Preparing for Open Heart surgery

[MissDolittle]

So last year I was diagnosed with a 2cm ASD and was awaiting surgery on the 5th January via catheter. To my shock I was called on the 3rd to be told there had been a mistake and they had realised I also had PAPVD and was now going to be having open heart surgery. I’m still going through tests and am awaiting a date but I’ve been told it won’t be long.

Now the shock has worn off, I’m someone who likes to prepare especially as I have two young children. Im lucky to have an army of grandmas and auntys to help them and my husband, but I am thinking more about what I can add/change around the home to help me and aid my recovery.

Any tips and advice would be greatly welcome? Even things like what to wear…

Many thanks 😊

[Rhinos67]

Hi, A really good idea to be prepared.Here are some ideas

Batch cook meals for the freezer.

Move items that you use a lot to chest level if possible.

You will need short sleeved front fastening PJs, probably a size bigger than you'd usually wear, to account for swelling.

I bought some button front tops a size bigger from charity shop too, to wear until I could lift my arms again

Buy a V shape pillow, it helps to keep you comfy afterwards.

I'm sure I will think of other things and will message again if I do 😁

Joanne

☺️

[MissDolittle in reply to Rhinos67]

Thankyou! I never thought about needing buttons …. Silly question but I’m guessing it will be a while before I want a bra?

[Rhinos67 in reply to MissDolittle]

Not a silly question at all. The weight of the girls on your sternum could be really painful without support.You'll need a front fastening bra too. BHF do one, but it's about £35.

I bought a pack of 2 from Asda online which were OK and cheap, but ugly 😂, but don't come in proper bra sizes, so difficult to get the right fit. They did the job while I was in hospital though and it didn't really matter that my wound had bled onto them. After a few weeks I bought another from M & S, a post surgery bra again and again very ugly, but much better support and vat exempt

Feel free to ask anything else 😁

Joanne

X

[BeKind28-]

Hello

Glad you have support while you have your op

Lists , lists and more lists if I still had young children so everyone knew who was looking after them what was needed what days and so on

Yes make sure things you will need get moved to a level where you do not have to reach up

You mentioned bra

This can be a personal choice lot's of women do still wear one front fastening which I believe Marks and Spencers do some like the soft sports bras and others might not wear one if they find it to uncomfortable but I would at least get one may front fastening one to see how you feel

I hope you get a date soon and let us know how you get on x

[Larneybuds]

You sound very organised and positive which is a great attitude to aid recovery. I'm sure you will get this suggestion from others but invest in some sport's bras...you won't want to be wearing anything with wires that can rub or irritate your wound. I found doing breathing and coughing exercises before the op so helpful and did them religiously every day after too. Try being more upright or raised in your sleeping position with comfy pillows plus v shaped one. Don't be lifting anything...even a full kettle after your op....only light housework but as you said...it sounds like you have some good back up. Most of recovery is pretty common sense really and your body more or less tells you what you can and can't do. Start exercising as soon as you feel able but before you leave hospital you get advice and information to give you an idea of what you can and can't do. Stay focussed and positive. It's not a walk in the park ...don't run before you can walk....plenty of rest is a must. Good luck with everything...you will be fine xx

[Silvertail]

My husband found it painful, and hard to get out of bed, so tied a rope to the end of the bed so he could pull himself. Made it much easier for him.

[Coper10]

Batch cooking beforehand is a good idea. Put things used most often on worktops as no reaching up for things and no lifting anything heavier than a half filled hospital water jug. I got my hubbie to put some milk in a jug in the fridge as lifting a 4 pint milk bottle is too heavy, then at least I could make a cuppa (kettle less than half full. I used an adjustable back rest (Argos) with pillows to sleep as you won't want to lie flat. I didn't have front buttoned tops/PJs but wore large stretchy T shirts/sports tops. Hospital gave me a stretchy, supportive velcro band thing initially to wear round my chest and I used this rather than bras to start with. Later I used some front fastening Asda bras for night and my old sports bras in the day but with a little padding in the centre under the wires. Initially you may feel shattered - once I had taken my meds and had a shower, I needed to put my feet up for a bit. I needed help to get my medical stockings on and off but managed showering ok. After a few weeks, I managed to do a bit more but adapted eg, couldn't lift a laundry basket but would put some clothes in a plastic bag to take out to the line and did a few journeys., using a step so I wasn't reaching. Each day is different - pottering around one day can leave you shattered the next but as weeks go on, I found myself doing a bit more which was very encouraging. Mentally, it can be challenging and I found myself being a bit weepy at times, but that is usual afterwards and improves. My children were 10 and 13 at the time, do it was a good excuse to get them helping more around the house. Take each day as it comes and be kind to yourself .Wishing you all the best.

[MissDolittle]

Thank you for all your replies, it’s already given me a few ideas of things to sort and excuse to go shopping which is always good 😊

[MissDolittle]

So I’ve met my surgeon and am being scheduled this month hopefully! Lots more information given and I’ve now made my trip to marks and Spencer’s for my new bra! My cheap Asda ones are also on the way for those first few days 😊

So another question ladies ….. after two children things are pretty ok, however when I’m really ill sometimes things get a little ‘leaky’ when I cough. Am I likely to be doing lots of coughing and should I go prepared?