Elizabeth's Journal

Ana Brusso  Hello Liz, as everyone is different I took my own showers and would only take them when someone was home, never alone. Some people will need help as it can be painful to move arms etc., just be on the safe side and have someone help you. You will know when you don’t need the help anymore. Be well and God bless you 🙏❤️

Mirza Baig  Hi Liz- I had heart murmur since childhood- about 25 0r 30 years ago thru echo they told me that I have mild aortic stenosis and after that 7 years ago it proceed to moderate aortic stenosis and about 2 years ago I was diagnose with severe aortic stenosis, but I have either no symptoms or very mild symptoms- My cardiologist refer me to TAVR team. After various trip to San Francisco Kaiser. To make long story short on August 27, I had my TAVR procedure done, its about 4 week and I am feeling great 

Susan Lynn  Like Ana, I didn't need help in the shower, but I felt more confident having a chair if I felt weak. Just keep them short and not too hot if you're showering by yourself.
You'll be up and walking around the day after surgery to keep everything circulating and to maintain your strength. You'll know what you're capable of handling by the time you leave the hospital. Best of luck to you!

Richard Munson  My dear sweet wife stood by the shower door totally amazed at my statuesque naked body. Showering was for me very exhausting. Thankful i bought a shower chair. I still use it. 

Deena Z  I had  my sternum cut and used a shower chair by myself.   I used the chair the first two weeks post hospital discharge.  Why?  Because it was so tiring to stand up and use my arms to wash all over.  

J Alexander Lassally  If you have sternotomy, it is nice to have someone "help" you with handoff for soaps, shampoo and towel for the first few sessions depending on logistics. Also, drying off a bit. Not a requirement, but nice to have.  Some people loved the shower - I found it a bit difficult the first days... 

Marie Myers  I used a shower chair also because i was so exhausted the first week or so. Otherwise, i was okay washing up without assistance.

Rita Savelis  I took sponge baths sitting in front of the sink for a long time. I didn't wash my hair for weeks, just kept it tied back. After a few weeks (this was all still in hospital) it was decided that I needed to have a permanent pacemaker installed. I had to take a shower with betadine before that and for that I needed the help of a nurse and be in a chair to take a shower and wash my hair.  I know I had special circumstances but this is all to say that if you do not feel up to a shower, don't take one. Sit in a chair. There will be time for showers a few days or weeks later and you will be fine until then. There are a lot of things you don't have to do immediately and you'll still be fine. Lower your expectations and know that the things that seem difficult one day will be easier in a few days. The desire to be able to do everything very quickly after surgery can be exhausting. Take care.

Elizabeth Gilliland  Much appreciate you all taking the time to respond.  Reading your posts has been very helpful.  thanks! Liz

Larry Peterson  Hi Elizabeth - I used a shower stool with a swivel seat, which was helpful.  I also got some suction cup grab bars for steadying myself (can't put full weight on them, but they are great for an anchor point when getting in and out).  My wife helped me for about two weeks after surgery, then I handled it myself.