DP is going in to the Royal Infirmary Edinburgh later in the week, beds allowing, for a double /triple /quadruple heart bypass, they'll decide when they get in there.He's really laid back, not stressing because he's generally really calm, but I've got the churny stomach, jitters and can't settle.
Does anyone have any tips on how to get and remain calmer for the next few days?
Hi Ronnie. Waiting for surgery is such a hard time and we all cope in different ways. As the wife of someone who had OHS, all I can suggest is when thinking about what's going to happen (because lets face it, not thinking about it isn’t an option) focus on facts, on knowing that the staff will look after him and you, they're experienced and this is major but routine surgery to them. And don’t stress about how you're feeling. It’s normal.
Best wishes to both of you.
I had my quad by pass a year ago. The hospital will take care of DP-to them this is routine.
You need to plan for when they get home as depending on their age and what is done, they will need a lot of support for minimum of six weeks. I found it much easier to sleep by myself for that period, as I was very restless and got up a few hours each night and needed a variety of comfortable chairs-what suits on getting up may be uncomfortable a couple of hours later.
Follow the instructions which meant building up outside walks gradually. There will be good days and bad days. Good days often cause the bad ones as you do too much. Get in lots of paracetamol and the patient will likely be very emotional. Meals were a highlight for me at home.
. Ensure they have lots of books, tablet, radio snacks etc and that applies for being in hospital as well as outside.
Yesterday to look at the fabulous bluebells I walked around 5 miles on very hilly Dartmoor so things will get better.
Edin Royal is where I was. Just the best surgeon s a d they were great to me you will b fine
Hi Ronnie,I had open heart surgery for a new valve there exactly 4 years ago. Although not something I would want to go through again the whole experience was not nearly as bad as I expected.
I had more pain from the CPR I'd received the previous week than I had from the op and the staff were great.
I know the waiting is difficult but whatever you are thinking is a lot worse than the actual thing.
Hope it all goes well and take care.
Andy
Turn your phone off just before the operation until you have the result, your friends and family by being nice will stress you out unintentionallyDon't read lots of things on the internet
Be prepared for the operation to take longer than expected, mine was supposed to be 4.5 hrs but took 6.5 so don't panic it isn't bad news
Pray, He is always ready to listen. I think its always worse for the person waiting. I had a triple bypass in September (complicated after the surgery but won't go into that....I'm still here!!) . My hubby was stressed to the hilt. But praying helped. If you don't already maybe give it a go?
God bless.
Susie x
Hi, Ronnie1970,
There is sadly no easy answer for staying calm during things like this. I have anxiety disorder so I am always fighting worry, intrusive thoughts, and sometimes panic. Having said that, here are some things that I try.
1). I have an app for breathing activities/meditations. You can practice deep breathing/relaxation with the app for as little as one minute or longer periods of time that you choose.
2) Try using a mindfulness app for relaxation. You might get a prompt to think about something for which you are grateful or maybe a favorite place that you like to visit. Again, you can choose the amount of time to spend in this process.
Both the above apps can be used at home any time of day or night. Plus, you could use these apps in the hospital waiting room without anyone knowing.
3). You might ask your GP to provide a temporary prescription for a drug such as Xanax to help you with controlling the anxiety.
4). For the hospital waiting area, you might consider having a bag with you that might include activities such as a coloring book and markers/crayons. You might include a book of crossword puzzles, word searches, etc. Holding a pen, marker, etc. will give your hands something to do and focus your brain temporarily.
I know that there is no easy fix to control the fear and worry, but perhaps one of my suggestions might help. I wish you the best in getting through all of this. 🌺
Hi Ronnie
My fiancé had his triple bypass just over 3 years ago.
I stayed calm in the days before by finding practical things to do, I cleaned every inch of our flat to reduce the risk of infection when he came home (as I was staying local to the hospital once he was admitted, as long way away from home) I spent hours sewing name tags into everything he was taking to hospital and I went to work as normal until the day before. I also prepared everything I could for when he came home.
On the day itself I was allowed into the hospital at 6a.m (he went in the day before) and I stayed with him until he went to theatre. Then I wandered around the hospital for a bit, got a subway for breakfast, wandered a bit more and waited. The wait seemed to be forever to be honest but think it seemed longer as I was by myself and a long way away from home.
The surgeon called me immediately after the surgery (I had specified I wanted to see my fiancé as soon as possible) and i went to ICU where I was allowed to briefly see him (he was still intubated.) Then I went back to where I was staying, tried to relax a bit and went back to the hospital once he was awake a couple of hours later.
Please look after yourself in the days to come, try to rest and relax as much as you can.
Well, thanks for all the tips and advice, everyone.They'll come in handy for the next round of worry and anxiety.
He was admitted the day before and prepped. On the morning of his op, there had been a run of emergencies and no icu bed was available for when he came out of theatre. So, he was discharged and awaits a new date for his operation.
Hopefully the trial run will make it less stressful next time. 🤞
Sorry to hear your husbands op was cancelled, fingers crossed you get a new date very soon.
Dad's 5 Days Post Triple Heart Bypass Surgery - Advice Please :)
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