Patsy Stewart Wonderful news!! Totally amazing that you posted so soon after surgery. I’m always really anxious t ... Read more
Patsy Stewart Wonderful news!! Totally amazing that you posted so soon after surgery. I’m always really anxious to hear, and was totally blown away when I saw you had posted! Go, Jaja!! You’re going to rock recovery! ~❤️
Hello everyone, just joined the community today. My condition is not valve related but I was diagnosed with Anomalous Coronary Artery/ALCAPA which is a fancy ...Read more
Hello everyone, just joined the community today. My condition is not valve related but I was diagnosed with Anomalous Coronary Artery/ALCAPA which is a fancy way of saying my left coronary artery is attached to the bottom right chamber side of my heart instead of to the left side like it should be. It's a condition I was born with and not made aware of until a couple of months ago after repeated episodes of angina/ischemia.
So having open heart surgery on Oct. 6th and was just hoping to get any tips that would help the home recovery process go as smooth as possible.
My wife and mom will be on hand to help me out once I'm home but just really looking for the "I wish someone had told me" type of advice from those who have first hand experience. Thanks!
Ana Brusso Welcome Jaja, sorry you have to have open heart surgery but glad that it would take care of your hear ... Read more
Ana Brusso Welcome Jaja, sorry you have to have open heart surgery but glad that it would take care of your heart condition. You have to make sure your sternum is always protected. Sneezing and coughing will hurt so try to have a pillow to press on your chest so it won’t hurt too much. Hope others will chime in and give you tips. Will pray for your surgery to be successful and recovery is smooth. God bless you
Rose Madura I'm sorry you have to have surgery. I was given a heart hugger to protect my sternum and it proved to ... Read more
Rose Madura I'm sorry you have to have surgery. I was given a heart hugger to protect my sternum and it proved to be very valuable. I'd look into tha. Also a travel in pillow was super helpful in the hospital and at home in the recliner. Best wishes and please keep us posted.
Ed Eller Hi Jaja, I wish you a successful surgery and speedy recovery! I'm still a couple weeks from my surger ... Read more
Ed Eller Hi Jaja, I wish you a successful surgery and speedy recovery! I'm still a couple weeks from my surgery and, like you, trying to learn from all these awesome people who have taken this path before us. Among things I've learned so far is that sleeping can be difficult during the initial recovery and some people do better sleeping in a recliner chair. I'm trying to create options to help with sleep as much as possible.
Patsy Stewart Welcome to the community, Jaja. Since you are having open heart surgery with a sternum cut, you have ... Read more
Patsy Stewart Welcome to the community, Jaja. Since you are having open heart surgery with a sternum cut, you have to be very protective of your sternum afterwards. No lifting, pulling, tugging, and no raising your arms above your head for 2 months. Most patients are given a heart shaped pillow that comes in very handy to hold during coughing, sneezing spells, et cetera. You can also use it to put between your chest and the seatbelt when you head home or when you are going somewhere in the car. I would suggest button up shirts instead of t-shirts. Also, jogging pants or something easy to pull up. Don’t be surprised when you’re totally drained when trying to take a shower. You’ll need some help. I didn’t experience all that much pain from the incision, but your shoulders and back take a hit during surgery from being split open. A long charging cord for your cell phone comes in handy. Chap stick and fingernail clippers are a couple other items that you might need. Sending lots of prayers your way for a successful surgery. ~❤️
Greg Lewis Hi Jaja! I too had complete sternotomy, like you. You and that heart pillow will be the best of frien ... Read more
Greg Lewis Hi Jaja! I too had complete sternotomy, like you. You and that heart pillow will be the best of friends! Always have it handy, since sneezing is the worst! And, as mentioned, you will need a recliner. And a power one is the best! Since its pretty tough, and you shouldnt be pulling on anything, such as a recliner handle. Your also going to want someone staying with you for awhile. Like someone there at your command! Lol. I was gonna get a bell, but my wife wouldnt allow it! 😂 you might need a stool in the shower. You might need a walker? Or wheelchair for a bit, or so, but, Most recovery items can be rented. Stay ahead of the pain. Dont let it get real bad, and then decide to take something for it. I am sure your tough, but your body has a harder time healing if your in a lot of pain. Dont worry, though, the pain meds work well! Most of all...dont get discouraged. There will be good days, and bad ones. Just dont let the bad ones run the show! Trust me, each day gets a little better. And please let us know if you have any concerns. I will post anything else i can think of. Oh ya, i had to rent a rail for my bed, to help me get up.
Greg Lewis I just thought, that you need some tv tables too, for your new living area...the Recliner!
Greg Lewis Get some good slippers! Cant tie your shoes. I first got cheap slippers. No good. Get ones you can us ... Read more
Greg Lewis Get some good slippers! Cant tie your shoes. I first got cheap slippers. No good. Get ones you can use outside, too
Kenneth Southard Good Advice you have been given so far. However, there is also the psychological and emotional side ... Read more
Kenneth Southard Good Advice you have been given so far. However, there is also the psychological and emotional side to recovery as well and it is different for everybody. There will also be up and down days. Many times, down days occur after several successive up days. Don't let them get you down and keep moving forward.
Jaja Harris Thanks everyone, I really appreciate all the advice. Its been really scary especially as the date get ... Read more
Jaja Harris Thanks everyone, I really appreciate all the advice. Its been really scary especially as the date gets closer but it’s really encouraging to read all of your stories and it gives me hope of pulling thru all this. Thanks again and I’ll update as soon as I can afterwards.
Greg Lewis Great advice, Kenneth! The worst downs are right when everything is getting better! "Bam! Right into ... Read more
Greg Lewis Great advice, Kenneth! The worst downs are right when everything is getting better! "Bam! Right into the hurdle! Wiped out. Cant get up! ...honeyyy help me! I think i'm toast! But then, ...just like last time, i get up...keep going.. ohh everything is ok now. ..Then..Honeeyy im toast again!! I ring the little bell...or no. No. No that was a hallucination." Hahaha. Sorry. Its late! 😂😂
Patricia Nugent Hi Jaja! My thoughts and prayers are with you for a speedy recovery. The emotional and physical rec... Read more
Patricia Nugent Hi Jaja! My thoughts and prayers are with you for a speedy recovery. The emotional and physical recuperation are extremely important. Participate in physical therapy and rehabilitation, it will help you emotionally and speedup the healing process. I was advised that I did not need it after OHS for Mitral Valve Repair. Doctors advice was a big mistake. The feeling of no one understanding will be much less of a burden if you are communicating with others that are experiencing recent convalescence from OHS. All the best.
I am from: Phoenix, AZ
My surgery date is: October 6, 2022
Klara Čičić, Adam Pick, Patsy Stewart and 6 others reacted to this
