Post op

[BailsS79]

My dear Dad has just had aortic valve replacement and bypass (UK) and is on day 6 post op. Not eating and v weak. Is this usual? Feeling quite powerless and want to help. Any advice or reassurance gratefully received. X

[Nic25]

Hey Bails79. Well done for being there for your dad! I had an AVR in 2018 and I think it was almost worse for my wife and kids watching on helplessly and worrying. So good luck.

On your specific question, without knowing his age and any other underlying health issues, it's hard to say. On day six I (age 50 and otherwise relatively fit and luckily with no or few post-op complications) was still in hospital but, to be fair, eating (even though the food wasn't great) and doing gentle circuits of the ward. I did also that day however go down with a lung infection that knocked me out for 24 hours!

But I was me, not your dad, everyone is different, so I'm just trying to give you a very general comparison. If, as I assume, he's still in hospital and you're concerned, I would raise it with the medical teams. If he's home, ditto his GP.

Bear in mind too, heart operations can have mental side-effects, including delirium and depression. It's a huge deal to work through mentally and psychologically as well as physically, plus the heart having been manipulated by the surgeons can sometimes cause mental and emotional side-effects, normally short-lived.

I'm not a doctor, so I'm not suggesting any of this is what is going on with your dad. But it makes sense he should be eating and trying to rebuild his strength (as, clearly, you are only too aware) so yes I'd definitely raise your concerns with a medical professional to see if they can help.

But good luck and hope he's on the mend soon.

Nic x

[francesw47]

Hello Bails79

I'll bet your dad is glad you are there for him.

You don't say anything about him, age, other health issues so, as Nic says, hard to make any comments.

I had my second AVR last June plus an emergency triple bypass (things went rather wrong in theatre, but thats another story) and it took a while to recover from what the surgeons called 'such a big operation'. I came home on day 8, having successfully walked up and down a set number of stairs but I was weak, battered and generally felt blergh. It took a while. The wounds on my leg got infected but the district nurse team were such fun that even feeling cxxp became a laugh! I walked daily, sometimes 2 or 3 times a day so that I gradually got fitter and was able to go out alone and walk. Here I am 7 months later, exercising regularly, back working (a bit) and generally enjoying life.

I'm 67 by the way. I have to admit that there were days when doing the necessary walking was an act of will but I popped in a little bit of reward to encourage me - and, of course, feeling better and better was a great incentive.

In the end I simply determined that the cardiologists were going to stop saying 'recovering slowly' and say 'recovering remarkably'...which they have done!

We are all different and he has been through such a 'big operation'! Encourage him to eat what he feels like, hospital food isn't the best,and just be there to help him. Once he is up and walking around with a bit of confidence he will pick up. Remember his body has just undergone a massive invasive procedure which is quite an insult and hearts don't like being handled and I'm afraid it does take time.

Good luck and keep us posted as to his progress.

Frances

[BailsS79 in reply to francesw47]

Hi both, thanks for responding. Dad in 75 and still in hospital. He had complications and had to have a second days surgery a week ago. Not eating at all and hospital are bringing him whole apples and fish and chips which he can't eat. He's an hour and half away so I can't visit every day. I am going to ask hospital what happens as he's so weak he can't do the physio require to get home. Prior to this was very fit (weights, exercise, vegetarian etc) so apparently it's just unlucky/congenital. He's lost 2 and a half stone in two weeks! Very grateful for you both taking the time to send your advice. I'm an only child so not sure how much to push the whole issue. X

[francesw47 in reply to BailsS79]

Hi

As I said, I'm a little older and recovery took a while. Your dad has been through a lot and his body will need to heal. Its a pity you can't see him daily, but he is presumably in a regional centre of excellence - and therefore well looked after.

It really is about time and patience - whatever he fancies by way of treats he should have, if he wants hot chocolate with marshmallows then get it for him......I'd go with his desires at this point - healthy food can follow. Sounds like he was fit and healthy prior to this, so that will stand him in good stead.

Keep us posted and take care of yourself.

Frances

[BailsS79 in reply to francesw47]

Hi Frances, thank you. Yes in local specialist place which is excellent. He's even struggling drinking water...I guess from all the anesthetic?! Hopefully he'll eat more today 🤞

[080311]

Hi Bails79 so sorry to hear about your Dad, he is lucky to have a daughter who cares. I had an AVR and by pass done 3 years ago, I was 69 at the time. It takes time to recover from such a big op, and everyone is different. Living a distance away will make you anxious not being able to see him every day. The staff will be keeping a very close eye on him. Once he is up please encourage him to do all the rehab, as Nic25 says this op takes it out of you mentally andI found doing rehab with others who had similar experiences as myself was such a help. You get your stamina back but the support of others is invaluable.

I really wish you and your Dad the very best and this week brings good news.

[bantam12]

My husband had an aortic and mitral replacement and bypass last Thursday, day 4 now and he isn't even awake yet ! they turned off the sedation on Friday and the only pain meds he's on is paracetamol but he's still sparked out 😕

I'm not able to visit him as we live 4-5 hour drive from the hospital so I know how powerless you are feeling ☹️

[Matilda777]

I had an aortic replacement and bypass July 2019 aged 67. I didn't eat in hospital and lived on fruit drinks my husband brought in. I didn't recover my appetite for over 2 months and could take or leave food. I was in hospital for 6 days which was considered good. I am recovered now and doing regular exercise classes etc as well as walking miles. You need to be patient. My son was a huge help to me coming to stay and cooking tasty snacks etc. Do what you can. xx