Loretta's Posts

Thank you, Patsy. I'm at six weeks post-op today and still have pain in the upper half of my scar when I turn to sleep on my side. I am guessing it's normal healing for me but I do feel a little bit worried since it also looks a little bit purple in one area…if it persists I will have surgeon take a look at it.

Loretta - I had a side incision, mitral valve repair and didn't need a lot of assistance after surgery. Everyone is different, but I don't think you'll need 24/7 help from a professional for two weeks. If you have individual meals prepared that you can microwave, you can probably get by with a friend or relative there for the first week. Your surgeon will probably require visits from home health nurses for awhile, so your bp, heart rate, temperature, etc., can be monitored. You'll be required to walk every day before leaving the hospital, so you will be able to easily get around at home. No lifting or stretching for awhile, so the house cleaning will have to wait. You'll do just great! All the best to you! ❤

If i had to do it again, please god i hope not, i would have arranged an easier way to get up in the night to go to the bathroom. Recliner or hospital bed. As it was in my regular flat bed i had to elbow my wife a few times to help me get up which was good for me, not so good for her. After a week however i was able to do it myself.

Thought I would update now that I'm a month post-op. A friend gave me an adjustable frame bed which was so helpful for when I came home. As a matter of fact, I'm still keeping the head elevated a bit. My sisters and husband took great care of me and I didn't end up needing any professional caregivers.