Post operative recovery

My husband had a quadruple bypass last week. Home from hospital for 4 days. I’m finding it very difficult to get him to stick to the rules eg no lifting anything heavier than a half full kettle, not squeegeeing downvoted his shower etc. He promises to do what he knows is only common sense but the next time he is carrying on as if nothing has happened. Any advice please? I don’t want to be the bossy nurse, but I am worried he is setting back his recovery by trying to do too much too soon.

[Gail1967]

My husband tried to stop me doing everything once home from cabg x 4- but to aid my recovery I needed to do more than lift a kettle- so as long as your hubby is being sensible then feeling normal from doing more really does help

[Hidden in reply to Gail1967]

Thank you, I think you are right, he just needs to feel normal again.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hello and welcome to the forum! At this stage he needs to be doing little more than the basics and building up his walking. The breastbone has suffered the equivalent of a fracture and if he had broken his arm he would not be lifting with it! He has to be extremely careful for the first 6 weeks and then gradually lift a little more up till at least week 12. Some people may say I am over cautious but as I posted earlier someone at rehab ended up with an unstable breastbone. Frequently this can only be resolved by opening up again, debridement, and rewiring or fitting a sternal plate. This basically is returning to day one with the breastbone. It is not worth it!

[Hidden in reply to MichaelJH]

I’ll find a way of passing on this information to him. Thank you.

[080311]

Hi, I know it’s difficult for your husband but they tell us what we can and cannot do for a reason. Having your chest opened up and then put back together is a major op, and he must give the sternum time to heal. He really doesn’t want to over do it.

Getting his stamina back by walking is one thing he can do. When the time is right and he can go to cardio rehab that’s a must, I found it invaluable apart from getting your body back to normal you get your mind sorted out. Mixing with other people who have had the same or similar experiences as you helps you get your head round what as happened to you.

I wish you both the very best, please tell him on wards and up wards but baby steps to start with!

[Hidden in reply to 080311]

Thank you, I agree that he needs to sort his mindset as much as getting his body back. Baby steps ....a good mantra.

[Ferrari10]

I had a double bypass 4 months ago today and in the first few days after the op I was quite shocked at how weak I was relative to my previous life. I am 55 and had been pretty fit. All that stuff about it being a marathon and not a race is true and your body has effectively been pummelled by the procedure and having to take copious meds. In time he will get his strength back but it is a long haul. The potential risks from over doing it too early are simply not worth it.

Walking regularly as early as he can and cardio rehab are a must. Whilst I still focus on what I can’t do I have to admit I am amazed at what I can do now compared to 4 months back. I believe a full 12 months is probably the time needed to be ‘normal’ again. I’ve come to accept that and it makes life with the pain and discomfort more bearable. Just don’t take unnecessary risks. I hope he will see that! Best of luck...

[Hidden in reply to Ferrari10]

Thank you, your kind and considered remarks make a lot of sense. I think we both need to look at this from the long term (12 months at least, as you advise.) so I am very grateful for your words of wisdom.