Richard's Journal

Amy Dorsey  Congratulations on being clean and sober! Depending on your pain tolerance, I have heard of a lot of people being off of the pain meds by the time they are discharged… Didn't happen with me, but it does happen for some. I would definitely talk to your doctors about that concern. Maybe they will have certain medications that have less addicting qualities. I'm sure they deal with this often. Also make sure you stay connected to your support groups. This one is a great one for specific heart issues! You might want to sit down with your daughter and just let her know the seriousness of the situation and what you are going to need… And get as much of those things set up before the surgery as possible. Do you have other family/friends close by that can help if you need it? I know if you're a very independent person it is sometimes hard to depend on others, but I also found that people wanted to help and I had to let them! :-) Keep us posted and stay positive! You probably have a lot more support you don't even realize.

Richard Goldstein  Thank you Amy for taking the time to respond to me. I sincerely hope you are feeling better. your posts seem to have a wonderful effect on many others. Good therapy for all!

Darlene Smith  Richard, make sure you let your concerns be known to your surgical and primary physician/cardiologist. Your caregiver situation and prior recovery from addiction needs to be taken into consideration as much as your surgery. I'll be thinking of you!!

Catie B  Richard, if your daughter can't or won't step up to help care for you after your surgery, you may be eligible for some home health care. I had a call from a nurse at my insurer this week and she mentioned that possibility for me, depending on how things are after leaving the hospital. Or, as Amy mentioned, maybe someone else in your life really is better suited to helping out. I'm also planning to call Meals on Wheels. Don't know whether they serve in your town, but might be something to consider, if needed. Best to you!

Rita Savelis  I'm sorry you have to go through this Richard. Be vocal with your surgeon/doctor about your worries about pain killers. Also, not everyone has pain (I didn't) - lots of discomfort, but not pain.
You might be surprised by your daughter. Sometimes the people we least expect to help us in recovery, step up to bat. My son was a different person after I had OHS.

Corey Sines  With my first mitral valve repair surgery, I'll second Rita's response, outside of the ICU, I don't remember a lot of pain. However, I felt every so often a crushing / can't breath feeling that was relieved by Anti-inflammatory meds and lasik. I only took Motrin at home.

Lilly Black  Richard, my son looked after me for 3 weeks post surgery, and he was 33 years old. You'd be surprised at how our kids step it up when they need to. He cooked me breakfast, drove me around, took me for walks, and always asked if I needed anything. I didn't need too much, just plenty of rest and many walks. Good luck!

Steven A Husted  hi Richard I AGREE WITH CATIE B LET YOUR THOUGHTS BE KNOW TO YOUR DOCTORS THEY CAN HELP WITH OTHERS WHO CAN HELP VISITING NURSES AND THERAPISTS AND MEALS ON WHEELS I KNOW THIS WORRIED ME BECAUSE I LIVE ALONE IN A BIG TWO STORY HOUSE SO I TOLD MY DOCTOR AND HE SENT ME TO A REHAB HOSPITAL AFTER SURGERY WHERE THEY GET YOU READY TO GO HOME AND DO THINGS FOR YOUR SELF EVEN AFTER THAT HE HAD VISITING NURSES AND THERAPISTS STOP IN TWICE A WEEK TO HELP ME GET AROUND THE HOUSE AND DO MY CHORES JUST LET THEM KNOW YOUR CONCERNS THEY WILL HELP AND WHEN YOU START CARDIO REHAB YOU WILL MAKE A LOT OF NEW FRIENDS