Preparing for OHS

[21Scot]

Having been in denial for a year that I need surgery for my mitral valve , I experienced breathlessness that forced me to accept the cardiologist’s advice. Recent angiogram showed no problem with arteries. Now waiting for TOE and appointment with surgeon. I live on my own although I will have family support post op, and I’m anxious to do anything I can to prepare myself for what lies ahead. Any practical advice would be much appreciated eg recliner chair? Exercises to ease movement out of bed? I’ve read references to useful info being available but not sure how to access or how recently available that information is. Many thanks to all who share their experiences.

[BC4ever]

Contact the Cardiac Nurses on here. They are so helpful, and you know that the advice they give will be accurate. Good luck.

[21Scot in reply to BC4ever]

Thank you. I’ll follow that up .

[PadThaiNoodles]

Do a Google search on "Move within the tube" and practice some of those things. That way you'll be less likely to forget afterwards. (They should include getting out of bed.)

I found a big wedge pillow for the bed more useful than a recliner, though both exacerbated the prolapsed disc in my lower back.

If you're an every day showerer like I am you'll want a stack of sterile gauze squares for patting down your wound afterwards. Just don't get the Boots brand ones; the package is impossible to open.

When you get to the week before and your brain is completely frazzled -- it's normal.

[21Scot in reply to PadThaiNoodles]

Thank you . Will follow that up.

[Ageingfast]

I did not need a recliner. Sat in armchairs during the day and slept in a bed, using five pillows in a semicircle, plus a teddy under my knees. ( Teddy is a rolled up towel). And walking for a few minutes from day one.

Yes your brain might well addle beforehand but I was totally calmed by the super staff when arriving at the hospital.

Fabulous staff. Brilliant surgeons. And I was fully recovered about 4 months later.

before discharge from hospital I was given leaflets on how to exercise etc.

BTW you can’t see my scars.

Best wishes

Sooty

[21Scot in reply to Ageingfast]

Thank you for your useful advice.

[Rhinos67]

Hi 21Scot, I had Aortic Valve replacement in April 22 and I also live alone.I was adamant that I wanted to come back home as soon as possible even though my sister had said that I could stay with her.

So advice...

You will be pretty much helpless for the first couple of weeks, so preparation is key

Batch cook meals

Rearrange cupboards so that the things you use often are at waist, chest level. ...I left 1 cup and dinner plate out on the worktop permanently. Reaching up and down are not possible, at least not without a lot of pain

Have some button front tops, manoeuvring into clothes can be uncomfortable for a while. I bought some cheap tops from charity shops and then donated them back when I no longer needed them.

The most important advice that I can give though is to make sure that others know what you are about to go through and ask for help. That last bit isn't easy, but it is necessary.

I posted on Facebook and was totally open, explaining that I would need help for about a month after I got out of hospital . I asked if any friends would be willing to join a WhatsApp group and then I would post daily in the group saying what help I needed. Others could then see that somebody had responded and that I wasn't helpless.

I ended up with about 40 in the group and those who helped me weren't the ones that I'd expected. My closest friends at the time aren't any more, they backed right off and we've never really picked back up.

I couldn't have managed without those who did support me though. I wasn't asking for much, opening my windows, cutting thr main, opening the garage door and getting food out of the chest freezer, getting a garden chair out for me to sit in, shutting the garage door on an evening. Coming for walks with me , very short to begin with, but my self confidence was so bad, taking me out for a little drive for a change of scenery, getting some shopping for me , hanging my washing out and then bringing it back in later . All the things that you take for granted, but when your sternum had been cut in 2 they are painful amd impossible.

You won't need a reclining chair, lots of pilows though .

Anything else please ask !

Joanne

😊

[21Scot in reply to Rhinos67]

Thank you for these practical tips. That’s very helpful.

[Larneybuds]

I believe that most people who have gone through OHS will admit to going into 'worry overdrive' beforehand but so many will also tell you that going into hospital is strangely calming and the cardiac team and nursing staff do a wonderful job. Mitral valve surgery is carried out so often and success rates for this surgery are very high. Recovery isn't a walk in the park as it's major surgery but it also depends on how determined and positive you are in that recovery. You will be given information when you leave hospital but make sure you get advice about the cardiac rehab that should be available after surgery. BHF is great for information and the nurses are also on call for help and advice. When you get home, though determination is good....don't try to run before you can walk. Though you need exercise you will also need plenty of rest and must remember what your body has been through. I'm sure you will get lots of positive replies to reassure you from others who have gone through this surgery. Take care x

[21Scot in reply to Larneybuds]

Many thanks for reassuring reply

[Lexi72]

hi 21 Scott I saw my surgeon 3 months ago and am waiting for aortic surgery hopefully in the next 3 monthsI would try and gain some agency by making a list of useful stuff to take or have ready for post operation recovery. Triangular and u shaped pillows, audible subscription, charger for phone, wet wipes are on my list. Go to dentist if you have not gone recently - it may delay your operation if you have not been and reduces risk of complications Flu and Covid jabs maybe worth considering if you have not had them . The BHF nurses are really helpful. I have also spoken to a couple of friends who have had open heart surgery which was helpful. Far worse in the imagination than the reality. All major heart surgery is concentrated in specialist centres and the surgeons and their teams are really experienced a huge thing for patients but their day job. There is also a Facebook group for pre and post valve surgery. I am not a member but many on this forum are members and have found it really helpful. If you want information try to stick to BHF website or NHS materials. Lots of useful stuff best wishes for your operation

[21Scot in reply to Lexi72]

Many thanks for practical suggestions

[Anon2023]

hi. I read in your bio that you're a woman so I would suggest buying a couple of non wired bras for after your surgery. It'll be too uncomfortable to wear wired. I couldn't wash my hair myself for a few weeks so if you have anyone who can help you with bathing that would really help. I can't really add anything else to what others have already suggested but I wanted to reassure you that the surgery isn't anywhere near as bad as you imagine and that I'm sure you will be ok. I've done it twice and if I can manage it anyone can x

[21Scot in reply to Anon2023]

Thank you . That’s really reassuring

[Bluenose10]

I had my aortic valve replaced in September in Belfast. Like others elsewhere, I can report that I was well looked after by the surgical and nursing teams. I was always treated with dignity and respect even if the tasks being carried out had the potential for embarrassment. I was very scared the night before the operation and days 1 and 2 after the surgery were difficult, but I was well enough to be discharged after a week. My wife cared for me, her blindness notwithstanding, and our son stayed with us for the first week at home to help with physical tasks which included washing my hair. I had – and needed – a sturdy chair with arms to help me up and our bed has a motor which lifts the head end up which was very useful as, of course, I had to sleep propped up on my back. I followed the advice I was given as to what I should be doing each week of the recovery and I attend the cardiac rehabilitation course. OHS and its recovery has been uncomfortable and sometimes wearisome, but, goodness, it changed my life for the better. Now, nearly four months later, I am back to normal, and this is so much better than what was my 'normal' before the operation. I have even begun to tackle my much neglected allotment. Good luck for your own journey.

[21Scot in reply to Bluenose10]

Thank you for your advice

[Knavesmire27]

Hi, I had mitral valve replacement just over 7 weeks ago. I was so scared and anxious but the care I received was incredible, the staff are amazing and will offer you lots of support and advice so don't be afraid to ask about anything you are unsure of both before and post op. It is scary when you first come home but you will still get lots of support from your local critical care nurses. The main thing to give yourself is time both physically and emotionally. This is major surgery and everyone's journey is different but try not to get too frustrated if your recovery is slow. And remember there is a whole community here who will be behind you all the way. Take care and good luck.

[21Scot in reply to Knavesmire27]

Thank you for reassurance .

[Bumpitybump]

One tip that helped me, Sit Squats to strengthen your legs. Basically, getting out of the chair without using your hands/arms is really useful, actually essential, post Op you will not be able to lean your weight on your upper body. For me a big positive was being amazed at how little pain I was in. Soon be done, best of luck.

[21Scot in reply to Bumpitybump]

Thank you. That’s useful. Helps to feel you can do something rather than just wait.

[Bumpitybump in reply to 21Scot]

I really was not particularly fit by the time I got to my Op but the staff were delighted when they realised I could stand and support myself with confidence. Exactly as you say, it was something I could contribute to the whole process. You will get amazing support, great to hear you are looking for what you can do, a positive attitude is a big plus.