shir's Guestbook

I was able to get to the bathroom myself. I did rent an electric recliner, and it helped me get up and down myself. I kept it for 4 weeks., and the rental was very reasonable from a nearby medical store. I needed a shower chair for the first couple weeks, because I was too weak and tired to stand in the shower. I definitely think you should have someone there with you for at least a week or two. Some patients go to a rehabilitation facility/hospital for 2 weeks if they have no one to help at home.

I think it is best to have someone to help you out when you first get out of the hospital. You may feel weak and tired for a couple weeks. It can be an emotional time also, and it is good to have some moral support. Someone to bring you food is nice, too. You will be encouraged to walk several times a day when you get home. But you will need to rest in between times of exercise. I started cardiac rehab at 3 weeks, and I needed my husband to drive me to that twice a week. I was not allowed to drive for 6-7 weeks, to allow the sternum to heal completely. I felt good enough to return to work part time at 8 weeks. However, if you have a very physically hard job, maybe your doctor will tell you to wait longer. If you have any other questions, please let us know. Someone will respond.