How hard will it be to have a wash when I get home after aortic valve surgery?

[Pefki]

I have a bathtub but I will have family staying with me. Any advice?

[RufusScamp]

When you are discharged, they should advise you on washing and showering. It will be a while before you can carry on as before. Can one of your family members help?

Best wishes for the surgery.

[Cliff_G]

Hi Pefki,

Have a look at page 37 of aorticdissectionawareness.o... Obviously you're not a dissection case, but a fair amount in common there with any open heart surgery. Have a browse through for anything further of use (eg cardiac rehab)

[road2ruin]

Hi Pefki,We are all going to have a slightly different experience, but for me, I couldn't stand in the shower and the bath was too low to sit in. My compromise was a small stool in the shower and the shower head in my lap. I would then use a flannel to wash and the shower head to rinse. Don't be ashamed to ask for help. My wife aided me for a while, mainly for moral support. I didn't shower every day, I just didn't have the energy. However, probably within about 3 weeks I was almost back to normal in the shower. Just taking my time though and being careful.

Good luck

Peter

[Pefki in reply to road2ruin]

Thank you for all your advice. My sister had an idea that maybe a bath will be ok with help as standing could be really hard work. My parents will stay with me as long as I need them(and probably longer).

[Anon2023]

hi. I’ve had open heart surgery twice. My husband had to help me for several weeks to wash my hair and getting in and out of the bath. Our bath is very deep though and I’d been particularly unwell. I couldn’t stand in the shower for very long at all although they will probably want you to have a shower before you leave hospital. In hospital a nurse or healthcare assistant will probably wait outside of the door while you shower. You might get a bit dizzy after surgery so I wouldn’t attempt to shower or bath without help for a little while if you can help it. If you have no help ask for a shower chair before leave hospital. The sooner you ask for things the quicker you will be assessed.

Good luck. I hope it goes well for you.