Diane's Journal

tanya ponceti  hi, I had mitral valve replacement but did go home alone by cab - depressing...I recall home health coming to take staples out but no personal care. today I would insist on more but I just wanted to sleep - depressed.....ex didn't bring my kids to hospital or the house...didn't tell them about the surgery. ask your surgeon about home health including CNA who do baths, make beds, lite means, lite cleaning. keep in touch. tanya

Diane Brown  Thanks Tanya. I hope you're getting along okay now and the depression is either gone or being treated. More than happy to know the home health people will do more than help me shower... I just took a big sigh of relief as that was one of my worries.

Alina FH  Hi, Diane,

I was not home alone, but just wanted to tell you that I took my first alone shower at day 10 after surgery. It was a sitting down shower, I could not stand up, and washing my hair was definitely the hardest.
I agree with Tanya: ask the hospital for the after release care - they offered all sorts of things (meals on wheels, driving you to doctor's appointments, cleaning, mail services, etc). Every hospital is different, I am sure, but there has to be some similarity. Good luck!

Barbara Laurie  It's true every hospital is different, mine states you must have some type of caregiver to drive you home, they rule out cab drivers! And, uf you have no one to be with you, please start asking about getting home care, that way you'll have that checked off your list! ❤️💕❤️ Ill be just getting home when you go in, you're in my prayers. Best Regards Diane. As my friends say, "Love, Peace and heart health"💞

Tammy Pilcher  Hi Diane, Dr. Accola replaced my bicuspid aortic valve Oct. 31, 2014 and I've done great! He is wonderful!!! I feel so very blessed to have had him do my surgery. You are welcome to read my journal. I wrote a post about my surgery experience that will give you an idea of what to expect and probably relieve some fears. Let me know if I can help answer any questions. God bless!

Wanda Mroz  I don't recommend a taxi. I went home after 10 days and it wasn't easy the first few days. My Mom lives with me but she's 87 and can only do do much. I had great friends and neighbors and a home care nurse who came twice a week for four weeks. I agree, ask about getting some help.

Alina FH  Diane, one more thought I had: if you truly will be alone ( I hope and pray that you'll have some help), think now of a system to remember things.
I am notorious for having the best memory (scary good) amongst my friends and family, but the pain and sleepless nights and the pain drugs took that away from me. I was foggy and I didn't remember things doctors would tell me, and times when the medicine had to be taken, etc. Either write them down, or make alerts in your phone, or coach whoever is coming in to help to keep the reminder system up. You will be foggy for a short bit. I hope this also helps.

Meredith Bray  I had a social worker visit me in the hospital to make sure I would have care when I got home. And even though I did have someone staying with me, I still received a visiting nurse and a physical therapist for two weeks. Your cardiologist will probably not be able to answer your questions, but your surgeon's nurse should be able to help you. In addition, when you go for pre-op testings and meetings at the hospital they will surely answer your questions. I know a few people who live a lone were not sent home after surgery, but to a rehab center where the convalesced for a few weeks. They received all their meals, some personal care, and physical therapy. I mean, i couldn't get out of bed by myself for a week or so after being home. That first shower you take on your own though will be GLORIOUS! :)
-Meredith

Lewis Garlisi  Diane, I strongly agree with all the suggestions about trying to get someone to help out (at least until you figure out what you are capable of doing safely), and would also emphasize that, post surgery, you may be on an assortment of meds that you'll need to take throughout the day. I had to rely on someone to not only assist with distribution, but run to the pharmacy at times. Best wishes.