Preparing for OHS

[IanGordon]

How can I prepare for surgery? There's a wealth of experience on this forum regarding actual surgery plus cardiovascular rehab and beyond but how can I best prepare for surgery in the weeks before I get the call? Any help, advice or actual experience and outcomes most welcome.

[KazSumm]

Hi Ian Gordon

Yes there are lots you can do to prep yourself OHS.

I had to stay in hospital for 2 weeks before my AVR and in that time I strengthen my core so I could get up without using my arms, and after surgery I could do it easy such a great help. The other is too moisturiser your skin on your chest, I used cocoa butter twice a day and massaged the skin, when youcan after surgery I used bio oil and 7months on my scar is beautifully healed and hardly noticeable , I still massage it with the oil and this has stoped scar tissue from sticking . Also you can prep the skin on your stomach where drains are put and the neck where central line is put. So get your core strength , I used a ski

Exercise stand with your back against the wall and slide downbending your knees, hold it then raise yourself back up.keep yourself hydrated and eat well . Wishing you the very best. Kaz❤️💕💖

[IanGordon in reply to KazSumm]

KazSumm, thank you. Trying to keep up walking,tennis and cycling, albeit with rapidly declining exercise tolerance. Core fitness seems a good focus. Moisturising needs to be extended beyond post-shave so thanks for your advice. It can fit within my existing daily routine so very doable. Trying to up the hydration but drinking before you feel thirsty remains a challenge - but just off for a big swig of water! Vitamin C can help with the healing process so maybe supplement the diet, post-op?

[sue2002]

The nurse at my pre-op assessment said to make sure you keep your iron levels high.

[IanGordon]

That's a relaively easy fix, sue2002. I guess that esures the haemaglobin is working at its best with regard to oxygen carrying capacity of the blood . I'll supplement my supplements !

Thanks for sharing the knowledge

[stevejb1810]

The wait is always the worst bit as it leaves you all that time to think. My advice is to keep taking the meds (assuming you have them), exercise as much as you feel is right for you (do whatever you can without risking your health), eat well but eat healthily, lose weight (if you have it to lose). Talk to people about your concerns, fears and anxieties if you have them and also to educate them about what you are having done (most people will have hrard of it, most will not have a clue what it means!).

You will get a lot of advice about preparing your skin for scars etc. If its something that is likely to be a major concern to you, then go ahead, but its questionable just how useful that really is. I did zip, largely because I had no opportunity to even think about it, and I have had no issues whatever with the scars (and there are a few of them!).

Try not to stress about it (which I know is a lot easier said than done). Avoid Google to 'research' (other than on this great site of course), it'll only cause more anxiety.

Have something realistic to look forward to post op - holiday, theatre (whatever would be a real target). It makes a lot of difference having something to look forward to because to start with you are going to struggle to see beyond the next medical appointment!

Good luck

Steve

[IanGordon in reply to stevejb1810]

Thanks for the rounded and balanced advice, Steve. Think I've got bases covered as no real lifestyle adjustmentsr required. Guess most of the prep will be about my head and taking it in my stride. Easier said than done. Good to have a a post-op horizon that's pleasurable to offset the pain!

[stevejb1810 in reply to IanGordon]

My wife pointed out a couple of other practical things to do to get ready for coming home. Have plenty of pillows- you’ll need to have something to keep you sleeping on your back and a pillow arm chair is the best way to do it (the nurses in hospital will show you how). Have plenty of towels - you’ll get through 2 a day as a minimum (you have to change them after every use). Smaller towels might be better too as, I know it sounds stupid, but a full bath towel is going to be too heavy!

If I think of anything else, I’ll drop you another note.

[IanGordon in reply to stevejb1810]

Thanks, Steve.

Getting some extra pillows and towels on the basis of your advice.

[Ashleigh_BHF]

Hi IanGordon

You haven't mentioned what operation you are having, but I've attached a few links for you to look at to help your prepare for your surgery. We mostly advise remaining active and healthy eating to help prepare your body for recovery after your operation.

bhf.org.uk/heart-matters-ma...

bhf.org.uk/publications/hea...

One of the links will take you to a page where you can download our heart surgery booklet. If you need any more information or want to speak to a cardiac nurse please call our Heart Helpline on 0300 330 3311.

Best of luck with your surgery!

Ashleigh

[IanGordon in reply to Ashleigh_BHF]

Thanks for the resource links - much appreciated.

[Prada47]

Hello IanGordon

Psychological Prepared is a major aspect of preparation for Yourself, Family and Friends

I was a little naïve before CABG surgery.

I thought taking a vein from my leg was just a nick to draw it out. What a Bloody Surprise that turned out to be.

LOL now.

I think the advice on Eating well and staying/being as fit as you can be is so very sound.

Wish you all the Best for your Op, A Walk in the Park says he 20 months after his Op.

Frank W

[IanGordon]

Thanks Frank. Just a routine valve swap for me. But sensible eating and exercise is the way forward it seems. Easily done!

[Numberone1]

Hi Ian

Great question as I too have poised a similar situation on another forum. Mine was mostly about exercise. What stage are you at? severity. Any idea when you might get that call! I’m moderate/severe. I’m trying to work out an exercise plan. However I also am taking other issues into account. I have registered onto a meditation class. I am also just starting to see an Osteopath because I have some arthritis in my legs and I want to make sure my walking before and after can be effective. I am also doing yoga for both exercise and calm.. as I said, what stage are you at and do you know what the waiting list is like?

[IanGordon in reply to Numberone1]

No.1 hi. Back end of last year progressed into the severe stenosis zone and referred for surgery, meeting my surgeon on 12th Jan with the possibility of 'fitting you in' in April. But still in limbo until I get my date. Guess I'm lucky as a fit and active 65 year old I just need to maintain rather than increase my fitness, albeit severely hampered by the declining efficiency of my aortic valve. So walking but avoiding sustained gradients, cycling using an electrically assisted e-bike and playing tennis doubles which gives me recovery periods between rallies/games. Angina symptoms tell me to ease back and recover and I use a heart rate monitor to tell me where I need to slow down.I have no choice but to do less but I'm trying to maintain an activity level that means my recovery will be as good as it can be. Am I stressed/preoccupied? You bet! It's the lengthy and by all accounts painful recovery period and the temporary inactivity that concerns me - but I regularly remind myself that's the price of a restored life expectancy. Not such a bad deal!

Hope all goes well for you - I'm sure you will reap the benefits of raising your pre op fitness. Good luck.