Recovery questions

[Nancy]

Hi Amy-

I think the hand thing is a normal part of the healing from a traumatic surgery. The body keeps the circulation going more to the area that needs it, the heart surgery area, and that can cause the cold hands, because the circulation is diverted from the extremities to a certain extent.

If you have any questions about things that don't seem normal, I'm sure your surgeon has a process in place to field phone calls like that. In my husband's case, it was one of the clinical nurses on staff. They don't mind the calls, and probably expect them. It's tough surgery.

 

[Bill Hall]

Amy - I had some of the symptoms your husband is experiencing. My appetite and tastebuds were out of whack for about a month. I had lots of problems sleeping. I did get the hot and cold streaks, but I believe I picked up some infection at the hospital. About a week later, I hit a full blown flu. Antibiotics took care of it and my recovery went well after that. I think a lot of recoveries are different, but keep close contact with your doctor when you get unusual symptoms (especially the breathing one), which is probably why you are asking.

 

[amy]

I did speak to the cardiologist on call this afternoon. He said that the symptoms are most likely "normal." If my husband has shortness of breath while just sitting, we should go to the ER. Otherwise call the office fiest thing tomorrow for an appointment just to be sure fluid is not building up.

 

[sylviayasgur]

hi amy!
i really don't have much to add to what everyone else has said_ all normal.
i remember when joey would have sweats and then chills after his surgery (seemed like we were competing for the perimenopause night-sweat award!!!). also, mara suggested we try ice pops when joey wasn't able to stomach most other foods_ they helped a lot. also some soups.
the circulation thing, joey had that too. his extremities often felt colder (and did for some time).
although some folks had an easier time in recovery, joey found his to be somewhat slow. it required a lot of patience on our parts, but it all came in good time.
it's amazing what anesthesia, the "pump", meds, and major surgery like this can do to throw off a body's homeostasis.
please be patient and keep checking back with us. wishing alan a smooth, gradual recovery. and, wishing you some rest and relaxation while he takes his million naps (joey napped after almost every activity and then some in between!!!)
be well, sylvia

 

[fdegranville]

Everyone seems to concur!

Everyone seems to concur!

Hi Amy,
Glad Alan is home and from what everyone says, his circumstances seem to be normal. I know it must be hard for you not to worry. I hope you are now reassured that he will start to feel better soon......and that you too are getting enough rest.

All the best,
fdeg