At the age of 62, Etta’s mitral valve regurgitation ^[1] has reached severe status. That said, Etta will be having mitral valve repair surgery ^[2] in three weeks. In her last email to me, Etta raised an interesting question. Etta asked, “Adam – Do I really need full-time help after open heart surgery?”

This question really brings back memories from my early, early, early recovery from aortic valve replacement surgery ^[3]. My family and support group was insistent that I was not home alone for the first two weeks after open heart surgery. We even created a detailed Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet that highlighted which days my mom, sister, brother, dad and Robyn (my wife) were responsible for me.

I have to admit… That was a very smart move of my friends and family. Having full-time help was the best!!!

My support group was there to help me with the ‘little’ and ‘big’ challenges of early open heart surgery recovery when broken sternum pain ^[4] is common:

• Getting in-and-out of bed
• Taking a shower
• Opening up a twist-cap bottle
• Tying my shoelaces
• Going to the pharmacy
• Making breakfast, lunch and dinner

As you can tell, I encourage lots of support group help following heart surgery. Plus, my family and friends had a unique type of fun spending time together as I began my healing.

However, I’m curious to know if YOU have any thoughts for Etta. Can you help her out? If so, please click here to leave a comment about full-time help after heart surgery ^[5].

Keep on tickin!