Question about recovery

[shenews]

I am a new member, but I have read posts, and it seems many knowledgeable and helpful folks take part. I was diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis in Oct. and had my aortic value replaced with a mechanical valve on Dec. 5 via open heart surgery. It has now been six weeks and I am doing very well. I have returned back to work full time, walking daily, and doing most things as usualy except those things that impact the sternum area. Still taking it easy with that. I do have a question if anyone out there can help me. I have slept in a recliner since coming home from the hospital, and I still don't feel comfortable sleeping in a bed on my side, yet. I would like to get back into my bed however...so I'm asking if anyone has any tips to help the sternum area feel more comfortable laying on my side.
Thanks.

 

[Bina]

Hello and welcome to the group!
Sleeping on your side comes sooner or later, each of us is different.
My home nurse had a good tip: at around 8 weeks post op she suggested that I lie on my side with an extra pillow at my back, that way I could lean back on it and take some of the pressure off of the sternum.
It ends up that you are about halfway between lying on your back and being on your side which is a good compromise that is not too hard on the sternum.
I still have pillows under the head of my mattress to elevate it a bit.

 

[shenews]

thank you

thank you

thank you, Rachel, I am doing very well. It hasn't been easy, but I am very blessed.
Thanks, too, for welcoming me. I am looking forward to "talking" with heart valve replacement survivors. I am a little worried over the number of posts I see of folks who have additional surgeries or AVR redos...I just figured once I had my surgery, I was fixed! I pray I don't have to go through this again!
By the way, could you also provide me a little info on how to post here. How do you get your surgery info to appear below your post like yours is. I filled out my info in my registration, but I see it didn't show up in my post.
Again, thanks for your help

 

[ALCapshaw2]

At 6 weeks post-op your sternum should be fairly rigid.
Do you feel any movement in your chest / sternum either as you move about or when you lay on your side? If so, that should be reported to your Surgeon.

I had a LOT of soreness / tightness / PAIN in my Back and shoulder muscles post-op. MASSAGE worked Faster and Better than any Pain Medications at relieving those muscle pains.

I highly recommend Cardiac Rehabilitation if your insurance will cover it. The rehab unit I went to had machines for both legs and arms. I 'REALLY' appreciated how the 'Arm Cycles' loosened up my shoulders and upper arms. Stretches also help and are recommended before and after your workout.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[JimL]

Quick answer, in the upper lefthand corner of the screen, go to User CP. Once there, go to edit signature.

They never told me not to lay down in bed after surgery; I tried it, and couldn't get up again.
I slept sitting up for weeks, then moved to a bed with several pillows under my head, then to a regular bed. Everything comes with time.

 

[witzkeyman]

I'm getting my mechanical valve next Thursday.

I'm getting my mechanical valve next Thursday.

glad to see that a lot have recovered well. I'm just dreading the 4 days before the cath that I can't take aspirin.

 

[witzkeyman]

I'm also having cholesterol issues.

I'm also having cholesterol issues.

cholesterol is 628 and triglycerides are over 2400. taking Lipitor 40 mg's presently.
Bicuspid Aortic Valve with severe stenosis 0.8 aortic valve area.

 

[Freddie]

I too was never told not to lay down, or to use a recliner.
But I was showed how to get out of bed while in the hospital - you kinda roll and lift yourself up with your free arm.
Almost 10 months post-op and I sleep on my side, back and tummy (to a point)

Everyone is different, just give yourself time.

 

[shenews]

Thanks for the input

Thanks for the input

Thank You Everyone..it's Wonderful To Hear From So Many Folks.
I Will Try The Pillows. No Movement In My Sternum, But Tenderness, But I'm Sure That Will Eventually Disappear.
Doc Says I'm Doing Remarkably Well Considering What I've Been Through. Cath Showed Everything Else Is Healthy And Clear...no Blockages...cholesterol And Bp Is Normal. Just On Cumadin For The Valve, And Toprol As Precaution Although My Gp Has Halved The Toprol Because Of Upper Respiratory Problems He Thinks Is Coming From The Medication.
Feeling Great, Can Breathe Much Better, And I'm So Thankful They Found It When They Did. I Had Been Treated For Asthma For Three Years Before The Stenosis Was Found. I Missed My Yearly Check Up With My Cardiologist And Echo, So I Went From 2005 To 2007 Without A Check Up. It Was Then They Found The Stenosis, But I Had Been Experiencing Shortness Of Breath Since 2005.
That's Why I Am One Happy Lady!
Again, Thanks, All!

 

[Praline]

Welcome to this side of the mountain. It sounds like you are doing good. I just could not sleep comfortably in a recliner all night. It was fine for naps. Within a week, I was sleeping in bed, almost on my back,with tons of pillows behind me. It took a good while before I could just lay down and get comfortable.

 

[Phyllis]

glad to see that a lot have recovered well. I'm just dreading the 4 days before the cath that I can't take aspirin.

Welcome to the site. I put you on the calendar for next Thursday. I suggest you start a thread in pre-surgery and tell us a little about yourself so that everyone will be aware that you are in the waiting room and soon to have your surgery.