My beloved has severe mitral valve regurgitation with symptoms. He is scheduled for minimally invasive, robotic assist surgery August 2021. I want to be the ...Read more
My beloved has severe mitral valve regurgitation with symptoms. He is scheduled for minimally invasive, robotic assist surgery August 2021. I want to be the best help I can. I have never done post op care for this type of surgery. What tips can you give that I can prep for. I have read the surgery booklet from Thomas Molloy, our surgeon. I am looking for the big and little things that can make this better and easier during this time. Thank you in advance
Joseph Heinzmann I can only tell you what my wife did for me and that it went well. Make sure he has a comfy spot to s ... Read more
Joseph Heinzmann I can only tell you what my wife did for me and that it went well. Make sure he has a comfy spot to sit down and chill. I had a reserved living room chair with a side table for laptop or homecooked meals, and an ottoman to put my feel up. Be around when he's getting up from the chair or make sure there is something available to rest a hand on because there may be times when he gets up that he's just a little light-headed. Easy to digest favorite foods are a plus. Be around when he showers the first few times because a slight misstep getting out of the shower can result in a fall. Lots of available pillows are a plus for the bed. It's different for everyone in some respect so there's only so much to anticipate. Encourage him to communicate and let him know that whatever he needs for the recovery is your pleasure (and that you get an uninhibited spa day in a couple of months). My wife went on a girls only Caribbean vacation three months after my surgery - well deserved.
By far the most important thing is knowing that someone is there for you. The physical needs are secondary.
Jennifer M Tyree Joseph. 🙂 Thank you so much! This is very helpful and I will assess all those physical aspects. I ... Read more
Jennifer M Tyree Joseph. 🙂 Thank you so much! This is very helpful and I will assess all those physical aspects. I can hear all the appreciation you have for your dear wife. I hope and pray I can provide a similar level care and compassion. Thanks again. 🙂
Paul Rose Hi Jennifer, I had a Complex Mitral Valve repair 9 years ago but mine was the full chest crack. I j ... Read more
Paul Rose Hi Jennifer, I had a Complex Mitral Valve repair 9 years ago but mine was the full chest crack. I journaled my thoughts at the time in detail and it’s on here if you have a little time take a read. One thing that still stands out was my verbally lashing out that those that were close, so don’t be surprised if he does - be patient it’s just frustration boiling over and it will pass. The best of wishes to both of you.
By far the most important thing is knowing that someone is there for you. The physical needs are secondary.