Janet's Posts

I also had to wait for four weeks and then had no trouble with driving. One of the reasons to not drive is the somewhat limited ability to quickly move your body and to turn around. There is also the concern with the airbags. I sat as a passenger in the front seat but see Wanda's input and the back seat might be the safest place to sit.

You'll probably have a home nurse come in a couple times a week. I think you might feel better if you had someone check on you during daytime at least. I was home alone but my 88 yr old mom lives with me and was able to help in small ways and I also had help from neighbors and friends.

I suggest that you plan ahead whilst pre op. You must not lift anything more than a few lbs post op, my half full kettle was enough! Cook individual meals you freeze; make sure towels, clothes, food etc are easily accessible. Practise getting out of chairs only using your legs not pushing up with arms. Bed wedge or recliner. Arrange supermarket to delivery to your home (not sure where you are, but here in UK some go only to door, others to kitchen... You obv want latter). One big challenge will be showering especially as the water will affect your bp. I bought a folding shower chair which was perfect, but I certainly wanted someone to know I was in there. If friends and neighbours can pop by regularly then the company will be good, also if they could walk with you post op until you've got your confidence. And as you'll find we all praise, attend Cardiac Rehab.

Ask your doc about in home care. We were with my mom three weeks after she got home, but she got meals on wheels and a caregiver to come in three hours per day after we left. We had to pay $18 per day for the helper, but money well spent in terms of piece of mind. She refused to go to temp nursing facility b/c she didn't want to leave her cat.