Hi all, I am due to have my aortic valve replaced in a couple of weeks. Can anyone tell me what help (if any) I will need when I come home from hospital. I ...Read more
Hi all, I am due to have my aortic valve replaced in a couple of weeks. Can anyone tell me what help (if any) I will need when I come home from hospital. I will be on my own during the days as my husband works and cant get the time off. Any information will be much appreciated, thank you.
Laura Jacobs Hi Jean, I guess we are all different and need varying degrees of help. I am three weeks out of surge ... Read more
Laura Jacobs Hi Jean, I guess we are all different and need varying degrees of help. I am three weeks out of surgery. When I first came home, I needed help with a quite a lot. With some preparation, I could have been more independent. The things that come to mind are:
I could shower and dress myself.
I put a chair on the stair landing in case I tired going up or down.
Be aware of things you might need that are over your weight restrictions. For instance a water jug...you might prepare a number of smaller water bottles/containers or other drinks ahead of time with loosened caps.
Have a lunch and some snacks pre-prepared.
Easy access to incidentals, like tissue, pain meds, chapstick, hand lotion, your phone, laptop, books, magazines, extra blanket, pillow, sweater, tv remote, waste basket.
A pre-arranged schedule of check-in calls with hubby.
If I think of anything else I will write to you.
Duane Beeman Find a place in the shade. get a tall glass of lemonade and reflect on how lucky we all are. After ... Read more
Duane Beeman Find a place in the shade. get a tall glass of lemonade and reflect on how lucky we all are. After getting out of the hospital I found that fresh air was my best friend. And it will smell better than ever before !!
Cathy Zuber Hi...go thru the main rooms you'll be in..and take up the floor rugs, anything like a magazine or boo ... Read more
Cathy Zuber Hi...go thru the main rooms you'll be in..and take up the floor rugs, anything like a magazine or book rack next to chair or couch, etc. think of things that would be easy to trip over when you are up and walking. Are you going to get Home Health Care services??? Hospital discharge planners help with that. Take it easy!!
Jean Bicker Thank you all for your helpful comments.
Civita Fahey HI Jean as Laura said, we all are different. for the first week I needed help taking a shower as I wa ... Read more
Civita Fahey HI Jean as Laura said, we all are different. for the first week I needed help taking a shower as I was very anemic when I came home and was very weak. My mom was with me, I am very blessed to have her, and sent my husband to work.. but, other than that, having things close to you is easiest.. if someone could make your meals ahead of time that would help too. But every week gets better and you will be able to do more on your own. just be careful of over doing it and heavy lifting.. also, if someone could check on you even by phone is helpful.. best of luck.
Laura Jacobs Jean - I also needed something to sit on in the shower. Standing was not an option. Also, make sure ... Read more
Laura Jacobs Jean - I also needed something to sit on in the shower. Standing was not an option. Also, make sure your hubby knows that you require lots of pampering and encouragement when he gets home at night (no matter how tired he is...LOL!)
Clare Auten I was home alone during the day on most days. A couple days a week, my 4 year old got to stay with me ... Read more
Clare Auten I was home alone during the day on most days. A couple days a week, my 4 year old got to stay with me.
Just be careful. Plan ahead a little (If you aren't comfortable showering alone, do it before or after your husband leaves). Move needed items to lower shelves. Have food handy that you can prepare without much work. My surgeon wanted me up and walking often so walking to the kitchen from the living room was no big deal.
I am from: London, United Kingdom
I could shower and dress myself.
I put a chair on the stair landing in case I tired going up or down.
Be aware of things you might need that are over your weight restrictions. For instance a water jug...you might prepare a number of smaller water bottles/containers or other drinks ahead of time with loosened caps.
Have a lunch and some snacks pre-prepared.
Easy access to incidentals, like tissue, pain meds, chapstick, hand lotion, your phone, laptop, books, magazines, extra blanket, pillow, sweater, tv remote, waste basket.
A pre-arranged schedule of check-in calls with hubby.
If I think of anything else I will write to you.
Just be careful. Plan ahead a little (If you aren't comfortable showering alone, do it before or after your husband leaves). Move needed items to lower shelves. Have food handy that you can prepare without much work. My surgeon wanted me up and walking often so walking to the kitchen from the living room was no big deal.