Tired and overwhelmed!

[Granbonny]

Kathy

Kathy

I read your user ID..No age..retired music teacher. Is this info for your Hubby? If so, I'm guessing he is over age 60..and the 2 of you have been married a long time. I was age 61 and married 36 years when I had my surgery..I, too, had an aneurysm..Lucky they found mine.........I have a mechhanical valve and take coumadin with no problems. (2 years this March 25th) My hubby waited on me for a long time..cooking, ect. I could have done some..but he insisted.. I never showed any sign of being in pain, ect..so he wasn't too bothered...Just wanted to make sure I healed NICE and SLOWLY..How much activity is he doing now? I think short walks are enough for first few months and NO heavy lifting. After ..3 months..he should feel like adding more exercise, ect........At 7 weeks..he should be feeling pretty good. Sometimes, depression shows up at this time..but will disappear as he recovers more and more..so, you take it easy...He is over the Hump Get him to go to grocery store with you...And ride the motor carts. I did Lots of fun Even at Wal-Mart..If he has a mech. valve..you may be hearing his ticking That, too, will quiet down soon...Bonnie

 

[liamty]

normal

normal

"Normal" is subjective and individual. We also need to stay mindful of the big picture and that whilst we need to be more aware of our individual health and requirements - are we really not normal? Heart surgery may requires changes in lifestyle and the impact may leave us more tired or unable to participate in a particular sport, or require a more measured lifestyle, but there are many people who have had no ill health, surgery or the like, and they too have lifestyle restrictions for their own comfort. These people don't question if they are 'normal', and neither do we. We are as normally insane as the next person and proud of it!

 

[Georgia]

My two cents

My two cents

Just don't decide what new "normal" is until a LONG time after surgery - most estimates say it takes a year; that cetainly varies by age and level of deconditioning prior to surgery, as well as how much had to be done.

Gina always says that she recovered at 11 months. I think I had a large improvement about a month ago (also fairly long after surgery).

I advise every significant other to get out of the house after the initial critical time is past - go back to work, or whatever - the patient needs time alone and time to think and not talk; the caregiver needs to be away from the caregivee. Everyone needs time to not be nice!

My husband went out of town for two days 5 weeks after I had surgery; I was SO glad to see him when he came back. It was a good break for both of us.