I am due to have a Aortic Valve and Aortic Root Replacement in late Spring. I live on my own in NW London and wonder if anyone can advise me regarding respite care and rehabilitation after my operation. I am not keen on having a live - in carer.
I would be grateful for any advice.
Hi I had an AVR and aortic root wrap in 2011 and a second AVR and pacemaker last November. I did have my husband at home the first week out of hospital, but you are encouraged to do bits yourself. After that I was on my own until he got home from work.
When I had my pre-op checks they gave me a booklet with dos and donts, which includes not lifting anything heavier than 5lb in one hand or 10lb with both, don’t lift a full kettle, basically don’t do anything that puts a strain on your heart and chest. At the pre-op the nurse also goes through a load of ‘domestic’ questions with you, such as do you live alone, house or bungalow etc. At the very least will you be able to get someone to carry shopping for you?
Might be worthwhile speaking to your GP to see what assistance they can give or other avenues to try.
Hope you get something sorted and your op goes well.
Wendy
Thank you for your reply Wendy.
I plan to have a P/T day carer when I get home but I am concerned about the immediate period after I am discharged from hospital as I have been advised that it will not be safe to be on my own for a week or so after the operation.
I have asked my GP re respite and rehabilitation but they were not able to help with recommending a place to stay and likewise with the hospital (Royal Brompton.)
A number of care homes offer respite care - would this be an option for you? In the first instance I would speak to your GP/the cardiac team about your concerns. I know some one who was moved to a smaller hospital for four weeks after hip replacement as they lived alone and it was felt they would have been in danger with just care visits in the early days.
Like the other lady said, I had my husband at home for a week post op and then on my own. The best way to quickly recover is to do things for yourself but keep to the guidelines that are given I.e. weight limits etc. I found that everyday I was better than the day before. You do recover quite quickly.
Hi RAS53,
Immediately after surgery, people are usually practicing very basic self-care and are soon encouraged to get up, to breathe deeply, and to resume eating, drinking and walking. During the days and weeks following surgery, people can expect to gradually regain energy and return to their normal activity level. You’ll need to take things easy at first. Please discuss this at your pre-operative appointment with your nurse.
Starting gentle exercise such as walking can be helpful when you feel up to it, but don't try to do too much too quickly. Your breastbone will usually heal in about six to eight weeks, but it may be two to three months before you feel your normal self again. As has been mentioned, contact care homes if you feel that this level of support would be of benefit to you. If you feel as if you need additional support, you could always contact Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) at the Royal Brompton Hospital on 020 7349 7715 to see if they can advise.
Take care,
Emily
Robert
Having had an Aortic Root and Valve Replacement myself at the end of November at the Royal Brompton, The surgeon was very very good, and the staff are busy but excellent. I am biased as my son is a nurse on the HDU!
I hope I can help with your questions. I was lucky that my wife was around, but apart from shopping and washing, I was able to do stuff for myself. However, I was in Hospital for 2 weeks due to some complications, so had an extra week to recuperate. The main thing is to only do things when you feel able to, so sleep when you want to, and eat when you're hungry. I was quite healthy when I had the op and being 50 years old made my recovery easier than being a lot older. Get lots of ready meals in, and use internet shopping for your grocery order, and get them to carry the shopping into your kitchen for you. Make sure that you have enough cushions and pillows so you can sleep sitting up at night in bed and that you are well supported in a chair or sofa by day. Reading, and concentrating in general, is tricky but it does become easier. Sleep at night is still a bit wonky as I keep thinking about the hospital and things but the number of nights disturbed is lessening. It's not that bad!! If I can do it anyone can. Just accept that there are good days, less good days and great days. good luck and we'll hear from you afterwards saying how it wasn't too bad!
Good Evening Quillon,
Thank you for your advice and the account of your experience . I have to say I am very frightened about the whole process but it has to be done and I need to be positive - nonetheless it is a daunting prospect!
I hope you continue to get well and make a good recovery.
Kind regards,
Robert.
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