Post surgery - day 7

[Supernanu]

Firstly, thank you to all of you who responded to my post last week. I know I speak for many on this site that it really helps to know one can share thoughts with others who understand.

Anyway, op went ahead as planned last Fri. Mini sternotomy avr. So I have a 4in wound at top of sternum. Plus loads of pin pricks as reminders of various lines, drips, pacer wires etc. And two drain hole sites.

All went well and I came home on Wed - day 5!! From taking no medication I am now on a veritable cocktail of drugs. Keeps me busy checking what to take when, before or after food, or dissolved in water!

My chest looks like I’ve been kicked by a horse. And every deep breath is agony. Sleeping on my back gives me backache. And a simple cough or sneeze is not to be contemplated without a cushion to hug.

But I feel really lucky and blessed that I was diagnosed so quickly and treated so well. We live near one of the best hospitals and I can’t fault their care.

Looking forward to recovery and singing and dancing again!!

Sorry for the long post but hope this may help others waiting to go through it too.

Nicole x

[080311]

Hi, so pleased to read you are doing well, just remember baby steps! I know what you mean about sleeping on your back the first time I could turn on my side bliss! I use to carry a rolled up baby blanket for a couple of weeks and sleep with my arms wrapped round it.

Cardio rehab I found invaluable as I said slowly at first. Onwards and upwards.

Best wishes Pauline

[Fredders]

Hi Nicole, good to hear it all went well. Have you tried using a v-shaped pillow at night so that you sleep slightly propped up? I had the same problem after my op and can’t sleep on my back anyway due to a back problem and got a bolster pillow which really helped.

I know what you mean about the sneezing, hurts like hell if you don’t get to the huggie in time and I had a full length incision!

The good news is that you’re through the worst of it now so onwards and upwards 😀.

All the best for your continued recovery.

Wendy

[Supernanu in reply to Fredders]

Thanks Wendy. Sent my husband to buy a v shaped pillow. I now sleep with three normal plus the v shape in a sort of nest!

Keeps me reasonably comfortable on my back. Until morning when I go down to my recliner chair and sleep again 😜

[Fredders in reply to Supernanu]

Pleased it helped. The joys of a recliner 😜 I’ve got one too, electric thankfully, and it was a godsend when I was ill and then after my heart op, much more comfortable than the bed for a nap in the early days.

Hope the rest of your recovery goes well, but don’t overdo it, baby steps 😀.

Wendy

[stillaboveground]

Hi, glad to hear all went well, hope you have a speedy recovery.

[francesw47]

Well done! Bet you're glad thats all behind you. Remember baby steps forward and try sleeping sitting up (triangle pillow a great investment).

Let us know how you are over the next few weeks and spoil yourself for a while.

Frances x

[Rosei]

What a super post, full of positivity, so pleased all went well and continue to recover.

[road2ruin]

Well done Nicole, been there myself but with the full sternotimy. It will all get better, trust me. I am three months post op now and still getting better, but making progress . Good luck x

[Hidden]

Hi Supernanu,

Laughed when I saw your nickname - as a recent gran I insist I be called Nanoo (so different spelling). Had my Mini sternotomy (scar also about 4") for triple bypass on 28th November and the stage you are now going through seems like it happened to someone else! I ended up sleeping upright on my sofa with about 10 pillows propped round me. I had other hospital acquired infections that landed me back in hospital which delayed initial op recovery but have now been home fully for almost 2 months and feel almost normal but still tire quickly. Started very slow treadmill, initially 3 mins about 4 days after coming home - due to readmission and delay am now still only doing about 12 mins (2.5mph) but also static bike, light leg and arm weights. You will instinctively know what you can do - but try and do a bit more each day. If you need any advice on scar management I would be happy to help. Have had a lot of rest time = research time Good luck.

[Supernanu in reply to Hidden]

Congrats on your name!!

I’m feeling better every day. As others have said ‘baby steps’ - but watching my 11 month old grandson, baby steps seems to involve a lot of falling down hard on one’s bottom 🤪

[Hidden]

My Grandson is also 11 months (today in fact) - just don't follow his falling down lead