My husband is having aortic valve replacement surgery 9/29. As expected we are both very nervous about this. It has been a rough year for our family, so this ...Read more
My husband is having aortic valve replacement surgery 9/29. As expected we are both very nervous about this. It has been a rough year for our family, so this is just making the nerves go into overdrive. I am thankful to have found this site and read the stories of successes and setbacks. It gives me confidence. If anyone can share some tips for me as the caregiver on what to expect when he comes home and what I need to have on hand I would appreciate it. Thank You
Clayton Mcarthur Most likely will be weak and want to rest, but as tolerated it is important to keep moving
Cathy Zuber What I needed when I came home:: I slept sitting up in a recliner for awhile..some people say they c ... Read more
Cathy Zuber What I needed when I came home:: I slept sitting up in a recliner for awhile..some people say they can sleep ok with a bed wedge. Those you can buy at Bed Bath Beyond. Cook some meals ahead..there can be lots of Dr appointments..and this reduces stress on you..you'll be driving for a few weeks. Both of you will need rest..and some good humor!!
Jane Neulieb The bed wedge pillow was very helpful to me after having Aortic Valve replacement 2.5 weeks ago. Als ... Read more
Jane Neulieb The bed wedge pillow was very helpful to me after having Aortic Valve replacement 2.5 weeks ago. Also, fluids that are healthy to keep him hydrated will be good to have on hand. Have this website handy so when you get frustrated you can get the support you need. It will be behind you before you know it and recovery will be at hand. Hugs
Gerald Poulton Hi Kathie, that is a very hard question to answer because it is different for everyone. I had the sam ... Read more
Gerald Poulton Hi Kathie, that is a very hard question to answer because it is different for everyone. I had the same surgery 6 weeks ago and It all Depends on your husbands age and physical condition as well as his reaction to the OHS. I would suggest though that if healthy he will probably find the actual sutgery and pain a fraction as bad as his fear of the operation.
Needless to say he will need you there for moral support but on the other hand he will orobably also need you to remind him of the limitations on him after the surgery. Once at home he will need you to drive him for 4-6 weeks and do meal prep for him for at least a week. You can read my story if you want but it may be a relief to know that I was sitting on a beach with my wife enjoying a picnic on day 7.
He may need a shower seat for a week or two and he will appreciate assistance as it is best he not reach behind his back and can not put the shower spray directly on the incision. I was fortunate in that where I live the surgeon gives you a book that explains what is required both pre and post surgery and other useful information. Other than not being able to lift heavy objects I am the same and better than I was before my valve replacement. All the best to you and your husband 👍PS. I was also able to sleep on my side in the hospital and the would prop a pillow behind my back, when I got home I was able to sleep in my bed from the first day and sleep on both my back and sides, no wedge pillow needed. What did bother me was sitting in my recliner to long, it hit a nerve in my back and often I would have to sit in a chair with no back, but again bed was fine. Again it is different for different people.
Kathie Dietz Thank you all so very much for your ideas. Very helpful and informative. Will definitely check back i ... Read more
Kathie Dietz Thank you all so very much for your ideas. Very helpful and informative. Will definitely check back in. Hugs to you all
Civita Fahey I needed some help with showering for the first week as he will be weak and needs as much rest as pos ... Read more
Civita Fahey I needed some help with showering for the first week as he will be weak and needs as much rest as possible. But, its important to keep moving so make sure he gets up every couple of hours to even walk around the house or more if he can. The bed wedge was also really helpful as I'm not a back sleeper and it helped with trying to be kind of on my side.
Steven A Husted i used a electric recliner and it helped me a lot also drink lots of fluid i never knew ice chips cou ... Read more
Steven A Husted i used a electric recliner and it helped me a lot also drink lots of fluid i never knew ice chips could taste so good but after surgery surgery they did taste very good i still sleep in my recliner after 3 years and i still go to cardio rehab
I am from: PALM BEACH GARDENS
Needless to say he will need you there for moral support but on the other hand he will orobably also need you to remind him of the limitations on him after the surgery. Once at home he will need you to drive him for 4-6 weeks and do meal prep for him for at least a week. You can read my story if you want but it may be a relief to know that I was sitting on a beach with my wife enjoying a picnic on day 7.
He may need a shower seat for a week or two and he will appreciate assistance as it is best he not reach behind his back and can not put the shower spray directly on the incision. I was fortunate in that where I live the surgeon gives you a book that explains what is required both pre and post surgery and other useful information. Other than not being able to lift heavy objects I am the same and better than I was before my valve replacement. All the best to you and your husband 👍PS. I was also able to sleep on my side in the hospital and the would prop a pillow behind my back, when I got home I was able to sleep in my bed from the first day and sleep on both my back and sides, no wedge pillow needed. What did bother me was sitting in my recliner to long, it hit a nerve in my back and often I would have to sit in a chair with no back, but again bed was fine. Again it is different for different people.