opp coming up

[joel132]

Hi all... so glad to have found this site.

Still in shock i have to go through this, need valve replacement plus three by-pass and what ever else they find in operation... 68 and have the choice of valve but don't know which way to go i keep changing my mind... My question today is after care when coming home from the hospital, i have no-one who can live with me in those early weeks. Has anyone else been in this situation and how did they manage, how did it go?

[080311]

Hello joel32

and welcome to to the forum, I had Aortic valve replaced and bypass 4 years ago, I was 68, after care looking back the one thing I would have really struggled with was the white stockings! Don’t think I could have got those on on my own😂 though they will show you the trick with a plastic bag that helps! you will have to remember no lifting anything heavier than half a kettle of water no pushing and pulling so no ironing or hoovering. You have to let your sternum heal like any broken bone so 8-10 weeks.

Going for my first walks felt I needed my husband with me was a bit nervous though that passed quite quickly. You must listen to your body and when it tells you to rest do so. 5 weeks after my op my husband had a stroke and was in hospital for 7 weeks, so found myself on my own but he was with me for those first 5 weeks. Things I found were being emotional, you have to let your brain catch up it’s wondering what on earth as been happening here!

A bit of advice I would give you, in hospital you will have breathing exercises to do, I called them huffing and puffing, when you get home continue doing them they really help remember your lungs have taken a hit as well as your heart. They need to get back to normal.

I wish you well with your upcoming op, everything will be fine. If you need any help or have questions just post and someone will be along to answer. There are lots of us that have been where you are now.

Best wishes Pauline

[joel132 in reply to 080311]

Thank you Pauline.. that was very helpful

[Darkshades]

Belonging to another site that covers big op’s for women, some of these pointers might help.

Have food/meals already prepared or bought so all you need is to pop things in the oven or microwave.

Keep items that you might need at waist height on counters or bedside tables.

Get washing and any housework done 🙂 before you go in ... stock up on foods etc

Buy extra pillows or V or wedge shaped as makes you more comfortable in bed and propped up

I’m like you, am still in shock in what’s happened- had no idea. Was told in August I’ll need surgery and go in on 5th October 😬

Wish you all the best x

[joel132 in reply to Darkshades]

Thank you Darkshades

[Thanksnhs]

Hi I am seven weeks post transplant been home for four, I also live alone, it's been fine, the physio in the hospital makes sure you are steady on your feet and can manage the stairs, which were a problem when I first got home, I had to stop half way, but fine now, they also gave me a seat for the shower which I have now dispensed of and a walking stick just in case, I didn't need it, any other aids you think you would need they will supply or your local council occupational health will, I can phone the ward or the clinic 24 /7 if I am worried about absolutely anything, I get my shopping delivered, my son has popped in to hoover and clean the bathroom, but if he didn't I am sure it would be fine for a few weeks, I am able to do more as the days go buy, hopefully be able to drive in the next few weeks, I am 61 birthday next month and actually hoping to get out for a meal 😀please message if there is anything at all that you think I can help with, no denying it is a worry going home yourself but the hospital are there to help take care and keep us posted how it goes char

[joel132 in reply to Thanksnhs]

thank you or that.. most encouraging.. can i ask which valve did you go for my surgeon say i have the choice at 68 and otherwise reasonably healthy

[Thanksnhs in reply to joel132]

Hi it was a heart transplant I had, so it was pretty daunting to come home alone, but as the consultant and nurses said no one is a bed blocker in crital care, if it takes weeks or months they will never send you home before you are well enough and ready to cope on your own, they were so encouraging, amazing people, but help is definitely there if it is needed, I am sure someone who has had a valve will come along and help with that, take care char

[joel132 in reply to Thanksnhs]

Wow....