uncles surgery

[Lydia_1]

I’ve posted before and you’ve all been so helpful. My uncle is due his bypass, valve repair and aneurysm repair in the next month all being well. We know the aneurysm is 55mm and not grown in 5 years. I am so scared for him, he has mild learning difficulties and at the start of the year had severe constipation which caused breathlessness. My worry is now he’s starting to get breathless on and off. Not continuous. I’m very close to him as he lives with me and mum. I get so worried about him and he’s very emotional. How can I support him and look after him

[Hidden]

Hello

Your Uncle will be starting to feel anxious about his upcoming operation we all do , it is quite a big op but something that is really successful

He will be so very well looked after by the Nurses and they will all take into account about his mild learning difficulties as well as a family if you think there is anything they should know to help your Uncle with his stay in Hospital then please tell them

Ask your Uncle if he would like to talk about his operation and try and give encouraging positive simple replies like so many people have had this done and it is successful

Been there for him as you are is a huge help he will be emotional and try and reassure him how he feels is normal but it will get better

Try and keep life as it is now as fun as you can , lot's of activities he enjoys to help distract him and you to

In the meantime if you have concerns about his health i.e breathing then you need to be speaking to his Doctor

Your Uncle will get through this and from your post your love for him will be the best support you can give

Let us know how he gets on and talk to us anytime you need to x

[Lydia_1 in reply to Hidden]

I adore him, when I lost my own dad having his support helped so much. His stomach issues make him worry and get upset. I do wonder if it’s the thought of the op coming. Mum who is his sister has had heart surgery so he’s seen her recover. This is a lot bigger though. We’ve bought nerf guns and chase each other around the house that’s probably not helping him, I try to play cards with him daily. He’s 64, for me my own dad died at 61.

The breathlessness scares him, he gets quite teary. We sit there with him to chat.

[Hidden in reply to Lydia_1]

Hello

I remember as a child actually seeing my Dad recover from Bypass surgery and years later when I was having my surgery I am not sure that thought made me feel calmer this is a big thing we go through and it is an emotional time

Remind him that his breathing is going to be so much better when he has had this op and it will be x

[080311]

Hello Lydia-1

So sorry to read your uncle is facing surgery, I had my Aortic valve replaced and bypass surgery done 6 years ago.

You can be the reassuring presence, he will be told of things he mustn’t do after surgery. No arms above his head, no lifting anything heavier than half a kettle of water, and no pulling or pushing movements. This is for 8-12 weeks so his sternum as chance to heal. Even though he will have wires he needs to be careful. He will be given breathing and coughing exercises by the physios in hospital get him to carry on doing them when he gets home. I called them huffing and puffing! They really help remember when we are on bypass our lungs collapse so they need a little help to get all those little pockets filled out again. He must listen to his body when he feels tired he must rest, daily walking I used to try and get to the next lamp post on every walk I know it sounds silly but it worked! Don’t be surprised if he is emotional, we are given some reason exotic drugs and they take longer to leave our body than we think. Plus our brain is still processing what as happened to us. Cardio rehab is a great thing as much for our mental health as our stamina. Being with others who have been through the same thing you can compère notes😂

You will be his cheerleader, helping him through.

I send you very best wishes

Pauline

[Lydia_1 in reply to 080311]

thank you for your kind words. I trust the surgeon. I’ve done my research he seems like the best. We’ve got a little dog who I’m hoping he will be able to use as his motivator to walk once he’s recovering. I have to be the strong one and sometimes I need to break

[RufusScamp]

Love and kindness are valuable supports. Your uncle is lucky to have you all. I hope all goes well.

[devonian186]

What is his age and how many bypasses? He is bound to be nervous which in itself will cause some of the problems you mention especially if he has been reading Dr Google which can scare the pants off anyone.

Perhaps either you, or he, might like to ask specific questions that are of concern about the operation here in this forum?

Depending on his age and general condition, my attention would not be focused on the operation, which are established and successful, but on the time in hospital and especially on his return.

On return there are many things to consider, from sleeping arrangements through to food, exercise, entertainment (it can get very boring) and other matters.