Husband 2 weeks after surgery for BAV/Aortic Aneurysm

[Chrystal]

My husband seems to be doing pretty well. His surgery was 2 weeks today. He walks better, but still slow. Mostly sits around relaxing, watching tv, internet. He does his walking as recommended. Blood pressure is fine as is heartrate. He has lost quite a bit of weight, about 25 pounds. But he was overweight to begin with and had alot of fluids, etc with surgery. However, he is about 20 pounds below presurgery weight! He eats well, drinks lots of water. Is able to do more things for himself like showering, get up by himself. He is improving a bit daily. I am so glad he can at least shower by himself! He is about 6-3 and 285 pounds! :smile2:
The only problem has been that his coumadin level is still not where they want it yet, but I'm sure it takes time. He's on 6-8 mg now.
Hope everyone else is doing well with recovery.

 

[ottagal]

Glad to hear that your husband is on the right track and heading in the right direction in his recovery. Best wishes continuing,
Hope that coumadin gets sorted out for him. Perhaps, others will have some feedback for you on this.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Sounds like a GOOD 2 Week Progress Report. That is the first milestone.
He should show more improvement in small steps over the next 4 weeks
at which time his sternum will be healed to 80% of 'normal'.
There may be episodes of 2 steps forward and 1 step back (especially if he overdoes it one day).
As long as he see continued improvement on a week by week basis, he is headed in the right direction.

Who is monitoring his INR levels and dosing?
How often are they testing? (once a week is good, no more than twice a week unless he is way out of range and they want to watch the direction and rate of change)
Do they change his dose after every test? (usually NOT a good idea).
If his INR is below his target range, is he getting Lovenox Injections to prevent clots while his INR climbs up into his target range?

It can take a few weeks to stabilize INR, especially right after surgery as his metabolism will increase as he becomes more active.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[Superbob]

Sounds like he's on the road to recovery, which is good news. Best wishes to him and to you as he continues this journey. It takes time.

 

[nngbwh]

Sounds like a good report. Thanks for the update.

 

[malibu82]

glad to hear! sounds like he is doing great!

i'm glad he can shower himself too, he is a big guy! take care

 

[Greg a]

good report he has been through a lot

sorry I can't be of more help on the INR therapy but i am sure with time ......

As to the shower good to hear that you are leaving him alone but in just a few short weeks LET THE GAMES BEGIN (just kidding)

 

[bigsidster]

WOW--I am now 3 weeks post op today----think i should tell the Mrs I need help in the shower????????

 

[Chrystal]

He is getting levels checked at the coumadin clinic at ut hospital. He is called after by the surgeons office to adjust the dosage. He was taking 6 my until last Thursday and the had him alternate 6 and 8 my until today. And now they said to increase it to 8 mg. Haven't heard anything about the lovenox injections.