anaesthetic. once this scan was done, the surgeons came round and dealt me the news that unfortunately the scan showed my new valve had become infected and the bacteria had eaten away at the tissue that was securing the stiches in, and I now had a leaky heart valve, which if left for too long would put the heart under too much stress and heart failure would be inevitable.The worse news was that the bacteria was a particular one that had built up a resistance to many antibiotics, and therefore they had to get the right combination of antibiotics. If not the bacteria basically eat away at healthy tissue and organs of the body, once it gets to a certain level in the blood stream its basically untreatable. This scan was to be performed every week (5 in total makes me queen of the TOE's apparently)so they could monitor the deterioration of the heart, as well as having the antibiotics to help minimise the bacteria levels, and this was how they could make sure I wasn’t deteriorating too quickly.

(Hickman Line) When they told me I had a second heart infection I was devastated (think I’ve previously covered this in my last blog. Everything went fuzzy and I couldnt focus on anything, but still kept smiling and cheery. Didnt see the point of mopsing round, it doesnt acheieve anything doing that, so in the spaces where I wasnt having the antibiotics, i'd slip off and nip to Liverpool one with friends and family he he he. I think we'd even had a lovely glass of red wine one afternoon when the sun was shining. I also went to see the Monet art exhibition at the Tate and the Rolf Harris exhibition at the Walker gallery. So 14/8/12 arrived (night before my operation), and I had to say goodbye to my mum, my dad and my brother. No matter how much of a positive person you are, there is always that doubt in your mind, that this could be it. Especially a second heart operation, so close to the 1st. The nurses sedated me slightly in the evening, (so you receive a better sleep), and then again in the morning once i'd had a shower and dressed into the delightful paper knickers and gown. To be honest, I don’t remember leaving the ward to go to theatre. I do remember being in the room where they put you to sleep. I was nervous but just wanting it all over. I then remember waking in a strange room, not where I had done previously and they said I was in full on intensive care. It wasn’t as scary as last time on awakening, and the breathing tube didn’t freak me out, but I did insist I was ok to breathe without it,and once they felt I was stable breathing on my own they replaced this with an oxygen mask. There had been a few complications during the operation and I'd suffered massive internal bleeding and at 12pm the surgeon was called back out and they weren’t sure if I might need to go to theatre again. Luckily not. As I came around more i was aware that I had wires in my neck, loads in my wrists, and drains in my chest. I was morphined up to the eyeballs and in and out of sleep. However, I do remember trying to stretch my legs and my left one wouldn’t move AT ALL. The pain was excruciating in my leg, like nothing I’ve ever had before. I asked them why and the surgeon had had to make an incision in my groin to access the femoral artery so they could pass some equipment to the heart via the artery. Infact they didn’t actually need to use it in the end, but had made the incision just in case. When the nurses came to roll me, so I didn’t get pressure sores (attractive!!!) I was crying and screaming, it was sooooo bad. The actually chest wound where they'd cracked my sternum and peeled back the ribcage didn’t hurt much at all, it was the leg. Family came to see me, but I was so off my head I was just chatting rubbish (no change there then). Id fall asleep mid conversation, TOTES WEAK!!!!and say to them, cant you see that person in the room opposite on the cross trainer ha ha... When I closed my eyes, id have loads of vivid mad images floating around. The actual operation they had performed was an aortic valve replacement with aortic root replacement, and they had used a mechanical valve.Which means life long warfarin. 3 days later I was taken off intensive care to a ward. Id actually stayed in the same room a few weeks back. The nurses were great. I was so helpless because I actually couldn't move at all. My leg was really getting me down because I needed to get up and about to reduce the risk of a chest infection, but physically couldnt at all. It was heart breaking. I could see my career just take a nosedive and this was definately rock bottom for me. It took 2 nurses to get me even onto a chair, right by the side of the bed, to wheel me to the shower or toilet. They had to actually move my leg for me, and id be crying when they did, but was determined to push it, thinking it would eventually be ok.

(I had 3 drains in my chest, pacing wires in chest and various other tubes and stuff). In the end I just said to the surgeons this is getting no better, I couldn’t feel my leg it was numb, but if I tried to weight bare or move it, it was so so painful. They agreed it shouldn’t be this bad a week later, so they decided to operate. So 1 week after the open heart surgery, I was back in theatre. Once I was back on ward, I could tell it was better, although there was still a lot of numbness in the leg, and it was very sore around the wound, but that kind of pain is fine, you know it’s going to get better. Indeed, what had happened in the heat operation, was, they’d sewn it up tightly, because I was on warfarin, but they think that nerves had gotten trapped. Anyhow......... That evening I felt really cold, and then I began to get the spikes in temperatures. My heart sank... surely not another heart infection. I wasn’t sure I could mentally, or physically go through it a third time, and I knew my family would be totally totally devastated. The nurses asked me to pee in a small bottle, (next bit a little gross) and as I was trying to aim my pee (ha ha ha ) I noticed my left groin area was inflamed and massively swollen and was tracking down my leg. I alerted the nurses who did the doctors and my surgeon was called up. He thought maybe I had a haematoma, and said we need to re operate to remove it. So the next day, back to theatre. By this time, everyone in theatre knew me, it was almost embarrassing because they were saying...."gosh, not you AGAIN!!!!" On opening me up again, they couldn’t find a haematoma, and they diagnosed cellulitis, an infection in the wound. So I was back on IV antibiotics to try and clear this up and I then had another tube coming out of my leg, to drain the blood away. Instantly I felt better once Id had a couple of days of this treatment. I was starting to walk (very slowly) around the ward,and using a walker, but then the next day I took the stairs, day after did the stairs twice, and each day, Id set myself targets.

(drain in my leg) I was so pleased with how the actual heart operation had gone, because the pain in the ribcage was so minimal in comparison to last time, and I firmly believe this was because I was totally bed bound for a week after and it forced me to rest. Whereas before I’d been moving around, doing some light mobilisation exercises for the shoulder girdle etc. etc...

(1week post operation) On 4th September I had my Hickman line removed under a local anaesthetic... yeyyy... free from wires......

(2 weeks post operation) I was discharged yesterday evening and have just come back from a trip to the countess, where I’ve had a chat about warfarin and I now have weekly check-ups for this. Every 2 weeks imp back to Liverpool for check-ups, and every week I have to have infection levels checked. I’m not out of the woods just yet. I need to rest, and stay away from people with coughs, colds and infections. I’m so weak and I feel awfully rude saying to visitors they can really only stay around 30 minutes, but it really does tire me out and I’ll be like this for quite a while. I am now a piece of artwork in the form of scars and mentally it has been hard. I have had to overcome such a lot of illness and setbacks over the last 3 years. The whole episode stems from a root canal that became infected, which led to a heart infection, which damaged my heart valve further, which then lead to an abcess in the spleen, which had to be removed, so I now have a comprimised immune system. this more recent stay in hospital, I have had 2 major heart surgeries, another heart infection, 2 leg operations and a infection in my leg. This whole nightmare has been so hard for not only me, but the people around me. My aunty also passed away through all this, and my grandad put into a nursing home with full blown parkinsons, and the whole family have had to pull together so much. Without them, and the support of my friends, I couldnt have been as strong, mentally as I have been. (although I am one hard mo fo!!!! ha ha) I’m not allowed to even consider training for 4-6 months due to the strain on the heart and the aorta and also, my immune system wouldn’t cope. So for now its art work, and pottering around. I hope this hasn't bored you and I will continue to keep you updated.

15 weeks post surgery 1. 2days before open heart surgery 2!

Morning everyone, I'm sure everyone is feeling a little fatigued this morning after the closing ceremony last night. Did you all enjoy it? I have to say, I secretly enjoyed the spice girls. I believe I missed Gary Barlow? I had to go to sleep at 12 ish as I would be woken at 5 ish for my iv antibiotics, but then couldn't sleep anyhow so may as well have stayed up to watch it. Well. I'm now 15 weeks post open heart surgery but unfortunately 2 days to go until my second open heart surgery.. I'm trying not to think about the operation now, just looking to the few weeks after it and hoping that all will be well this time and I can return home in a few weeks and begin to rebuild my life slowly. I'm going to be returning back to the clean eating programme once home and looking to reduce body fat to a minimum. I'm also looking for 4 other people to join me on the clean eating programme. This programme will not include any exercise at this stage. The exercise element will be implemented at week 12. I just want to see the results of the diet only. It will require you meeting up with me and me taking your measurements etc. Email me claire@chesterfitness.co.uk if you would like to join me in a few weeks on the programme. I will be doing a video blog the night before my operation and uploading to YouTube. Big hugs Claire xx

14 weeks post open heart surgery

Hi everyone,

Well... Did we see 'the big man' in the 100m last night. Pure genius! That's how fast I'm gonna be runnin out of this god damn place. It's been great to have the time to watch the Olympics but as those of you who have been pretty I'll or spent a long time in hospital, concentrating in hospital is a nightmare. I wanted to write a book, develop new workshops, and I just can't concentrate at all. Plus, you've got zillions of people coming in and out of your room every minute of everyday.
I have been moved back to my original side room, as it's been decorated a new shade of yellow. Actually looks ok.
Went to Liverpool one yesterday with Jolene, Nic and Lizzie. We went to Pesto and had scummy food and.... A bottle of red wine (I was good and ok'd it with the docs and just had a small glass). We got caught in the thunderstorm, but managed to shelter, so didn't get too wet.
Was lovely to sit and feel like a normal person doing normal things, albeit just for a few hours. Got back to the room, and my mum and aunt and cousin came over, so was a lovely day. I'm managing to escape today to spend a few hours at the Walker Art Gallery where Rolf Harris's exhibition is being displayed.
Trying to make the most of this last week before my second heart operation which is pencilled in for next Wednesday.
It's a really really tough time mentally and emotionally. I'm pretty nails ;-) and I can just get on with it, if it was just me to think about. But seeing how it's affecting my mum, dad and brother breaks my heart. They are all so so upset and are finding it difficult to deal with the fact that this operation has to be performed again. My mum regularly breaks down and I'm sure my father has his dark moments. My brother has become really down and finding it heard to express his emotion but it's easy for big sis to see that he is not himself. As for me... I just feel like punching everyone that winds me up ha ha ha.... I get really wound up by rude people and bad mannered people and find myself regularly having to count to 10 when walking past people who are being obnoxious. My tolerance levels are not great and I'm sure that's how I am dealing with it.
Clean eating!?!?!  This has gone out of the window as hospitals are carb cities. It's impossible to follow it, unless ur getting unlimited supplies from friends and relatives, which is not fair to ask.
Il get back on it post operation, and hope you will join me too.

Anyhow, I'll sign off for now and I'll do another written and YouTube blog before my operation.

Thanks

Claire xxx

13 weeks post open heart surgery 1

Good morning everyone, Are we all excited about the Olympics opening ceremony tomorrow evening? I'm looking forward to being able to watch all the Olympic events and am looking at this a one of the positives of being in hospital. What's your favourite event? Is anyone going? Please email me with pics or comments at claire@chesterfitness.co.uk and I'll get them on here. Update on the old health front... I had another TOE yesterday and the heart is under the same stress as last week which means the bacteria haven't done any further damage and so the surgeons and microbiologists have decided that it's best to keep me on 3 to 4 more weeks worth of strong IV antibiotics to really blitz these pesky bacteria and then operate then, when I stand a minimised risk of another infection (omg, don't think I could go through it a 3rd time in less than 6 months) The other choice I now have to make is what valve to have. Option 1- cows pericardium valve (this is the ne I currently have). This is not really an option because it hasn't worked this time. Option 2 - mechanical valve. Tic toc tic toc... If I choose this, u will hear me before u see me as this valve is noted for its sound and this could be soooo annoying when trying to sleep, or indeed watching a film, or taking an exam, ha ha, or being n a plane next to someone, I'll end up being accused of having a bomb on me he he he. The other more serious complications of a mechanical valve are that you can't ' binge drink' :-( Now I'm not a binge drinker but I do like a good night out with friends and am partial to the odd after party he he, but these means that all that has to stop. So think I'm gonna become a yogi, body builder, walker, dog lover, traveller business extraordinaire. It also means it complicates the option of having babies, but to be honest, I think ve come to the conclusion that this will not be a part of my life and maybe will consider adoption in the future! Or like I say, I'm gonna just have loads of dogs and become the crazy dog woman that all villages have. Warfrin also means you have to avoid certain foods high in vitamin K and also sports such as skiing, mountain biking, contact boxing, and 50 shades of grey 'hard limits' ;-) The pros of the mechanical valve mean I wouldn't have to have another operation for 20-30 years if all goes well. Option 3 - human heart valve and ascending aorta transplant. This is probably the option I'm going to go for as it means there is less risk of a reoccurring infection and I can drink and basically lead a normal life, but the massive deisadvantage is I would need the operation doing again in 10 years time. Decisions decisions!!! What would you choose?? Ultimately it's in the surgeons hands and he has said when he opens up my chest and looks at the heart he will decide on the day! They have confirmed they will take pictures of the op for me..... Looking forward to hearing from you all soon Claire xx

12 weeks post open heart surgery

Hi everyone,

How's 'the outside world' doing? Iam feeling like I've been detached from normality for so long now. To do the simplistic of things such as go for a meal with friends and family, or enjoy a evening at the pictures seems such an appealing and also faraway way of life. Gone our my days of rushing round here there and everywhere. When I get out of here, it's a slower pace of life all the way!!

Speaking of getting out of here........

BAD NEWS!!!!!!

I've got to have the whole open heart surgery done again!! I'm totally devastated. I basically have a heart infection and it's eating the new valve. It's the worse thing that could happen. The surgical team are gutted. it is a massive set back and this 2nd operation carrys massive risks, with it being so soon, and also with infection being present in the body. If this 2nd valve gets infected... Well..... Let's not think that way. But it's bad bad bad........
The second operation will be next Friday and I will be taking regular video blogs as soon as I can speak and hold an iPad. I'm not looking forward to it, as I know ow what to expect, the pain on waking up from the operation, when they are taking out the draining tubes etc. urrrggghhhhh, can't even think about it without feeling sick!
I'm trying to get my strength up by eating loads of fruit and calorie dense food. I have managed to loose 12lbs but my aim now, is to put 6-7lbs back on in preparation for the operation, as il probably need all the energy I can to get me through it.
Then ill embark back n the clean eating 3 weeks post op.

Thank you for all your support guys.


Claire xx

Day out from broadgreen to Liverpool royal

Good evening fitness peeps, So, I've had the most fun today that I've had in a long time!! I had a day trip from broadgreen to royal Liverpool for a PET scan... Hmmm. Never google stuff if curious..... On doing so...PET scan.... Used for detecting cancer?!? WTF. Anyhow,, went for one. I had my own bodyguard ha ha. We got the ambulance to the royal. Have you ever been there? It's like terminal 1 Manchester airport! They had designer glasses stall, make up stall, I was half expecting a swimwear and bikini stall!! We sat for a wile in the waiting room, and then I got asked to go to a small room. Basically they inject u with nuclear radioactive stuff and then you have to sit quietly for an hour, toilet it circulate. Then they take u into the scanner and you lie with you arms above your head. Well, all I can say is..... 50 shade of grey kept bloody popping in my head as my arms were going dead after half an hour and I just kept thinking, god, I'd be no good ha ha ha...... Got back from the royal to broadgreen, via a little bit of mischievousness, which I can't say ha ha, then waiting for the results. I. Going to be in here for at least 3 more weeks and then long term antibiotics. That's the latest update. I can't seem to upload videos or images onto the iPad, so il keep taking the video blogs and upload them on my return home. I'm going to write 2 more fitness articles this weekend. So will upload these once they've been edited. Big hugs Claire (darlo04) xxx

10 weeks and 3 days

Hi guys, Thought I'd give you a little update. I can't seem to up load any pictures on here via iPad, and as I'm stuck in hospital.....I know...can you still bloody believe it!?!?!then you'll have to wait for pictures I'm afraid.
Lots to report. I've been feeling unwell pretty much since the operation. Maybe the odd good day thrown in, but I've slowly got worse to the point where now I'm havin 3 or 4 rigour attacks a day. For those that aren't familiar with these, it's where the hands and legs go really cold and then you start shaking uncontrolably for an hour or so, then temperature spikes dangerously to around 40degrees.
So after havin had 3 bad bouts, I had to be readmitted back into hospital on Friday. So so I'll, i felt exhausted. I couldn't walk or move I was that drained. They took 3 sets of blood cultures and one whilst I was having a turn. I then had another 2 turns yesterday and was in desperation as I just felt so bad. The surgeon came to see me and he was stumped. They'd had a meeting at the royal Liverpool hospital with all the top consultants as my case has not been seen before. Then last night they'd made a break through, however, it's not great news.
Will tell you more over next 2 days as I'm having ct scan and an echo this afternoon, but basically they've identified a bacteria in the blood.they just need to source the cause of the bacteria!

Will keep you updated.


See you soon


Xxxxxx

9wks and one day post op, in the waiting room

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yC2Xf_Rthv0&feature=youtube_gdata_player Omg, funny as anything!! sat in the waiting room of the surgeon, sweating my socks off (didn't actually have socks on but was the nicest possible saying I cud use) and realised... Ta daaaaa, I know, I'll do my blog... So click on the link above for a laugh. Xx

9 Days post Open Heart Surgery

Hi everyone,

Ive managed to unconfiscate (is that a proper word?) my car from my father's house now, and its now sat on my mums drive.. woooo, one step closer to freedom!! Ive had some Darlo plates put on it so thought id send you a little image of it!!

Right, post op recovery...... not going that well!! Ive picked up ANOTHER!!!!!!! bug. Ive had a temperature of 39/40 for past day or two and feel like crap, but nurses have said it is viral and so should settle down on its own, so plenty of... guess what....... REST!!!!!!If I rested anymore id be constantly asleep!!

I thought i'd include a cheeky scar shot, but hopefully it gives you a good idea of the recovery and heeling of the scar.
I started my cardiac rehab programme on Monday, and it was so motivating to hear how I will be able to move forward once ive managed to get rid of this infection and also taken off the antiobiotics. The only concern she has is my blood pressure being too low and how that will impact my training, so im not allowed to do any unsupervised sessions as yet, and no interval or intense sessions for a few months. Im going to start some work with the resistance bands in 2 weeks to help the muscles begin to strengthen before I start doing any true resistance work.
I have any appointment tomorrow with the surgeon so I will update the blog then.

Ta ta for now xx

8-weeks and 1 day

Hi everyone

Well..... before I begin bloggin, here is one of the fitness articles I wrote. Let me know your views.
http://www.virtualmag.co.uk/index.cfm?client_id=9&fuseaction=Magazine.ShowArticle&article_id=912&ID=193

Im 8-weeks post op now, and to  be honest, not feeling great. Im having a nightmare with the betablockers im now on and they are not agreeing with me, so Im getting hardly any sleep. But hopefully, discussing this with my surgeon next week.

Walking mileage has increase to 5-8 miles per day (over 2 walks). I will be re introducing my Pilates workout next week. Il be starting with a ten minute programme, to be repeated 3 times per day. And will aim to record this so you can join in too!!!

Clean eating is kind of on track and I have be re-inspired by Jodie Marsh in the USA documentary last night documenting her and her journey to becoming a body builder over there. Fair do's she does work hard, and I cant wait to get back on the weight training!!!!!

Heres a few sample meals from the past 3 days

Here's and picture of me and gorgeous mum!!! Before a not so clean eating meal out to Pesto a couple of weeks back. (note I had to take my shoes off so as not to be towering over her!!)

6-weeks & 4 days post op

Well, this week has certainly been a roller coaster week. I had been building my walking up to 3 miles walks twice daily and following the clean eating programme fairly strictly. 6pack had actually started to show. I was amazed!! I had been to hospital 5 weeks post op and had blood tests taken and when phoned for the results Monday, the surgeons secretary had been very Cagey, saying she couldn't give out such information. When the nurse finally called me, 4 days later my infection levels had risen...arrrggghhhhhh... I could see it now.... A vision of the camera down the throat to look at the heart appeared!! So they informed me I'd have regular blood tests taken once a week. So, I was soooooo good. Didn't go anywhere, or see anyone.... Erm, wel... I did go into Chester on Tuesday to meet up with 2 friends for coffee, but also, to get a handbag from Kate's wedding. But to be fair, it did wipe me out, so didn't do anything else all week! The results came back and it was all good, infection levels had come back down...... I guess with having no spleen, my life will always be like this, as I have no immune system. So that was Tuesday, O yes, Tuesday evening, went to a land auction in kelsall! We ended up wining the auction and purchasing 2.5 acres of prime Cheshire land. It was ace..... I'm off to a fine arts auction in a couple of weeks and gonna start wheeling and dealing, ducking and diving in the old antique business!! Ha ha... Do you get fed up with my change in career paths all the time?? My family do!! Lol. Actually,it's gonna be a hobby, collecting vintage jewellery and other items, I think ts steamed from being in hospital and being forced to watch theings like Dickinsons deals ha ha. I actually haven't seen that one, but there's loads of similar tv programmes. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday went by, had a few friends bob over to see me, which was lovely.a friend who is growing her own quinoa, she had a very interesting story to tell me about her new product!!my other friend lizzie came up to manicure my nails, so all in all a great week. And to top it all off, Kate's wedding...... Omg, it was amazing!! I didn't sleep the night before as I was soooo excited!april did an amazing job of my hair, and for the first time in weeks I felt like a proper lady!! Got to the queens hotel, which I have to say, I was sooooooo impressed with, and we were shown to our seats in this lovely boutiquey room. Then in walks the bridesmaid Jen, she looked amazing in a long black dress, she was clearly emotionally and that set us all off, then in walked the beautiful bride and her father... Well that was it, tears were streaming down our faces, she looked fab!! They said their vows and then had loads of pictures taken, by a great photographer who got some very unique shots of us all. The wedding breakfast was gorgeous and the company was great. The day do melted into the evening do seamlessly and before I knew it I was being picked up, at 10 pm. It was so nice to see all the girls and catch up. It was reassuring to know that actually, I can have a couple of drinks as long as I'm careful and today, being Sunday, I'm now going to rest all day so I don't become I'll. This is my slow journey to full health and u fitness peeps better be ready for the bionic woman!! Cos she's slowly getting there!! He he he...... Xxxxx

5 weeks and 1 day Post Aortic Valve Replacement

Hi guys


I hope your well. Please copy and paste the link to see my video blog for today. Im having such an off day, but I summarise it all in the video blog. Ive now decided to take a break from facebook for a few weeks as I try and focus on recovering and as you will also hear over the next couple of days, were going through a tough family time, so just to really help me focus on my family, im taking some 'quiet time' away from it, but will look forward to getting back on the old facebook wagon in about 3 weeks. (This is gonna be tough for a facebook addict!!)
Thanks for all your amazing support everyone.
YOUR THE BESTEST!!!!!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=e_Z_Nj2EzM4

5-weeks today

Hi everyone,

For my video blog, please copy and paste the following link!!!! (im still not quite there with the computer whizz stuff)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=9SGHo3vAF-Q&list=UL9SGHo3vAF-Q





Well, what a wash out with the weather!?! I know us Brits do tend to focus and talk too much about the weird weather we experience but I couldn't help feel sorry for all the people who had organised, various Jubilee parties over the weekend!! did you see the Jubilee celebrations for the queen? Was anyone lucky enough to experience it first hand? If so, get your piccies into me and I'll put them on here. I thought the concert was pretty spectacular, especially the fireworks. I was watching it from in my bed with the windows wide open and it didn't half make me fancy a nice cold beer as it was a gorgeous night...

 Hmmmmmm, that brings me to.....clean eating.....gone wrong!!!! Now, it just shows...even your local fitness expert can slip up!! I continued with the healthy clean eating on Saturday and actually whilst I think on, Richard Wilding who is located near the Fishpool pub( currently undergoing a massive refurbishmen, and looks like will be an amazing pub, near Delamere) has the bestest asparagus for sale. It's organic, freshly cut, and is sooooo good for you. I had it with lamb, new potatoes(grown in my dads garden) and carrots. Was such a lovely meal nd all part of the clean eating diet. Asparagus is great for detoxing the kidneys and may leave you with a slightly peculiar smelling pee. And the added bonus is of course...... It's an aphrodsiac! Which for me at the mo, bears no relevance ha ha. The rest of the weekend though slipped progressively from bad to badder and although my portion sizes were small, a few more treats such as Hagen daaz ice cream were introduced( thanks Colin) and few crisps here and there. Yesterday I had my first afternoon out with a few of the girls and we w ent to the Boat house Chester and had a panini, erm, with chips, but then came home and had 4 chocolate fingers and a Viennese whirl!!!!WTF.



So I'm up bright and early. Just weighed myself and indeed I've put on 2.3 kg over the weekend. But today is a new day, fresh start! I'll be having 2 boiled eggs, the whites only, 1 apple and 1 banana for breakfast, poached chicken fillet rolled in Cajun spice and broccoli for lunch and sweet potato and cottage cheese for dinner. Il send some pictures through tonight along with a video blog, showing you my new hair colour!! Today, I'm off to see the surgeon today, it's 5- weeks post aortic valve replacement, and to be honest, this weeks been a bad week. I've experience much pain in my ribs ( probably too much Pilates and lifting too soon) so I stopped the Pilates from last Friday, as it was p,acing my rib cage under too much stress, but when you have a good day you feel your doing the right thing, just slightly pushing forward, introducing a few, what before the operation would seem like exercises for an elderly person, actually, I can't even do 2 or 3 of now!! It's frustrating as anything. I've managed to walk a bit further each day and am now enjoying walking a regular 2 miles 3 times a day, albeit it in 200m stages whereby I rest and bring the heart rate down. As well as the rib cage hurting, I've developed a chest infection, which I can't for the life of me work out where I've got it from, as I've not been anywhere, but try having yoUr rib age opened and then coughing ouchhhhhhh. Just come back from the hospital, which was a complete waste of time. They took blood samples but that was it. About to have dinner, chicken and tomatoes and then do some studying.


Just before u go............. Please please please can u let me know ur thoughts on fake tan and what products u like to use as I'm launching a mobile fake tan service in approx 4-6 weeks. Ta ta for now everyone.

Just a quickie for the ladies!!!!!! and lads il promise to include one for you tomorrow!!!!

Fit or not!!!! Your thoughts and comments please!!??!!

Day 30 Post Op

Heidi hi campers!!!

How are you all?Any gossip for me? April, my haidresser has found my hair extensions!! yippeee, we thought they had been burnt in an awful fire that she had in her kitchen, but obviously I couldnt act too dissapointed cos the poor girl lost her kitchen and the whole house is a smoking mess now, and shes been working hr ass off to clear it all up. But shes just called to say they were in the shed!!!!whooo, so hair in, nails on this coming Tuesday... Glam Claire is on my way back!!!!!!
Micheal McIntyre is on at the Laugh Inn this weekend and guess who may have a cheeky little pass??!!! But will have to see how the old heart is on the day...

DID YOU KNOW??? my heart valves have been constructed from the outside of a cow's heart!!!!!! so if you find me in a field munching grass, do not panic!!!! ha ha ha

Ok, the diet has slipped up today!!
I had 20 raspeberries, then went for a walk then the nurse came here early, and threw my routine out, and now my friend is popping over fro a brew, so Ive just had a slice of seeded toast!!!! GRRRR, annoyed with myself.
Will get back on it this afternoon....

well what a lovely surprise!! This has just arrived, a flower card. I havent seen these before. Have you? Top idea... I tell you, its hard to think of new inventions these days as everything been done!!!!!!

Right.. update on valve situ!!!Gosh, muscles have gone into spasm in my back and around my ribs, I couldnt sleep at all, it makes it uncomfortable to move or breath and ya wana try coughing!!! blooming heckey thump!!!!!! Not good.

Been for a 2 mile walk, going to do that 3 times today, so Im well impressed. No Pilates due to ribs hurting. Please send me your pictures of the Jubilee weekend to. claire@chestefitness.co.uk


Have I told you Im planning a cheeky trip to the US of A?? Im going with a good friend Cassie, and she's been looking for the ideal car for us to hire. Weve both agreed on this one!!!! Ur thoughts!!??

Were meeting up with another couple of friends whilst were there so, it should be amazing, and of course, updates will be kept on the old blogspot!!

 

4 weeks and 1 day

Video Blog. Now I know its al a bit higgle D piggldy, but Ill get the hang of it by tomorrow.
Big hugs, and remember, add some comments, tell me what your up to, what you want me to include in the blog!!!

Sue Flay

I bumped into Sue Flay the other day...
Thats why I'm now clean eating!!!!

4-weeks post operation and feeling smoking baby!!!!

Well.....not quite, but definately feeling better. Have stuck to the clean eating now for 2 days, and above is an example of my meal 3- Mackeral, quinoa, mixed leaf salad and cucumber.
Following meals of the day included, sweet potato and cottage cheese,along with 2 apples and a handful of nuts, and finally a 1 whole egg/2 egg whites, spinach, 2 mushrroms and tomato omelette.

Ive been having a glass of milk in the evening to help with the bone healing process, I normally wouldnt allow milk on such a programme.

Ive done some dodgy video camera blogs but am havin trouble downlaoding them onto here, so will try them on you tube later and Ill get those on asap.

Morning fitness people,

Did anybody see the 'torch' in Chester last night? If so, send me your pictures and i'll post them on here. Send them to claire@chesterfitness.co.uk.
Mr Locke (of of The Laugh Inn and Commercial) called me whilst it was going past, so felt like i'd been there in spirit, as im still unable to drive for another 2-3 weeks.
The sun is shining and the quote for today is
' you create your own universe as you go along.' - Winston Churchill.

Here's a couple of pictures from one of my blog viewers who was in Chester as the torch passed through.

Ive started the day today with a 20 minute (light!!!!) Pilates workout, focusing on strengthening and mobilising the thoracic spine and lengthening the hip flexors and mobilising the rotator cuff muscles.

My sternum and ribs were opened up during open heart surgery, 4 weeks today, and this has caused my chest muscles to become very tight, and shoulder protract forwards, and so slowly, but surely, im trying to open out these muscles and retract the shoulders back. I am acheiveing this through Pilates.
Yesterday I completed 2.8 miles walking ( in 2 hits) at a constant speed of 3.3mph (whooo, sooo speedy i hear you say... not!!)
Today I will be increasing that to 3.4 miles, so will keep you posted.

Nutrition wise, Ill include some pictures later of Darlo's clean living dishes, reciepes and full programme will be available in 12 weeks.

Day 1 (day 28 post op) video blog

Hi there guys,
Well, here we are. Day 1 of my fitness and health blog post aortic valve replacement. Its actually 28 days post operation, but i've just managed to get out of hospital yesterday, so wanted to share with you, my journey from zero fitness to hopefully a superfit super toned super instructor. Im hoping I can inspire people when feeling low and help people on a journey to becoming healthier and adopting a more positive attitude to life.
Now it's up to you, if you would like me to go over the basics of my operation, I can do, as i've kept a diary, complete with pictures and so if we get enough requests then I will post these up too.
But this is more about the journey forward.
I'll be sharing with you nutrition tips, fitness tips, motivational quotes, latest trends in fitness and basically anything fitness or health like. Along with many pictures and a daily video (which I hate taking), but wanting to break into the world of TV presenting will require me to overcome such barriers and 'get on with it'. I want to include as many of my beautiful friends and family in this blog spot, so let me know if you'd like to star in this too.