Preparing to come home

[KEVIN]

Hello Everyone,
I'm fairly new to the board and have been reading past threads. Alot of great information here. I'm glad I found it.

My surgery date for Mitral Valve is on the 16th with a heart cath scheduled the day before. I haven't discussed what type of valve to have with my doc yet but I suppose we'll get into it the day before.

My question is this. Is there anything I should have prepaired at home for my return to make recover easier. Is there anything anyone wish they had had or done when they had gotton home to be more prepared?

Thanks for your suggestions

 

[Ross]

Just make sure your pathways are clear, you don't have to go up steps, cooking utensiles and food items in easy reach. Just plain think, EASY ACCESS. Your going to be pooped for the first few days and really shakey, so plan on someone being with you for the first week home.

 

[rbl1999]

My recliner saved me, I could not sleep in my bed at all.... And I agree, have someone with you and just take it real slow and listen to your body... Hope all goes well for you. Rose

 

[Georgia]

A small stool for taking a shower - the hot water will make you feel light-headed for about a week. Should also have someone handy to help you out of the shower should you need it.

A laptop if your computer is upstairs.

some videos - not too long or complicated.

Books of short stories (concentration is really an issue); or Reader's Digests.

a baby sippy cup to take to bed with you with pain meds (I put them in a plastic storage thing and I could take pain meds without getting out of bed).

A recliner is most highly recommended. If you don't have one, go shopping and find on that fits you and operates easily. Your life will be much easier if you get one even if you're able to sleep in your bed at night.

A good scale - you need to weigh yourself every morning to check for fluid retention.

A silk undershirt or a v-neck - you want something really smooth on the incision.

A warm throw - you'll be cold and you just can't keep the house warm enough to feel warm.

 

[geebee]

Try to lay in a supply of easily prepared meals in a large variety. You may not have a good appetite and, if food is not readily available, you might not eat at all.

Even if you have a caretaker, you don't want them to have to spend time cooking when they could be pampering you.

Best of luck with your surgery and recovery.

 

[BAV Pt's daughter]

PILLOWS, and lots of them!! My mom has actually been better off in the bed with pillows behind and beside her than in a recliner. Also, easy on/off shirts (button up) or PJ's and slip on shoes are a must for her. And I also echo the easy-to-prepare meals, and snacks that are likely to be healthy but tempting when your appetite is crap. You still need to eat. Mom's preference seems to be softer foods like yogurt and fruits.

 

[Karlynn]

Will you have someone at home with you???? That's very important.

 

[PaulW]

If at all possible

If at all possible

it's good to have someone to give you many very gentle neck, shoulder, and back massages during the day and even at night if they can. Better than pain meds for relieving all of that back and shoulder pain and tightness. Don't forget a small firm pillow, if they don't give you one at the hospital, to hold against your sternum to minimize the pain when you are coughing the fluids out of your lungs for the first weeks.

 

[Granbonny]

Kevin

Kevin

All the above is good advice...I only liked real cold juice for a few days..No food..You may want to arrange that your bills are written out ahead..if you are single..You will feel pumpheaded for awhile..and don't feel like dealing with paperwork, ect. I hated talking on phone..Didn't mind a few vistors......and walking is so important..Just around inside the first week..From room-to-room...then outside with someone.. Take your pain meds before they are due.. Take one day at a time..don't rush it..If you over-do it one day..the next day..you will feel it......I don't think anyone should drive before they are 6 weeks post-op..Turning your head, looking for traffic, will get to you..plus the seatbelt..Good luck..and have someone to post for you..We worry. Bonnie

 

[hensylee]

Hi Kevin - glad you found us. We started a thread a few weeks ago on what to take to the hospital and you might find it of some use - it's:

http://www.valvereplacement.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13283

 

[KEVIN]

Thank You

Thank You

I'd like to thank everyone for giving suggestions to my post. I'm glad I found the site and will be an active member. Good luck to all.

Kevin