Teresa's Journal

Cheryl Batzing  Teresa, welcome to this site! You will find a lot of help and support here. Regarding your question...it all depends. What type of surgery is your spouse having? Is he strong/healthy before going into surgery, other than the heart issues? From being on this site for probably 6 months now, and having gone through mitral valve repair myself in mid Dec, some people need more help than others. A month off sounds like a long time to me for you to take off work, and unless your spouse runs into some special trouble upon recovery, my humble opinion is you wouldn't need to take off that long. BUT, it is so nice to have someone available at your side for the first week out for sure as you take your first shower at home, get in and out of bed by yourself at home, get meals for you, etc. THEN, depending on how the recovery is going, that should determine how much longer care is needed. I bounced back very quickly after my first week and didn't need my husband to be at home during the day, but I also had minimally invasive surgery and friends nearby if I needed help. Will lift you and your spouse up in my prayers now.

Penny Prichard  I'm north of Sacramento ca. I don't know of any group but here. I'm having surgery next week in Redwood City at Sequoia. I'm available for support anytime I'm awake

Pat Bluemel  Hey Teresa, week of surgery for sure, the next week you can judge progress and make the call, but we did two weeks off (and work from home) and it was fine. I was able to do for myself the 2nd week but it was nice to have someone around just in case. I was fine by myself on week three for sure. Welcome to the group.

Eleanor R  Hi, Teresa. I am a patient and much of what Cheryl asks determines how much help a person will need. In my case, I am 68 and had no other known health issues prior to surgery, but not in the greatest physical shape either. My adult daughter came to stay with me for the first month, and for the first week, I could not have done without her, especially help getting into and out of bed, and keeping an eye on me in the shower and making sure I had a quick and dry place to sit down after the shower, to dry off. The first week just this activity made me too tired to manage much more. After week 1, I was pretty independent. Still had trouble with the bed so I ended up sleeping on an electric recliner so that I could get up and down at night without disturbing anyone. During the day I was fine, began to manage opening the refrigerator door (standing sideways to it and using both hands, with elbows at my waist), and a little stronger, to get a sandwich or warm soup for myself. I would think a full week, maybe a second week, but that should do it unless your spouse is older or has other health issues. Good luck to you. Eleanor

Teresa Wild  Hi Penny; My husband and I are originally from the Bay area San Bruno Ca to be specific. I know Redwood city well in fact when my mother was still alive she was in Sequoia hospital. Thanks to all of you for answering my Post.

Jennifer Miller  Hi Teresa I'm a little late in reading your post, sorry. My husband sometimes travels for work. My surgeon told him he needed to stay close to home for two weeks. That was plenty! He made sure the pantry & fridge were stocked with easy to fix, quick, healthy foods & made dinner every night. Again though, it depends on what kind of surgery your husband is having & his general health. For cardiac patient care info & support groups, try calling Mercy General on J St.; UC Davis Med. Ctr. on Stockton Blvd.or Sutter General Hosp on L St. I don't know, maybe you've already tried these hospitals?
Take care, Jenni

Kenneth Cole  You are doing the right thing taking care of your man. When he get well you can always work hard and make up for lost wages. Sorry that's all I can add. God bless you.