First Night Home

[Philip B]

Thanks for all of the positive thoughts and prayers.

Our departure from the hospital was delayed on Sunday afternoon as they wanted to send some O2 with me. In the end, we decided to stay in Denver with one of my sisters rather than attempting to rush home.

The procedures seem to have gone without glitches. I did have excessive chest tube drainage so I got to keep those in for an extra 24 hours. My coumadin levels did not come up as quickly as they expected.

Geez, having those chest drain tubes and pacemaker wires yanked was something I'd rather not repeat.

Getting comfortable at home has been something of a challenge. My whole back is killing me and my bowels haven't really been moving with any regular routine yet. Thank God for my little buddy, the chest pillow, from Memded Hearts.

Sounds familiar huh folks?

-Philip

 

[Phyllis]

Glad you are home Philip. Yes, it all sounds familiar. They recommended a laxative for Dick and that was a big help. Tylenol PM and lots of back and shoulder massages (even in the middle of the night ) helped with the back pain. Best wishes to you for a speedy recovery. Things should improve daily!

 

[Guest]

Philip,

Glad you are HOME . Welcome back!

Thoughts/prayers for a continued SUCCESSFUL recovery!



Cort:33swm."Mr Monte Carlo.Mr Road Trip".pig valve.pacemaker
PICS:lego.HO.model.MCinfo.RT.CHD = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"Tell me what you see" ... Bob Carlisle ... 'Getting Stronger'

 

[CThrock]

Philip,
Glad to see that your home . I remember those days of my back feeling like someone through me up againist a wall in the operating room. It does get better. I looked forward to those hot showers on my back and washing my hair.
Try to get plenty of rest and do alot of walking.

 

[aussiemember]

Welcome home Phillip!!! Take good care of yourself

 

[hensylee]

yes, it sounds familiar! I hope you can find a comfy spot. Remember, it gets better each day. Welcome home.

 

[WayneGM]

It definitely sounds familiar, Phillip. Welcome home!

Now take care and get well. Continued best wishes for an uneventful and speedy recovery.

 

[Marguerite53]

Welcome home!!

Yes, I agree. Those wires were NOT FUN!!

Make sure you take your pain pills when you are scheduled to for the first few days, at least. Don't wait to "see if you need them". Just take them. Your bowels may be unhappy for awhile, get some prune juice!!

As far as comfort goes, gather every pillow in the house and have someone just keep scrunching them around you until you feel best. I found that sitting up in bed with arm rest placed pillows was what alleviated some of the pressure off my sternum.

You'll get there!!! You sound very good. Keep up the good recovery!

Marguerite

 

[tenndon]

Welcome home Phillip! I know how great it feels to get back home. Even if still hurting and on the leash of an oxygen concentrator.

As far as comfort, I really expected my La-Z-Boy to do the trick but it did not. However the recline on the couch really has helped. That and lots of pillows as aleady mentioned.

As for the bowels---Milk of Mag became my freind while in the hospital for 5 weeks. Finally seem to getting regular.

Best of everything to you. My prayers are with you for a speedy and smooth recovery.

Peace of Christ,
Don

 

[CathyK.]

Phillip - oh, how I remember well since I am only 7 weeks out. Just keep trying different places in your house. I found that some times the recliner was good, some times the couch. My back killed me in the hospital, once I got home that got better. Good luck and my prayers are with you for an uneventful recovery!!

 

[ruth]

Phillip -

Welcome home! Experiment around the house for what works for you. For awhile it was the couch, then of all things my home office chair, last of all for me the recliner. Everyone is different. Take meds on schedule, next week or the week after think about weaning from them if you want, not at first, not when you hurt, it will impair the healing process. Call the surgeon if you keep hurting, and get drugs that work if need be. Colace is your friend while on pain meds.

I wish you a speedy recovery.
Ruth

 

[EVELYN]

But the BESTEST THING IS THAT YOU'RE HOME!!! It will get better day by day, honest!!!

Evelyn

 

[tprice54]

welcome home

welcome home

Phillip, I actually smiled when I read your post...I sure remember those tubes and wires! 9 weeks out and feel much better. As everyone said, a little progress everyday. Find a comfy spot, sleep, walk when awake, sleep again. Repeat!