Elizabeth's Journal

Marie Myers  I had the same surgery 8 months ago. I found an electric recliner chair very comfortable in the post op period. We rented it for a month for $150, and I thought it was well worth it. I was able to get up easily without help. Also, Just be prepared to be very sympathetic for a few weeks. It is physically a big surgery, and it can play with the patient's mind and emotions . Best wishes for a smooth surgery and recovery!

Gerald Poulton  Hi Elizabeth, a recliner is nice but I didnt sleep in mine, actually I ended up getting back aches from it, but that is the stress on the body and rib cage from the surgery. A shower chair is a great idea but make sure he sits with his back to the stream of water. He will need your support but it may also be hard on you as well, it is hard to see someone that you love in that condition, especially when you first see him after surgery with all of the tubes etc. prepare yourself and that will help both of you. I bought a blood pressure monitor that also detected Atrial Fibrilation, that was a great help to my recovery. There is a lot but I guess also remind him to relax so he can recover but keep up the lung recovery exercises / spirometer and also the body exercises
And last but not least, there is a good chance that he will be on medication and it is important to keep track of the medication. There are several things on my journal that I also got to aid in my recovery if you want to take a look. Keep positive and there is all the support here for you if you need it. 🙏

Rose Madura  Hi Elizabeth. My husband was an excellent caregiver. He was kind, patient and compassionate. He helped me when I needed it but also let me do as much as I could because the more I did for myself the faster I recovered. He takes walks with me. It helps me stick with it - having someone to walk with. We did use a shower chair, checked weight, temperature, heartrate and blood pressure daily. We also bought a small rectangular pillow as a go between the seat belt and my incision when driving to appointments etc. I also had home health care for a little while. Let us know if you have any other questions.

Steven A Husted  welcome yes a shower chair and a electric recliner and to be there when walking will help and when ready cardio rehab phase 2 and 3 you can do it