Post sternotomy arm/hand movement

[ramotswe]

I'm new here and have been really impressed by the level tone of the posts.

As a result of rheumatic fever at 13, later this month I'm having aortic and mitral valve replacement at 77, possibly with a 70% blocked LAD (left anterior descending artery) bypass - not sure until we see the surgeon on Wednesday 5th. Three and a half years ago I had a stroke and was recovering fast , walking 2 miles by the year's end. Only discovered HF after huge bouts of exhaustion diagnosed as stroke fatigue and too much exercise!! I should have been my own doctor and remembered my little old heart which had never given much trouble except on steep hills.

For now I would very grateful if someone could give me practical advice about how to cope with having 'no arms' after the op -- getting out of bed, washing etc. I've strengthened my legs with squats as much as I can. Can't visualise the thing!

thankyou

[080311]

Hi, I am a bit confused with no arms? is this from your stroke? I had AVR and bypass done and you can’t lift your arms above your head or lift anything heavier than a bag of sugar hoovering and ironing advised to avoid, all these things for the first 6-8 weeks. Didn’t mind the household chores for a little while! I am 72, and had the op 3 years ago. I really wish you well for your coming op you will be fine, I would say to you to do all the rehab you are offered as much for your mental health as for getting your strength back.

[Sunnie2day in reply to 080311]

I think Ramotswe means getting in and out of chairs and beds, and reaching to wash body parts like back and legs - a double valve replacement means 'no arms' can be used post-op for things like pressing against the arms of a chair or sofa, etc.

[080311 in reply to Sunnie2day]

Wow, didn’t understand that, you would have to have help. Thought I had trouble with one valve and bypass!

[Sunnie2day]

I'm 63, had rheumatic fever in the early 1960s and was diagnosed a year or so later as having Rheumatic Heart Syndrome (RHS). As you know, one of the consequences is scarring on mitral and or aortic valve.

Mine is so far only on my aortic valve and for now my cardiologist deems it 'trivial' but tells me in a few years I may need a replacement. I'll be following your progress with great interest, and wishing you all the best all the way through your recovery.

Btw, you are the only other rheumatic fever heartie I've come across in almost a year here on the site. Glad to meet you!

[buster2k10 in reply to Sunnie2day]

hiya. 6 years ago i had a stroke at 42, through investigations found i had mitral valve regurgitation and now 6 years on they are sure its from rheumatic fever as a child. obviously i didnt know i had it as a child , my mum says i was quite poorly as a baby and doctor said it was JUST a virus ...47 years later im distraught im not coping well with the news i have to have my mitral valve replaced . saw my diabetic nurse yesterday she has put me forward for counselling ,,i was told in november 2019 that i need the op and im still waiting and not coping with the news...im so anxious i dnt recognize the person i have become i have never suffered anxiety but this news is to much to bare ,

Jayne

[Sunnie2day in reply to buster2k10]

I'm glad to hear your diabetic nurse has you down for counselling, hopefully you won't have to wait long for an appointment as it is very helpful. Hearing you need major heart surgery is shocking beyond words, it's not surprising you're anxious.

When you were told you need the replacement were you assigned a cardiac nurse? He/she should be able to fast-track you to counselling if you have one.

Also helpful are the BHF cardiac nurses on the Heart Helpline. The lines are open Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm and they can be reached on:

0300 330 3311

[buster2k10 in reply to Sunnie2day]

Thanks for the reply.

no i was told 6 yrs ago i needed surgery but because i was non symptomatic they just kept an eye on me, my consultant said in november we will do a TOA and a angiogram because the pressure? in my heart was at 77% it had doubled in 6 months? i had the TOA in early january now waiting for the angiogram then the op , i dnt know how long all this takes ,i did get the impression it would all be done by now, i was told surgery now needed and was left with the news no cardiac nurse no support feel like this news was dumped on me although i always new i needed the op, now its effecting my life and relationships ,i lay in bed on lots of pillows on my back as i cant lay flat as i feel like i cant breathe i have only really become symptomatic over the last 6 months. am i alone in my feelings ? i am normaly quite thick skinned and take everyone else problems on, i trained as a counsellor 15 yrs ago but ill health put a stop to all that .

best wishes Jayne

[Sunnie2day in reply to buster2k10]

I think if it were me, I would try to speak to the BHF nurses for advice on getting through this, and I would also ask the cardiologist who is ordering the angio to assign a cardiac nurse - good ones are there for information, support and/or to fast-track cardiac counselling and other care.

You are not at all alone in feeling anxious (and frustrated at the delays) - most of us do, but you shouldn't be left alone without trained support.

There are some 'emergency' changes to how things are going to be run during the coronavirus crisis so your waits may be longer - only your doctors can decide that in your case, but hopefully as you've become symptomatic now, things will start to move faster.

Have you seen the BHF coronavirus page?

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

Also, it might be of more help to you to start a new discussion by using the 'What is your question' feature at the top of your home page here on the forum, or the 'write' feature at the top right of this discussion page. There are a large number of people here with similar situations to yours who would love to share their experiences in hope of easing your way.

[Shar28]

Hi, I’d suggest practising beforehand and if you can’t get in and out of your favourite tv chair, a dining/kitchen chair, up and down on the toilet and in and out of bed without using your arms, seeing what adaptive aids you can get to help. Eg, feet to raise you chair to a more suitable height. And a shower stool or chair is useful at first too. Hopefully you’ll regain your strength post-op reasonably quickly (although not too much too soon!) and find things ok, especially with all of your prep work.

All the best to you and yours for the future.

[Whatamug1]

Perhaps if you contact your local council they may have some suggestions ? Also try the consultant's secretary and explain your probs - she may point you in the right direction so that you can discuss it with the appropriate person. Sounds as if you'll definitely need some help. All the best to you ann

[marigoldb]

Do you live alone ramotswe? I do, and home on day 8 following replacement aortic valve and single coronary artery bypass graft, latter taken from the mammary artery. I could not have managed without help at home. A dear friend came and stayed for the first week, and then my daughter came over from OZ and stayed for 3 and half weeks. Very special time!

My op was July 2019, and I’m 83! So I am just so grateful for this opportunity for a better quality of life!