Post release advice

[TriumphLover]

Hi.

it’s day 4 after a valve replacement, web removal and wall reduction, all has gone great and if the wire removal, X ray etc go well today I can leave.

the temptation is to stay for support but think that’s normal nerves!

Anyone got advice for coping with that when first go home and general advice on exercise etc welcome.

Cheers

Colin

[Howto]

I too had a valve replacement and was discharged on day 5. It was scary but the hospital had given me a booklet prior to admission that outlined what to expect on a daily basis post operative. I followed their advice, which I found really helpful, and am now 9 weeks on and in a cardio rehab programme at my local hospital. I wish you well

[Sootyismycat]

dear Colin

Read the hospital advice booklet and follow that advice.

If they are offering a few extra days at hospital then stay in.

Then, when discharged, make sure you get a smooth journey home. Get a taxi door to door. If the taxi is a friend, he/she should check with the ward staff how to get you home.

Once home, you will need daily help so you don’t strain yourself. If you have someone to care for you then that’s fine, if not then Consider staying in a care home for a fortnight.

But please be prepared for the most wonderful experience ! You have been given your life back. Rehab will take between 8 and 13 weeks.

Speak to the ward nurses or rehab team as and when advised.

My wife cared for me. No choice because covid was raging at its worst. I walked my garden as it was lock down. A nurse from the GP came to remove the stitches. The ward nurses rang me each week.

Take the prescribed tablets. Use the Teddy.

Take care now and then enjoy your new life.

Colin aka Sooty.

[Queenielover]

Morning I had valve replacement 7 June it is the unknown but it good you will have to rest wen your body says

And you will feel amazing in 2 3 mnths

[Blearyeyed]

Make sure you get the numbers for your local Cardiac Nurse and support team and ask as many questions as you need to. Ring them or the BHF helpline whenever you need no question is too small.If you look on this page now you will see a list of related posts on the right hand side bar. It's worth reading through these older posts to build up lots of knowledge from previous replies.

Give yourself time to recover properly and take advantage of Cardiac Rehabilitation. Listen to your body and don't do too much too soon allow rest to do it's work, while you rest you heal.

Keep posting with specific questions and even if you are just need to get a bit of reassurance.

Eat light nutritious meals , maybe swap to five smaller portions a day instead of three big ones and drink plenty of water it helps the body in the healing process.

Try to hold back visitors ( or get the person whom is keeping an eye on you) . The potential gangs of family or friends that might be eager to visit you for at least a few days and limit and organise visits at first to a couple a day for short periods no matter how tempting it might be to see people.

Visitors are tiring and you need time to get used to being back at home and doing basic things, it's a bit much for whomever is caring for you to need to look after visitors as well as you and it can be very stressful all round.

Good luck