Brenda's Journal

David Ronkin  Hello Brenda!
I am facing the same thing this month.
From what I have read and heard from others, a recliner is popular. As far the bed, you may be in good enough shape to use your step stool...but if not, I would opt for just a regular height bed. It would be much less expensive than a hospital bed. 😊

Civita Fahey  Hi Brenda.. I found the hospital bed soo uncomfortable in the hospital I cant imagine having one at home..! I have a high bed also and I found that sitting down and then raising my legs one at a time helped me get in. also, your heart pillow will help with any movements. .keep it tight across your chest.. You will need some help in the first couple of weeks but it gets better. I didn't sleep much in the recliner though I used it during the day.. having pillows around you also help.. I got one of those body pillows and kind of straddle it and it helped a lot.I have a hard time sleeping on my back and with the pillow I was able to move slightly onto my side.. at about 2 weeks, I was able to sleep mostly on my side with the body pillow.. you will have to try different things to make you comfortable, but know that its only temporary.

Laura Jacobs  I have a very high bed also that is higher than my rear end so I needed a step stool to get in and out of it. I did not find that difficult. You are moving so slowly that it is not an issue. I used a wedge pillow in the bed cushioned with a lot of standard pillows on top of the wedge, along my sides, and one under my knees (I took up a lot of room). As I recovered I slowly reduced the number of pillows that I had in the bed. It was day 28 before I could sleep a little on my side and only for about 10 minutes but it was a relief to the back to be able to change positions. It was day 41 before I could sleep with only one standard pillow and spend a little time on my side. I also bought a Stressless recliner for day time use and I often fell asleep in it for little naps during the day. I found it helpful to change the chair I was using every once in a while just to change the pressure points on your body.

Barbara Wood  I was born at Allegheny General! I also chose a bovine valve in case my repair didn't pan out, but happily the repair was viable. The surgery was not even close to how terrible I thought it would be- I really had no pain, just discomfort. It's very doable- you'll do great! Best wishes Brenda!

Brenda McC  Thank you for the encouragement, Barbara. I think I'm going to also go for the bovine valve as my back-up plan. AGH seems to be a great place.

David Ronkin  My thoughts are with you!
I'm having Aortic valve replacement in August. I have been told I will do fine.
Keep positive and remember, they do this kind of stuff all the time 😊 (Not to minimize the seriousness of it, but I'm telling myself that and it seems to help so far🙄)