Katlina's Journal

One week at home- time passes so slowly and at the same time so quickly.  Thank you all for tips to make return to home go smoothly.  The recliner and pill organizer were game changers as has been the support from Sutter Home Health Care.  

He received a 27mm bovine valve, a new aortic stem and ascending aorta, and replaced the lower portion of his aortic arch.

The most bothersome part of home recovery- he had huge (3 inch) blisters on his feet due to swelling so while that skin heals it has been tricky trying to get shoes to fit so he could walk outside.  He's up to a 30 min half mile twice a day- still with his walker for confidence and support.  Sleeping through the night with no meds, great blood pressure, appetite is back, weight back to pre surgery, he's never complained of any chest pain except when he sneezes or coughs.   Still keeping an eye on effusion and kidney function.  All in all our one week check in was thumbs up!

Day 22 and we just got word of discharge today!  Yay! Now the hard part starts...and I'm sure we will have new questions for this wonderful community.

I'll let Nasser post the details of his journey!  

Hello all, We are on day 19 at the hospital. A few “common” complications have kept us quite a bit longer than expected. Nasser is on a steady path making progress every day. 


This community shared so much helpful info I thought I’d share a few inside tips for anyone with an upcoming hospital stay for you and your loved ones…
I hope you find this helpful.

-Kat

Duration expectations

Plan for the best and be prepared for and adapt to the unknown. Our stay was anticipated at 7-8 days, and at day 19 we still have no firm commitment for release because we need his body to heal; which it will do at its own pace. Take it one day at a time, it is more disconcerting and frustrating for the patient than for the family.


Delirium

Two out of three patients in the ICU post heart surgery get delirium- it is very real and gets better over time. Hallucinations can be an indicator of delirium setting in. Don’t discount them. Listen, show compassion, and let the nurses know. Consider the gyrations your brain goes through with the stresses, medications, and disruption to sleep cycles. Be familiar with the behavioral impact of delirium and what to expect. My tips: be calm and speak clearly, talk about known things- family, friends, and pets, listen to music, share pictures of happy memories, and when possible bring comfort foods to share.


Urinals

Oh my goodness, let me just say that using a urinal with its sharp hard plastic edges is very uncomfortable for men. We had our nurses line the edge of the urinal with bandages to soften them and it made a world of difference.


Random Acts of Kindness

You will get to know the nursing staff members and if you watch you will see that your nurse is supported by a number of other professionals. Offer to bring coffee, invest in a box of chocolates for the night shift, bring in a couple dozen donuts for the team. A little kindness goes a long way to care for the individuals who are caring for your loved one.


Have an Advocate

You will probably be allowed to have an advocate in your room at most times- ask. The patient is going through so much they may well not be able to comprehend nor remember everything the doctors say and what the nurses do. The patient may forget to share key input with the medical staff and as an advocate you can help keep the facts straight and keep friends and families updated. You would think the nurses will read files and get updates but in fact they will ask the patient and the advocate for input.

Listening in to Rounding

The doctors and medical team will round, likely every morning to discuss your patient’s case. Listen in if you can, you can ask questions and clarify the plan for the day. As nurses relieve each other you will do well to know the plan and how it is progressing throughout the day.

Food!

You may have a limited menu to access but pick things that bring comfort to your patient- select items they know and feel comfortable enough to enjoy. When possible (when they have no restrictions) bring in some comfort items; a peach, a bagel, maybe a favorite juice.

Yes...we are at T-5 and counting...(Surgery is June 19th) as a girlfriend and primary support person (not the patient) I think I've done all I can to prep myself and his loved ones...reviewed procedural videos/articles, met his medical team, got a recliner-check, pill organizer- check, heating pad- check, front button shirts and sweat pants- check...instructions to family members about "day of" events, visitation expectations and expectations for removing ventilation... dog care set up, headspace subscription, health directive...as a care giver is there anything else I should consider? Thank you all in advance!

Hello to all the great members. I am interesting in learning about what kind of support you needed or wish you'd had during your home recovery. My boyfriend will be having a valve and ascending aorta replacement in June and he will recover at my place. Many thanks in advance for sharing your experience and wisdom.- Kat

My boyfriend is having OHS in 6 weeks- value and ascending aorta replacements. My question is about managing expectations of visitors during and after surgery. He has family flying out to be here during surgery (one is a cardiologist another is captain of EMT in NYC, others (5) are local). As a patient- what did you want from visitors while you were in the hospital? How frequently did you have energy for them while you were still an in-patient? All suggestions for crowd control are great appreciated. I don't want to stifle good intentions and I don't want to overwhelm my boyfriend. Thank you. There is no other resource like this!