recent heart surgery

[Tonyjanet123]

I have recently had heart surgery fir a replacement of an aortic valve. I was in hospital from tuesday to sunday. tuesday was my surgery day. I never got to see a physiotherapist to talk to about the plan for wgen I get released home. with it being weekend. so I am 1 week post surgery waiting for a call from community cardio team. I dont know what or even If I should be doing . I am walking very short distances gradually a little bit more every day my question is should I call them before they call me ?

[Blackcatsooty]

Dear Janet

I am assuming you had Open Heart Surgery.

Some basic suggestions are……do not lift anything above head high. Do not lift anything weighing more than a half filled kettle. Do go for short walks every day, chatting whilst you walk. Do take your medication.

You can then build on the basics until the team arrives.

Sooty

[Hidden]

In my view without doubt you should be calling them, since it seems to me you have been discharged without being given the full package of post operation care instructions which is poor. You could also try the BHF Heart Helpline nurse who might be able to help as below.

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

Hope your recovery goes well.

[Bobkins99]

Walk as much as possible. A little more each day. Don't lift anything more than a few pounds. I was recommended to sleep on my back, and if not to try to lie only on my right side. I found this bit difficult but it's only for a few months🙄

[Etzel]

I'm due for that surgery in a couple of months so good to hear of your quick turnover.

Unfortunately you have hit the weekend discharge issue which is quite common, I was discharged on a Sunday after my ICD just over a month ago and was just given a basic wound care leaflet. They all spoke about an information booklet but even after repeated requests nothing appeared,.

I ended up calling CCU twice for advice, I didn't like doing it knowing how busy they were but it's better to take up a few minutes of time on the phone than get readmitted by doing something wrong.

[Isobel1]

Tonyjanet 123 I can't believe the physios never came to see you at the weekend, that's awful ! I don't know whether you're on facebook, but I belong to a forum for people who've had aortic valve replacement. You'll get lots of help & support there.

facebook.com/groups/1864350...

. Also it might be worth ringing your heart hospital as well perhaps speak to your surgeons secretary or the physio dept and ask for a leaflet on what you should be doing post op. Did they tell you to try not to push too hard on the arms of your chair when you get up ? Also don't raise yuor arms above your head for the first 6 weeks.

[Rhinos67]

Good that you are out and back home to recover, but I know how anxious I felt afterwards too.It was 6 weeks before I saw a Cardiac care nurse and I didn't know what I should be doing.

The best advice that I was given was look for your 1%improvement every day and no more.

That wasn't necessarily about walking further. Some days it was that I had a shower standing up rather than not needing the seat over the bath, or that I hadn't cried that day. Before you know it your recovery will be well underway.

Also think about joining our Facebook group. UK Aortic and Heart Defects Pre and Post surgery. So much support and advice from those who have been through it for those still waiting and in the midst of the journey

Joanne

😊

[Sheilad3]

I had my op on a Wednesday and got home Sunday as well. Was lucky enough to get a small amount of walking and stairs before I left so just carried on with that and tried to keep mobile.

[Signpost100]

is is a bit unusual. The usual time it takes is a week minimum after operation. Mine was triple heart bypass, so maybe different. First of all - you are doing the right thing. Short wealks, increasing each day. Dont carry heavy objects But - yes you should call your GP or any contact you have in the hospital. They should never have released you without some instructions on what and what not to do. Thats terrible.

[Cowans]

Understandably you’re concerned, there’s no real excuse to discharge you without proper details. I would ring them until you get this resolved

I only wish I hadn’t thrown my husbands discharge info away, I could have shared it

[Cowans]

I’ve found the discharge notes, will photo them if you’re still not had any information

[Tonyjanet123 in reply to Cowans]

thankyou we do have discharge letter but it doesnt provide much info. but I rang the ward and now we are all sorted.