Hi me again,
Just a little update on how my mum is doing after her AVR. Hard to believe this time last week she was in theatre having the operation. I arrived at mum and dad’s house on Friday to stay and help my dad look after her. She had messaged to say she may be coming home that day, but her heart rate became erratic and she had to stay another night while they checked they had brought it under control. At the time she was disappointed but now looking back she says she was glad as she was still feeling quite unwell. She was moved to a 4 person ward that night and had a lovely chatty lady opposite who really lifted her spirits - she was in her own room the night before and although she was glad of the quiet it meant she was alone with her thoughts which brought her mood quite low. So Saturday she washed, dressed and ate breakfast and was feeling much more positive. She was discharged Saturday afternoon and it was so good to see her! She looked amazing considering and spent the evening on the sofa chatting to me and dad. Mum was lucky to have the minimally invasive surgery, so her breastbone is not as sore as it would have been and she is managing with just paracetamol for pain relief. The surgeon was apparently extremely pleased with his handiwork when he came round to see mum! She has managed a couple of walks around the garden every day so far, and is doing her deep breathing exercises. Her main concern at the moment is she feels very bloated in her stomach and ankles and wondered if anyone else experienced that? She has tablets to help with this and we’ve told her fluid retention is normal and it will go but she’s bemoaning her cankles and says her legs have been swapped for someone else’s! 😆 If anyone can offer her any reassurance she’d be so grateful x