Well...I made it home

[CHDDoug]

Just wanted to send a quick update to let everyone know that we made it home. Was discharged from the hospital in Plano, TX on Monday and made a two-day roadtrip back to TN (with the help of my parents). Pretty uneventful trip, but long with a 2 year old and a 7 week old. Turned out OK and we are glad to be home!

As for me, I'm doing great! I'm 8 days post-op from the Ross and I feel great. No major stumbling blocks yet, but I know that there may be. Just taking it one day at a time and trying to follow the docs orders. Will start cardiac rehab here shortly to help speed along my recovery. I think I'm already 10 lbs down from my pre-op weight (weighed this morning). Not much of an appetite, but I guess that's an OK problem. Needed to lose a couple of pounds anyway.

Quick question: does anyone recall or know what/when I can start putting medicine on my incision? It's probably in the paperwork that I read back in the hospital, but I can't remember. Just thought I'd ask.

I hope this thread finds everyone doing well! If anyone that reads this is pre-op and has questions about surgery, the Ross, Dr. William Ryan in Plano, TX, etc, I'd be more than happy to talk with you. Just send me a private message with your number and I can call you.

Take care until next time...
Doug

 

[marie]

Glad to hear you made it home OK. Take care. as for the wounds I was told to us soap and water only and I don't remember them saying for how long.
Be good to yourself
Earline

 

[Karlynn]

Welcome home Doug! A 2 day road trip after OHS with a 2 yo and a7 mo old????? I think you can make it through anything! I hope you continue to feel well.

 

[Cooker]

Welcome home!!! Here's wishing you a smooth recovery....As far as the other I was told soap and water and I have never put anything else on it except hair

 

[Susan BAV]

Glad you made it home safe and sound and feel well. Following my first heart surgery in Houston, my folks drove me home to the midwest; I had forgotten what a long trip that was with me in the backseat propped up next to a huge ice chest . My incision (through my back) came open in one place and my blouse stuck to it. Very unpleasant, getting unstuck...

Regarding your question, I don't think doctors generally allow topical meds put on the incisions until they're healed over. Take care and post again.

 

[Phyllis]

Glad you made it home safely. Now rest up and walk when you can- don't let the 2 year old jump on your chest! Playing nurse or doctor to Daddy will probably be fun. Soap and water until it heals.

 

[Ross]

Welcome to your second chance to life.

Your appetite and taste will be back online in a couple weeks, then look out, you may gain some weight then. Eat what tastes good, whatever it is, to sustain you until then.

As others have said, soap and water until told differently from the Dr.

 

[Bina]

Welcome Home!!
My docs told me specifically: "unscented" soaps only.
Fragrances and dyes, etc. can be very irritating on new skin.
When my wound started to heal and itch like all heck, my nurse daughter got me some "normL" gel, it's a clear gel that neutralizes irrated skin.(amazing stuff)

 

[Trish]

two hour ride home

two hour ride home

After almost seven days in the hospital with no fresh air (like a cruise ship, all those people coughing, burping, and worse!) I rode home with my head out the window like a dog. Two hours would have done me in, though. I know many of you have long trips and it sounds like hell.
Keep on healing. It's uphill from here.
Trish

 

[cp172]

Hi Doug,

Welcome home! I was told nothing but mild soap (like Ivory) on incisions. I had holes all over the place so I used liquide Ivory soap everywhere.

Everyone in your family deserves medals for a 2 day road trip after OHS. Hope you have a smooth recovery.

 

[WayneGM]

Welcome home!!! Best wishes for a smooth recovery. Pace yourself and listen to your body.

 

[catwoman]

Glad you're home.
Like everyone else here, I was told to use only plain soap and water on my incision. And I was told NOT to go swimming or suntan for the rest of the summer that I had my surgery.
I didn't have any healing problems with my incision. I remember posting a query here about the "utility road bump" appearance of my chest. It was raised at the top of the sternotomy; that gradually smoothed out.

Enjoy being home with your kids. Just take it easy and get lots of rest!

 

[Guest]

DOUG!

WELCOME HOME!

Glad you made it and good to see you posting from home now .


Thoughts/prayers coming your way for a continued SUCCESSFUL recovery!



Cort:34swm."Mr Monte Carlo.Mr Road Trip".pig valve&pacemaker
WRMNshowcase.legos.HO.models.MCs.RTs.CHD = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"Take my way, it's the highway, that's the best" ... John Mayer ... 'Route 66'

 

[boomersooner]

CONGRATS! Hope all continues to go so well for you.

 

[starrman]

Congratulations - a two day trip home. Man, I had a tough time with just 10 miles. As for the incision, the surgeon wanted me to wait until the incision was completely closed - so I did.
Unscented soap and water and pat dry until then.

 

[Curtsmum]

Glad you are home and doing well, take care