My surgery is six days out and as I try to wrap my brain around it all I am trying to stay focused on my recovery. Just wondered about some of the posts that when describing their recovery at 3+ weeks, Im curious to know what it is that you can do at that point. I know of everything they say not to do but are you cooking dinner, going out to dinner, cleaning house (like dusting or dishes), writing out bills, you know the everyday activities. I just dont know what you mean when you say I am not myself fully for a few or more months. Scarier is the posts that say it takes up to a year in some cases to feel like yourself again. Of course I want to be back to normal as soon as possible but what do you "do" and for how long are you truly not doing anything but resting. Thanks for any advice.
activity during recovery
- Thread starter katm
- Start date
Help Support Valve Replacement Forums:
ski girl
Well-known member
Hi Kat-
After my first OHS I was released from hospital one week after the surgery and could do pretty much everything for myself except things that put stress on my sternum, like changing the bed sheets (the fitted sheet is the issue!), vacuuming, carrying anything over 1kg. I could easily do the dishes, make my meals, dust, walk wherever I needed to go, bash away on the laptop, wash and blowdry my hair, etc.
Can I suggest something you can do now to increase your speed of recovery - teach yourself how to get in and out of bed, and on and off the toilet, without using your arms. This will make you essentially self-sufficient in the hospital and also at home.
I know some people have a terrible time post-op due to no fault of their own, but if you go into the surgery with a positive attitude and don't drown yourself in self-pity afterwards, you have a really REALLY good chance of a fast recovery. Just make sure you follow the rules about when you can lift things, vacuum, etc. as the sternum really does need time to heal.
GOOOOOOD luck from down under!!
After my first OHS I was released from hospital one week after the surgery and could do pretty much everything for myself except things that put stress on my sternum, like changing the bed sheets (the fitted sheet is the issue!), vacuuming, carrying anything over 1kg. I could easily do the dishes, make my meals, dust, walk wherever I needed to go, bash away on the laptop, wash and blowdry my hair, etc.
Can I suggest something you can do now to increase your speed of recovery - teach yourself how to get in and out of bed, and on and off the toilet, without using your arms. This will make you essentially self-sufficient in the hospital and also at home.
I know some people have a terrible time post-op due to no fault of their own, but if you go into the surgery with a positive attitude and don't drown yourself in self-pity afterwards, you have a really REALLY good chance of a fast recovery. Just make sure you follow the rules about when you can lift things, vacuum, etc. as the sternum really does need time to heal.
GOOOOOOD luck from down under!!
Ski Girl,
lol it was funny to read your reply since I was just practicing getting into bed. My bed is high up so I bought a step stool but find myself still wanting to grab onto the bed post for support. To complicate matters I have arthritic knees, (next on my list of surgeries) so I am always trying to hold on to something. This will be tricky. Thanks for the encouraging words and the info.
Katm
lol it was funny to read your reply since I was just practicing getting into bed. My bed is high up so I bought a step stool but find myself still wanting to grab onto the bed post for support. To complicate matters I have arthritic knees, (next on my list of surgeries) so I am always trying to hold on to something. This will be tricky. Thanks for the encouraging words and the info.
Katm
Jkm7
Well-known member
After both my OHS, I was cooking dinners, washing dishes but not doing heavy pot scrubbing, I did laundry though DH carried the basket up and down the stairs, I was able to shower and wash/blow dry my short hair from first day home with no assistance. I had to walk a full flight of stairs before I could leave Mass General so knew I was safe to do so at home and did so both times from first day home.
Our best friend is an great MD and he insisted we come to his house for dinner with him and his wife my first week home. It was freezing cold day in January and I thought for sure he was trying to kill me. He knew I absolutely trust him and he would not have me do something that was dangerous to my health and healing. It was the best thing he could do as he demonstrated to me I wasn't fragile and I wouldn't break. It showed me to follow my doctor's orders but to get on with my life and do what I felt up to within the limitations set by my surgeon and cardio.
I was paying our bills, setting the table, grocery shopping with DH pushing the carriage and reaching for things high on the shelf. DH arranged for someone to be home with me when he had to be at his office but both times, I had her here maybe two days and asked her to not come back. I really didn't need her here for anything except when I showered the first few times so I wasn't alone in the house. Once I felt secure and safe, I was happier being alone than with a helper that I didn't need or want.
If you want to stop for lunch on the ride home from the hospital, by all means do so unless you receive contrary instructions. The biggest risk to that is being exposed to colds/flus if out in public. You really don't want to catch a cold just after surgery but there isn't much you can do about that except 'hide out' which is counter-productive IMO
The most important thing to remember and abide by is to not do any heavy lifting. The price to be paid for a poor healing of the sternum can be severe and just not worth it. Don't lift until given clearance to do so.
My second OHS, my cardio gave me permission to drive for short local errands/appointments at under three weeks post op. I was up to it and used common sense and I was not taking narcotic pain pills at that point.
Most of us are able to do a great deal for ourselves very soon after surgery.
All best wishes to you.
Please let us know how you are doing.
Our best friend is an great MD and he insisted we come to his house for dinner with him and his wife my first week home. It was freezing cold day in January and I thought for sure he was trying to kill me. He knew I absolutely trust him and he would not have me do something that was dangerous to my health and healing. It was the best thing he could do as he demonstrated to me I wasn't fragile and I wouldn't break. It showed me to follow my doctor's orders but to get on with my life and do what I felt up to within the limitations set by my surgeon and cardio.
I was paying our bills, setting the table, grocery shopping with DH pushing the carriage and reaching for things high on the shelf. DH arranged for someone to be home with me when he had to be at his office but both times, I had her here maybe two days and asked her to not come back. I really didn't need her here for anything except when I showered the first few times so I wasn't alone in the house. Once I felt secure and safe, I was happier being alone than with a helper that I didn't need or want.
If you want to stop for lunch on the ride home from the hospital, by all means do so unless you receive contrary instructions. The biggest risk to that is being exposed to colds/flus if out in public. You really don't want to catch a cold just after surgery but there isn't much you can do about that except 'hide out' which is counter-productive IMO
The most important thing to remember and abide by is to not do any heavy lifting. The price to be paid for a poor healing of the sternum can be severe and just not worth it. Don't lift until given clearance to do so.
My second OHS, my cardio gave me permission to drive for short local errands/appointments at under three weeks post op. I was up to it and used common sense and I was not taking narcotic pain pills at that point.
Most of us are able to do a great deal for ourselves very soon after surgery.
All best wishes to you.
Please let us know how you are doing.
VegasBAV
Well-known member
A week after my surgery, I was able to walk alone to and from the gates at Cleveland and Las Vegas airports, then a friend drove me from the airport home where I live alone and I've been totally self-sufficient since then, with the exception of avoiding very heavy lifting. I stocked up on heavy groceries before surgery (beverages) and loaded up the fridge and freezer.
First week or so home I was up and around a fair bit but easily tired. Went back to work (desk job) three weeks after surgery. It's now a little over four weeks and I feel normal except it hurts to sneeze and I still wouldn't try to lift 50 pounds for a least another few weeks. Walking 3-5 miles a day at normal speed, and bought a printer today and carried it in and out of Office Depot, no problem. So if things go well you may feel normal in a month.
First week or so home I was up and around a fair bit but easily tired. Went back to work (desk job) three weeks after surgery. It's now a little over four weeks and I feel normal except it hurts to sneeze and I still wouldn't try to lift 50 pounds for a least another few weeks. Walking 3-5 miles a day at normal speed, and bought a printer today and carried it in and out of Office Depot, no problem. So if things go well you may feel normal in a month.
Thank you all so much for writing about your experiences. It makes me feel better already. It gives me a better picture of what the first few weeks will be like. But I do realize everyones experiences are different so I will hope for the best.
Gail in Ca
Well-known member
I'd have to say that when released I sure didn't feel up to going out to eat. They sent me home on day 4 the second surgery and day 6 on the 3rd surgery, only because I asked to stay one more day! Don't let them send you home too early. Be firm if you feel one more day would really help. I'd say that 1st week home is the hardest. After that, you really start to feel better by the day! I was very good about walking daily, it helps so much for your recovery.
I felt like I could be alone probably before the 1st week home was up. I couldn't reach for dishes higher than my head and blow drying hair with any style was also difficult. I was told not to pick up anything over 5 lbs.
I did feel like I could drive before the 6 week time table. It really kicks the butt that first week after surgery, but if you walk alot in the hospital and after, at home, you do recover quite well.
I felt like I could be alone probably before the 1st week home was up. I couldn't reach for dishes higher than my head and blow drying hair with any style was also difficult. I was told not to pick up anything over 5 lbs.
I did feel like I could drive before the 6 week time table. It really kicks the butt that first week after surgery, but if you walk alot in the hospital and after, at home, you do recover quite well.
kfay
Well-known member
katm, I've had 2 OHS, one at 17 and the second at 45. After my last surgery, once I was home at about 9 days post op, I was fine to shower, dry my hair and dress myself, help around the kitchen, fold a load of clothes (not carry them though), etc. I had my husband take me to the mall to walk around a bit, went out to eat, and rode 2 hours away to go watch my son play soccer. My husband went back to work the second week I was home, and it was no problem for me. I was told not to lift anything that weighed more than a gallon of milk for 6 weeks I think. Obviously, not everyone has the same experiences, but I bet you'll find you can do more than you are worried you'll be able to do. The key is to not over do it and to lie down and take a nap when you feel the need to.
Rachel
Well-known member
Hi Katm,
They had me walking up stairs in the hospital before I left so that I could do that at home as well. I agree with SkiGirl - practice NOT using your arms to get in and out of bed! I personally did not lift my arms over my head nor did I lift anything heavier than 5 lbs for at least 3 weeks and so I showered sitting down and just let my hair air-dry.
I also walked twice a day and I recommend doing that. It was hot out during my recovery so I walked inside shopping malls a lot.
I really wasn't in any hurry to get back to "normal" (it was kind of nice being taken care of) but I did what I could do, I kept a really positive attitude, slept and ate when I needed to, and got dressed and out of the house everyday.
Normal for me pre-surgery was running 20-30 miles a week and so MY normal didn't come back to me until a year later, but I was certainly feeling pretty good after 3 months and really good after 6 months.
I'll also be thinking of you as your surgery date approaches.
Rachel
They had me walking up stairs in the hospital before I left so that I could do that at home as well. I agree with SkiGirl - practice NOT using your arms to get in and out of bed! I personally did not lift my arms over my head nor did I lift anything heavier than 5 lbs for at least 3 weeks and so I showered sitting down and just let my hair air-dry.
I also walked twice a day and I recommend doing that. It was hot out during my recovery so I walked inside shopping malls a lot.
I really wasn't in any hurry to get back to "normal" (it was kind of nice being taken care of) but I did what I could do, I kept a really positive attitude, slept and ate when I needed to, and got dressed and out of the house everyday.
Normal for me pre-surgery was running 20-30 miles a week and so MY normal didn't come back to me until a year later, but I was certainly feeling pretty good after 3 months and really good after 6 months.
I'll also be thinking of you as your surgery date approaches.
Rachel
Jkm7
Well-known member
I think the best things recovering Open Heart Patients can do for themselves is keep a positive attitude, get up every morning and shower and dress and walk, walk, walk.
Showering and dressing at the start of each day is so important to mental state IMO
If you behave like a well person, it helps to get you back to being a well person. Act like an ill patient and that is what will drag you down, I think.
I really believe walking according to schedule you will be given by your hospital and being dedicated to walking daily makes a huge difference in recovery. It shocked me how quickly I regained stamina and could increase the time and distance I was able to walk very quickly.
The sooner you can return to your regular activities and chores around your home etc, the better in all respects....... all according to your doctor's instructions, of course.
Showering and dressing at the start of each day is so important to mental state IMO
If you behave like a well person, it helps to get you back to being a well person. Act like an ill patient and that is what will drag you down, I think.
I really believe walking according to schedule you will be given by your hospital and being dedicated to walking daily makes a huge difference in recovery. It shocked me how quickly I regained stamina and could increase the time and distance I was able to walk very quickly.
The sooner you can return to your regular activities and chores around your home etc, the better in all respects....... all according to your doctor's instructions, of course.
THANKS SO MUCH FOR ALL YOUR REPLIES! I am so impressed by how "in shape" so many on this site seem to be. Makes me worried cuz I'm am far from athletic and I have not exercised everyday. Running 20/30 miles a week is awesome and then doesnt surprise me that you recovered so well. I hope my less than active and healthy lifestyle doesnt hinder my recovery. I feel that this surgery was my wake up call and it certainly was for husband whose Xmas present to me was some new balance walking shoes, ugh! lol He plans on walking with me everyday after the surgery. lol I agree about the attitude, my fears are always on the surface and I just keep pulling them back. I just hope I can keep it together the day of surgery.
Jkm7
Well-known member
Many of us describe a 'peace' that comes over us as we approach the doors to the hospital. In the days leading up to my second surgery, in four years, I did not know how I was going to drag myself through those doors and submit to exactly what I knew I was facing. But when we approached the doors, I became very calm and accepting and ready to turn myself over to the professionals who do this surgery day in and day out and have seen it all.
I had done my job. I had submitted to all the testing, chosen and consulted with those doctors who would be treating me, had chosen what kind of valve I wanted...... I was ready to just get it done. MANY here describe having the same experience and mindset. Hopefully, those now facing surgery will also find that calm and peace.
BUT if you feel extremely anxious, speak up. Tell your nurse how nervous you are, tell any doctors you might see prior to surgery and ask for something to calm you. They usually are willing to medicate to help you through.
I had done my job. I had submitted to all the testing, chosen and consulted with those doctors who would be treating me, had chosen what kind of valve I wanted...... I was ready to just get it done. MANY here describe having the same experience and mindset. Hopefully, those now facing surgery will also find that calm and peace.
BUT if you feel extremely anxious, speak up. Tell your nurse how nervous you are, tell any doctors you might see prior to surgery and ask for something to calm you. They usually are willing to medicate to help you through.
Oilman
Well-known member
I will be sending prayers and good thoughts for your up and coming surgery. You are no different than most of us, the wait is the worst. Deep down inside we all know this is something we need to have done, to continue our journey. We also know the professionals that will perform these surgery's do it on a daily basis. I only have been 5 weeks into recovery and so far, so good. I might not be where I would like to be as far as recovery goes, but I'm glad it's still moving forward. As far as what my limitations are, our body tells us when it's too much, I have hit the wall a couple times,with too much physical movement. Learn from it each time too. My upper body is still kind of stiff, mostly from not being functional for awhile and the surgery of course. If I take it pretty easy, I don't have to deal with hardly any pain. The thing that has helped me the most, is just walking every day. Longer each week, seems to be helping me. But everyone is different and the same with their recovery's. I was pretty weak before my surgery also and hadn't done much cardio in the past two years either. I had to stop playing ice hockey in 2010, and the wheels fell off about that time. I have a new motivator to help me get back to a healthy condition, this second chance that those professionals gave me.I owe it to myself and my DW and two young boys that we still have at home. So no rush with recovery, just do your best each day. Good luck and will be watching for your posts when you feel up to it. You are in good hands too.
thanks Oilman, glad to hear your recovery is underway. Good luck to you and continued progress to a full recovery. Family is a great motivator, my husband has been wonderful through all this, it has made us so much closer. And yes, the wait is grueling and yet not sure how to avoid it, would not want to have an emergent situation. Will post when feeling up to it, thanks again for all the support.
Rachel
Well-known member
Hi Katm,
I just wanted to add that I had to stop running after I found out that I had a 5.2cm aortic aneurysm - I stopped running not because someone told me to, but because I started to have severe panic attacks. I would go out for a walk and have to call my husband to come pick me up from wherever I was because I was sure that the whole thing would explode in my chest and I would die suddenly.
I waited 3 months from the time I found out about my condition (BAV and aneurysm) to the time of my surgery. During this time I lived in total fear of an aortic dissection.
I wanted to let you know this because I wasn’t in “top” physical (or mental) condition by any means before my surgery.
I remember being very scared, and I also remember thinking “how in the h--- I’m I going to go into that hospital on the day of my surgery?”
But it really is like everyone here says it is, you go, and then you let go. I was also surprisingly calm that day, there was nothing else I could do it was either that or die.
My point for letting you know about my recovery was to let you know that I’m back to normal now, which happens to mean that I run about 20 miles a week, however, I sincerely hope that bit of information allows you to know that it is totally possible to return back to normal.
Remember, positive attitude now. Continue doing the great job you’re already doing which is thinking about how you will recover, you’re already so far ahead of the game than I was.
Sending you LOTS of positive thoughts your way!
PS - Those new shoes will serve you well very soon - GREAT Christmas present!
Rachel
I just wanted to add that I had to stop running after I found out that I had a 5.2cm aortic aneurysm - I stopped running not because someone told me to, but because I started to have severe panic attacks. I would go out for a walk and have to call my husband to come pick me up from wherever I was because I was sure that the whole thing would explode in my chest and I would die suddenly.
I waited 3 months from the time I found out about my condition (BAV and aneurysm) to the time of my surgery. During this time I lived in total fear of an aortic dissection.
I wanted to let you know this because I wasn’t in “top” physical (or mental) condition by any means before my surgery.
I remember being very scared, and I also remember thinking “how in the h--- I’m I going to go into that hospital on the day of my surgery?”
But it really is like everyone here says it is, you go, and then you let go. I was also surprisingly calm that day, there was nothing else I could do it was either that or die.
My point for letting you know about my recovery was to let you know that I’m back to normal now, which happens to mean that I run about 20 miles a week, however, I sincerely hope that bit of information allows you to know that it is totally possible to return back to normal.
Remember, positive attitude now. Continue doing the great job you’re already doing which is thinking about how you will recover, you’re already so far ahead of the game than I was.
Sending you LOTS of positive thoughts your way!
PS - Those new shoes will serve you well very soon - GREAT Christmas present!
Rachel
Last edited:
RAchel, I can so relate to your pre surgery fears. I had started to walk with my husband and dogs before seeing the surgeon and was doing well but in seeing the surgeon and scheduling my surgery he was mentioning all the reasons to have the surgery and the last one was "sudden death". After that every feeling in my chest that didnt seem normal or my breathlessness at doing some tasks had me thinking I was having a heart attack. My husband was unable to calm my panic attacks and consquently I sat down and havent really done very much since. Luckily, that was in November lol and not a couple of years ago. Comforted to hear about experiences of acceptance day of surgery. Curious if you had your surgery at U of M, noticed your location. I have a sister that lives in Holland. Its a beautiful area. I live up north in Petoskey. The drive home after surgery will be interesting.
Thanks you for all the positive thoughts.
Katm
Thanks you for all the positive thoughts.
Katm
Rachel
Well-known member
Katm,
I didn't go to the U of M, but I thought about it! I also thought about the Cleveland Clinic, but in the end I went to The Lena and Fred Meijer Heart Center (a part of Spectrum Hospital) in Grand Rapids Michigan.
The first time that I met with my surgeon Dr. Hooker I just knew he would be the one to save my life. It was a gut decision and probably not the best way to make a major decision, but I also did know that he was one of the best in the area (unless they all have people to say that) LOL
I also just wanted to jump in and get it done, I didn't feel like waiting around much longer than I had to.
I had an excellent experience with Dr. Hooker and his staff!!! The whole hospital and after care nurses were all excellent as well. I know that if you are going to the U of M, you're also in very good hands!
Don't worry too much about the drive back up to Petoskey, I think you might get some sort of pillow to put between you and the seat belt (mine was a heart pillow) make sure you talk to the staff there before you go and mention that you'll be driving a distance back home afterwards so that they can help you prepare for that trip back and get you comfortable. My relatively short drive from Grand Rapids to Holland afterwards was not bad (more nerve-wracking for my husband I think)!!!
I checked our weather forecast and it looks like most of the state is headed for a short warm-up which is a good thing, I-75 will be nice and clear!
You'll be fine!
Rachel
I didn't go to the U of M, but I thought about it! I also thought about the Cleveland Clinic, but in the end I went to The Lena and Fred Meijer Heart Center (a part of Spectrum Hospital) in Grand Rapids Michigan.
The first time that I met with my surgeon Dr. Hooker I just knew he would be the one to save my life. It was a gut decision and probably not the best way to make a major decision, but I also did know that he was one of the best in the area (unless they all have people to say that) LOL
I also just wanted to jump in and get it done, I didn't feel like waiting around much longer than I had to.
I had an excellent experience with Dr. Hooker and his staff!!! The whole hospital and after care nurses were all excellent as well. I know that if you are going to the U of M, you're also in very good hands!
Don't worry too much about the drive back up to Petoskey, I think you might get some sort of pillow to put between you and the seat belt (mine was a heart pillow) make sure you talk to the staff there before you go and mention that you'll be driving a distance back home afterwards so that they can help you prepare for that trip back and get you comfortable. My relatively short drive from Grand Rapids to Holland afterwards was not bad (more nerve-wracking for my husband I think)!!!
I checked our weather forecast and it looks like most of the state is headed for a short warm-up which is a good thing, I-75 will be nice and clear!
You'll be fine!
Rachel
Jkm7
Well-known member
I would suggest during the conversation with the nurses regarding your comfort for the ride home, you ask if you can fill your pain pill prescription in the hospital before you leave or if they will medicate you as you are leaving.
Also, plan to stop the car about once an hour to get out and walk around a little bit. It will keep you from getting too stiff and is helpful in many physical/mental ways. Just a bit of movement out of the car.
You'll do fine. Loads of people have lengthy rides home and though they are tired when they arrive, they do fine.
Also, plan to stop the car about once an hour to get out and walk around a little bit. It will keep you from getting too stiff and is helpful in many physical/mental ways. Just a bit of movement out of the car.
You'll do fine. Loads of people have lengthy rides home and though they are tired when they arrive, they do fine.
Thanks for the tips for the ride home. Its about 4 hours and my husband is a very slow and calm driver, normally it drives me crazy but will appreciate slow turns and stops. lol Yes, the weather is going to cooperate hopefully but you know what they say about Michigan weather. I will keep everyone updated, especially if I need advice from you veterans in the hospital. Thanks so much
JiFaire
Well-known member
Hey, katm, you probably already know this (and they'll tell you again before you leave!), but make sure the vehicle you're riding in has a seat without airbags for you to sit in... A parking-lot bump and the air bag goes off into your freshly-wired sternum, and your whole day will be messed up.
That means you'll probably be sitting in the back seat. Pretend you're a celebrity and your husband is your chauffeur
That means you'll probably be sitting in the back seat. Pretend you're a celebrity and your husband is your chauffeur
