single & AVR

[windsurfer]

How much help is needed during recovery from AVR? I'm single, 55 and live about 45 minutes (no traffic) to closest hospital and perhaps 1.5 hours (no traffic) from the surgery hospital. After I'm released from surgery, will I be able to function by myself or will I need someone to drop by to help out? Should I get an apartment near the hospital? I doubt insurance will cover in-home assistance - so what is the most cost effective solution if help is needed?

Thanks,

Bobco

 

[Ross]

Hello, your going to need someone with you for the first week at least, preferably 2 weeks. It's not so much that you can't do for yourself, but your going to be very week, dizzy, not mentally with it and just a danger to yourself for that period. This is where it pays to have good friends that you can trust to come live with you for a week.

 

[Phyllis]

Bobco,
You mention traffic. You definitely will need someone to drive you home as well as help out for a week or two. Doctor's instructions are usually no driving for 6 weeks.
Phyllis

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Some hospitals are affiliated with a REHAB hospital or clinic where post-op patients can go to recover. Talk with your surgeon's office or hospital and check with your insurance company to see if this is a covered benefit.

Cardiac rehabiltation is also a very worthwhile activity to pursue if your insurance covers it. If it is not a specific benefit, sometimes an insurance company "case worker" can arrange for an individual contract with a provider.

I concur with Ross, you really do need some assistance for the first week and it would be nice to have that extended to two weeks. By that time you should be able to get around 'ok' but will still tire VERY quickly.

Healing and recovery is a SLOW but (mostly) steady process. Some days are better than others but you should see definite improvements week by week. Some people are allowed LIMITED driving at 4 weeks (usually to allow them to come in for a checkup) and most are ready to return to limited activity / work at 6 to 8 weeks assuming no complications.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[jeffp]

Bob,
Ditto to what Al said above. You WILL need some help. It's really a slow go for the fist few weeks at home. Do well.

 

[Karlynn]

My memory fails me at the moment, but we just had a member that spent a week in rehab because she had no one to come into her home after her release from the hospital. She seemed highly encouraged by the security it gave her to function when she finally did arrive home.