I had two OHS at Mass General four years apart.
They are so expert at what they do and have seen it all that I really want to assure there is nothing they cannot cope with.
The CICU is amazing. I had one on one nursing care there post op and they were so good to me. My second OHS, I was eating half a turkey sandwich and ginger ale less than 24 hours post op. They put me in a wheelchair to move me to step down unit. That is very fast to be leaving CICU and not saying you will, too, but know they are able to get us up and recovering very efficiently. I also want to add I have a number of years on you and your youth certainly works in your favor.
Each time when they prepared me to leave the hospital, they instructed they wanted someone with me 'most of the time' with exception such as if the person went to get groceries or run an errand. I didn't think it necessary but wasnt about to argue the point. DH was with me evenings and nights but day time, we had someone come the first few days I was home. I was happy they were there only the first few times I showered but it started to get under my skin. I thanked them profusely but as soon as I felt secure I could care for myself and felt safe showering alone, which was day two home, I requested they no longer come daily. I did just fine for myself.
As to groceries........ if you have a Stop & Shop near you, order from PeaPod. They deliver.
The key was to get up each day, shower, dress, do breathing exercises as instructed and read and follow the instructions in the booklet all OHS patients at MGH are given. Walk, Walk, Walk...... it is the single best thing you can do for your recovery. It cannot be overstated how big a deal walking according to the schedule set forth in their booket is.
Prior to your surgery, load in some food; do some cooking and freeze and put anything you reach for often that is on a high shelf at an easier to reach level. If your favorite cerals are in a high cabinet, move the box to your counter, for example.
You will be required to walk a flight of stairs before you are discharged and I had no limitations about stairs when I came home. I went up and down several times a day with no problem.
If you are accustomed to an underwire bra, don't plan to wear it. I got a tiny infection the firsts time and switched to Hanes Her Way, Barely There, pull over stretchy, no hooks and no underwire bras. They are fabulous for the early weeks healing. You can find them moderately priced at Macy's and Kohl's both on line and in the stores.
I made sandwiches for myself at lunch, warmed soup etc and made light dinners for DH and me. I set the table and did light dishwashing but no pan scrubbing.
My first surgery, I was not ready to drive until after 6-8 weeks. I was very sick when I went to the hospital and weak post op but well enough to take care of myself at home. My seconed OHS, my doctor gave me permission to drive at just under three weeks and I did so with no difficulty.
The nurses at MGH told me right away post op they consider pain control as important as blood pressure, temperature etc They will consistently ask your pain level and treat you accordingly. Do not hesitate to request meds if you feel you need them.
I could not have asked for better care anywhere than I received at MGH and I am most grateful to them.
If you have any MGH specific questions, please feel free to ask and if you prefer, I am happy to respond to PM though I feel it useful to keep helpful info on the forum so anyone who wishes to read, can. Of course, if it is something private or personal, by all means PM.
Sending you all best wishes. You have every reason to feel secure you will do just fine. You are going to one of the top heart centers in the world and they really know what they are doing.
