Husband's OHS date set

[nursekelly]

Well, after all the TEE's, cardiac caths, and meeting with surgeon we finally have a date. Husband's aortic valve replacement will be on 10/21/08 at 715am at Plaza Medical Center Fort Worth by Dr. Carlos Macias with a mechanical valve.
Now that we are starting to tell people, offers of help are coming out of the woodworks. Little overwhelming to me right now because I just don't know what we will need.
One question I do have - how long do you think I will need to be off from work to take care of him post-op?
As I posted earlier we just had a baby, so neither of us really have any vacation time left, therefore anytime off will be an unpaid leave.
Just wondering..even with that being said I am not going back until I feel comfortable he can be here by himself, but was just curios about an estimated time frame of when that would be.

 

[Cooker]

I am sure he will do fine and I' glad he has a date, waiting is hard ... As far as your time away from work, everyone is different. I felt fine to be alone after about a week but my wife had my MIL ride herd for a day or two ... Who's watching the baby? ... Maybe they can watch him too ... it will all work out, it always does

 

[Phyllis]

I put him on the calendar and I just know he will do fine and be back with you and the boys in no time. I think you should count on a minimum of 1 week and 2 if you can handle it.

 

[EVELYN]

Hi Nursekelly

When Tyce had his OHS I was on summer vacation from school, so there was no problem with someone being there. My gut would be two weeks. I think if it was necessary, he could have done ok after one, but I think he was still very uncomfortable. Two weeks would be my recommendation. I know everything will work out for you all.
Evelyn

 

[skeptic49]

That's good news on getting the date, and best wishes moving forward with plans for your husbands surgery.

Jim

 

[Freddie]

So glad to hear that you are telling people about hubby's surgery, hopefully that has lifted some of the weight off you.

My SO took 2 weeks off and I was on my own, but I must admit a little help from family/friends would have been nice. If you have ppl how are offering help take it. With a baby and a husband recovering I would take advantage of this kindness of others. You have to feel confident that you little one will be happy.

Hubby won't be able to lift a whole lot after surgery but will be able to get meals ready. So having someone to help out with your little one they can also assist your husband if need be.

 

[zipper2]

Great the dates set and now the wait is difficult
but keep busy and occupied,it will go quickly and
soon you'll be posting how well everythings gone
for you's.
Keeping you and family in my prayers no matter
where i am at as too waiting for surgery date
very soon here for self.
All the best...remember waitings worse than anything.
Take care of yourself too

zipper2 (DEB)

 

[Jkm7]

Good you are now telling your friends and family. The support of those close to you is so helpful.

I was able to stay alone after both my OHS within three/four days at most. If it had been absolutely necessary, I could have been alone from the beginning but Mass General does not permit that. Their rule is someone with the patient most of the time for one week.

I was able to shower alone, wash my hair, make a sandwich etc.....the necessary basics right from the day I came home both times. It gave me confidence to know there was someone in the house in case I had a problem the first few times I showered but I was fine. (I had a friend who is a caregiver stay with me during the day when DH was at his office. He was with me at night, of course.)

With that said, there is no predicting about anyone. We're all different.

 

[hall]

I needed my DH here for a least a week and probably 2. I was very lucky, he is retired. I wish your husband the best. You too.

 

[Birdman]

So many tests! I have no blood left to pump...

So many tests! I have no blood left to pump...

Well, after all the TEE's, cardiac caths, and meeting with surgeon we finally have a date. Husband's aortic valve replacement will be on 10/21/08 at 715am at Plaza Medical Center Fort Worth by Dr. Carlos Macias with a mechanical valve.
Now that we are starting to tell people, offers of help are coming out of the woodworks. Little overwhelming to me right now because I just don't know what we will need.
One question I do have - how long do you think I will need to be off from work to take care of him post-op?
As I posted earlier we just had a baby, so neither of us really have any vacation time left, therefore anytime off will be an unpaid leave.
Just wondering..even with that being said I am not going back until I feel comfortable he can be here by himself, but was just curios about an estimated time frame of when that would be.

...Greetings!

This is my 1st post on these Wonderful Forums. This waiting is for the Birds! I am also going to have an Aortic Valve Replacement. I meet the Surgeon on Thursday. My Wonderful Wife of 33 years is going to be taking time off also. Her company told her to take as much as she needs, she will be paid for it all! I have about 5 months remaining of sick leave. It has already been 2 months since my Heart Attack (or not) Working 32 years & only taking a few days off a year is paying off!

Best of luck to your Husband! Take all of the friends help that you can!

mike

 

[surfsparky]

Hi Kelly,

Great to hear that your husband has a date...although I'm sure it's daunting and scary at the same time. Everyone's different, but I would think 2 weeks would be a good guideline of taking time off from work if it's possible.

Even after that it would be good to have mum/mum-in-law coming each day to sit and check up on him (and make him lunch!) as the patients can sometimes go through a difficult time emotionally. Also, accept all the help you can! One of my beautiful friends started a meals roster and we had meals delivered most nights for 6 weeks! We too had a baby and 3 year old and it was so lovely not to have to cook or even go shopping for ingredients. It also helped financially as well. One of my friends was also my 'contact' person daily during the hosptial stay. I would update her each day on Chris' progress, prayer needs, prayer thanks etc and she would send out an email to everyone which meant that I could just concentrate on being in the hospital with Chris and then be there for our 2 little ones when I got home in the evenings.

I'm thinking of you your husband...it's such a ride of emotions at this time. Keep us posted...we're here for you.

Heart hugs,
Yolanda

 

[Susan BAV]

Hi Nursekelly - Hoping all goes well for your husband.

Personal experience - I was in the hospital a week and needed my husband home with me the second week and then had to go back to the hospital for A-fib/A-flutter meds for a few days. (Then we came home to wildfire evacuations and came close to losing our home so that was all strange and awful timing.)

So I think with the second hospitalization, I basically really needed him for 2 1/2 weeks. Then there are check-ups and blood draws that your husband won't be allowed to personally drive to and possibly cardiac rehab. Surgeons are different in their recommendations but mine didn't want me to drive for 8 weeks post-op and also wanted me to use a large pillow while riding in the car to protect me from any potential airbag deployment.

And welcome to you also, Mike; hope all goes well for you also.

Oh, one more thing I did before leaving for the hospital was that I made a brief note for the front door politely reminding friends that I must not have any ill or coughing visitors. Possibly a silly thing to do... but I think I'd do it again.

 

[fscizzy]

I was in the hospital 6 days and Jessie stayed with me another 4-5 days afterward. I was honeslty good enough to get around on my own the day I got home but she wanted to make sure and I didn't mind the company.

The heart shaped pillow I received from a coworker was the one thing I couldn't do without. We have cats and was constantly afraid of them jumping on my chest but luckily it never happened.

I hope his surgery went well and that he's well on his way to recovery.